The career advantages of a degree in Animal Science

28 Mar 2019

From livestock buyer to artificial insemination technician, a degree in animal science offers ample benefits for those who take it.

Contrary to popular belief, undertaking a degree in animal science at university doesn’t just mean you’ll get to work with adorable farmyard creatures all day – there’s also a lot of theory to practice!

Whether you opt for a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree, both can lead you towards interesting companies and rewarding careers.

As long as you have the patience, the passion and the eye for detail, a course in animal science could be ideal for you.

The career advantages of a degree in animal science

When choosing a university for the study of animal science, it’s always great when there’s a rural or semi-rural campus on offer.

Of course, many universities are confined to towns and cities, but if you get the best of both worlds, your practical experience will surely increase.

For instance, a campus that allows students to work directly with livestock and gain experience with large animals like sheep, pigs and cattle is worth your consideration!

Enjoyed setting turtle traps with @Mrs_MalickRCMMS Animal Science class today. Looking forward to seeing if we got any tomorrow! Utilizing all aspect of our campus @reedycreekms ! pic.twitter.com/pCHjB0bCDn

— Thomas C. Cooper III (@ThomasCooperIII) March 25, 2019

Taking you out of the classroom or the office, a degree in animal science has liberating features.

If you decide to become an animal health consultant, your job may take you to farmyards and wildlife spots across the country. Every day is different and will contain a new challenge that requires critical thinking to solve it.

From animal sanctuaries to rescue centres, visitor attractions with animals on-site or zoos and safari parks, your workplace could be in multiple locations depending on which career you choose.

Even if your career doesn’t end up in one of the sectors below, you’ll have gained the ability to explain complex ideas, to make sound observations, to research, analyse and reflect on top of gaining practical knowledge of report writing, statistical planningand time management.

It’s a multi-functional and future-facing degree, so your skills remain relevant throughout your career.

Career outcomes

Listed below are just a handful of roles you ccould thrive in:

Animal Breeding Programme Manager
Molecular Geneticist
National Parks and Wildlife Services Officer
Reproductive Technologist
Sustainable Agriculturalist
Veterinarian
Animal Health and Quarantine Manager
Animal Nutritionist
Animal Production Manager
Biosecurity Scientist
Biotechnologist
Medical Researcher
Microbiologist
Federal Meat Inspector
Sales and Service Personnel
Government Agency Official
Livestock Buyer
Marketing or Public Relations Director
Quality Control Manager

So, if any of the above sound interesting and could be fields where you could invest your knowledge, apply for an animal science degree now and reap the rewards!

What can I do with an Animal Science major? Becoming a #vet isn’t the only career possibility https://t.co/n9cpaiYGFK pic.twitter.com/BHsde8DHu4

— UC Davis (@ucdavis) October 10, 2017