It's all about the animals in this area of science. Whether large or small, animals have a great impact on our ecosystems and society. The study of animal science helps us understand and manage domestic animals and wildlife. Some areas of animal science include wildlife management, food production, veterinary medicine, conservation biology, and zoology.
Animal science is the study of animals that coexist with humans. Around the world, humans rely on animals for food, fiber, labor, and companionship. Animal scientists help us understand, conserve and manage wildlife and domestic animals.
If you are interested in efficient production of food animals, processing and consumption of high-quality meats and dairy products, use of companion animals for recreation or leisure purposes, or the maintenance of animal health and well-being, then a career in one of the many animal sciences fields may be your key to a rewarding future.
Whether you are interested in pets, wildlife, or livestock, there is an area of animal science for you. Some areas of animal science include wildlife management, food production, veterinary medicine, conservation biology, and zoology.
Education Requirements
Doctoral degree
Average Salary
$93k
Veterinarians provide health care for animals. They diagnose and treat disease and illness, and oftentimes perform surgeries and other procedures on animals. Vets tend to focus on either small or large animals. Small animal vets primarily work with pets and companion animals such as dogs, cats, and birds. As you can guess from the name, large animal vets work with bigger animals, like cows, horses, and sheep. In the U.S., you need a state license to work as a vet. The demand for veterinarian jobs is expected to grow 16%, or much faster than average, in the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree
Average Salary
$54k
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists study the behavior, life cycle, and genetics of animals and wildlife. They may observe animals or collect biological samples to do their research. Many wildlife biologists specialize in a specific area, such as marine biology; Similarly, zoologists specialize in a specific species, such as insects (entomology), birds (orinthology), or reptiles and amphibians (herpetology).
Education Requirements
Bachelor's Degree
Average Salary
$57K
An animal nutritionist is a person who specializes in animal nutrition, which is especially concerned with the dietary needs of animals in captivity: livestock, pets, and animals in wildlife rehabilitation facilities. The science of animal nutrition encompasses principles of chemistry (especially biochemistry), physics, mathematics, ethology (animal behavior). An animal nutritionist in the food industry may also be concerned with economics and food processing.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree
Average Salary
$36K
A Park ranger is a recreation professional who supervises state and national parks and monuments. Their central duty is ensuring visiting patrons follow laws and remain safe. They may serve in very specific capacities, such as security, maintenance and conservation, education and emergency response. Rangers may have degrees in recreation and tourism management or environmental education. However, a solid background in earth science, environmental science, and biology is important for work at many locations.
Education Requirements
Master's degree or doctorate
Average Salary
$60K
Animal Geneticist analyze the genetic makeup of animals in order to discover which genes cause them to behave in certain ways. Geneticist may also study animal health to determine what causes animals to be immune to specific diseases, or fail to thrive in certain environments. To be an animal geneticist, first earn a bachelor's degree with broad training across the sciences. You might earn a degree in animal sciences, biology, biochemistry, poultry science, dairy science, forestry, entomology, or conservation biology.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree
Average Salary
$77K
Ecologists study the relationships between living things and their environment. Ecologists often have to study and explain how human actions affect other living things and their environment. Ecologists can be teachers or research scientists. Degrees sought include conservation biology, zoology, and environmental science.
Education Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent
Average Salary
$39K
Police dog trainers instruct dogs both on general obedience, such as following basic hand signals; and in specific police force skills, such as tracking criminals, searching buildings, and protecting their handler. A K-9 trainer may work as a member of the police force; many police dog trainers are also handlers.
Career salary data provided by: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook handbook and O*NET OnLine.
