Getting an Associate Degree in Animal and Livestock Sciences

An Associate Degree in Animal and Livestock Sciences is a solid entry-level degree for students interested in animals, particularly livestock. Students will receive foundational knowledge and practical skills in animal management, behavior and care.

According to the College of the Sequoias, you can obtain jobs with an associate degree in animal and livestock sciences. However, many colleges (for example, the University of Wisconsin at River Falls) state that these jobs require a Bachelor’s Degree. 

• Livestock operator or manager oversees livestock production and care on a farm or ranch. Responsibilities can also include managing farm or ranch hands who milk or graze livestock and caring for and maintaining equipment. The average annual salary is $75,760.
• Pharmaceutical sales - A pharmaceutical sales rep markets and promotes medication to businesses that work with animals. Average annual salary: $63,230.
• Livestock buyer - A person working in livestock procurement assesses, purchases, and resells farm animals. Average salary: $78,273. 

Bachelor’s Degree in Animal and Livestock Sciences

A person with a Bachelor’s Degree in animal and livestock sciences has worked to gain an in-depth knowledge of the animal industry, including farm and ranch animals. Students will learn about animal reproduction, food sales, and farm management.

Jobs you can obtain with a Bachelors in Animal and Livestock Sciences include:

• Breeding Farm Manager—A breeding farm manager selects and breeds animals with characteristics, lineage, genealogy, and offspring in mind. They typically record animal births, heats, and pedigree and have experience in artificial insemination techniques and equipment. Average annual salary: $75,583.
• Veterinary Technician- A vet tech assists a veterinarian with exams or procedures, collecting samples for laboratory study, performing diagnostic tests, and administering medications. Average annual salary: $34,740.
• Research Technician- A person in this position researches animal behavior, biology, health, nutrition, and general welfare. They collect and analyze data, conduct experiments and fieldwork, maintain lab equipment, and assist in creating reports or publications. Average annual salary: $45,843.
• Extension Agent- An individual who works as an extension agent will work with farms and ranchers to improve productivity. They may advise on livestock breeding, diseases, or nutrition. Average annual salary: $86,136.

Master’s Degree in Animal and Livestock Sciences

Students working toward a Master's Degree will engage in programs with a more specific focus: animal health, management, nutrition, physiology, or production. Master’s candidates can get further specialized training, attend professional schools or pursue a doctorate.

Jobs open to those with a Master’s Degree in Animal and Livestock Sciences include: 

• Veterinarian- Livestock vets vaccinate animals, treat them for illness, perform surgeries and consult with farmers or ranchers regarding nutrition, management and overall well being. Average annual salary: $103,260.
• Animal Genetics Specialist- An animal geneticist studies the genes of animals to better understand their behaviors and traits. Average annual salary: $94,262.
• Quality Control Chemist- A person in this role tests pharmaceutical products via chemistry analysis. Average annual salary: $74,851.

Doctorate Degree in Animal and Livestock Sciences

According to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, those who graduate with a doctorate in animal science can pursue advanced career opportunities in academia, research, industry, government, and consulting.

Jobs you can get with a Doctorate Degree in Animal and Livestock Sciences include: 

• Animal Science Instructor– An individual holding a doctorate in animal sciences can teach at animal sciences at the university level. Annual average salary: $76,493.
• Animal nutritionist– A person in this position creates food for animals that meet their dietary requirements. Average annual salary: $78,791.

Select VA-Approved Colleges with Animal and Livestock Sciences Programs

Ready to start your Degree in Animal and Livestock Sciences? Some partner schools have paid for promotional consideration.

University of Arizona—The University of Arizona offers Doctorate, Master’s, and Bachelor’s Degrees in Animal Science. It has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams. The University of Arizona is a MyCAA-approved school and a participant in the Yellow Ribbon program.

University of Idaho—The University of Idaho offers Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees in Animal Science. It has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP exam. The University of Idaho is a Yellow Ribbon school, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and is a MyCAA-approved school.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University- Virginia Tech offers Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Animal Sciences and Dairy Science and has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for CLEP and  DSST exams, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a MyCAA-approved school.

Northwest Missouri State University offers undergraduates a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences. It is approved for tuition assistance, offers GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for the CLEP exam, and offers credit for Military Experience.

*Average annual salaries adapted and calculated from sources including Salary.com and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. For more information, click here.