by our College Data Analytics TeamIn 2020-2021, animal sciences, general was the 106th most popular major nationwide with 7,647 degrees awarded. This is a difference of 273 over the prior year, a growth of 3.6%.
Our 2023 Best Animal Sciences, General Schools ranking analyzes 77 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for animal sciences, general students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of animal science programs later in this article.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems has been highlighted as one of the most essential skills for careers related to animal science. Required skills include talking to others to convey information effectively and considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most animal science degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. In addition to these basic animal sciences, general program qualifications, to serve in some animal science careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
There are many different animal science degree levels. You can spend many years getting as high as a in animal sciences, general to something that takes less time like a . The type of animal science degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A doctor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to animal science, with approximately 26.8% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for animal science workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Degree | 28.3% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 18.5% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 14.2% |
| High School Diploma | 12.2% |
| Master’s Degree | 10.8% |
Most workers in animal science have at least a bachelor's degree. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in animal sciences, general have obtained.
The education level required is different depending on the animal science career you are seeking.
Want a job when you graduate with your animal science degree?
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to animal sciences, general.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Farmers, Ranchers, and Agricultural Managers | 1,020,700 | -0.8% |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Worker Supervisors | 49,700 | 2.1% |
| Agricultural Sciences Professors | 13,600 | 7.9% |
| Animal Scientists | 6,400 | 4.9% |
As you might expect, salaries for animal science graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for animal sciences, general graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers animal science grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Sciences Professors | $90,890 |
| Farmers, Ranchers, and Agricultural Managers | $79,940 |
| Animal Scientists | $67,690 |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Worker Supervisors | $50,790 |
With over 261 different animal science degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased animal science school rankings to help you with this.
Animal Sciences, General is one of 7 different types of Animal Science programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Dairy Science | 216 |
| Poultry Science | 214 |
| Animal Sciences, Other | 153 |
| Livestock Management | 30 |
| Animal Health | 21 |
Image Credit: By Billy Hathorn under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
