A degree in animal science prepares you for careers related to domesticated animals (like dogs, cats, sheep, cows and horses). Why should you devote your career to these animals? Let\u2019s start with numbers.<\/p>\n
The American Pet Products Association<\/a> says consumers spent about $152 billion on their pets in 2024 alone. Your degree could lead to careers that involve raising pets, helping them find homes or distributing products that help them lead longer and healthier lives.<\/p>\n Animals also represent a significant part of the nation’s food economy, with billions of dollars tied to their care, management and production. Working as a feedlot manager or rancher could help you join this economic sector.<\/p>\n Beyond basic math, working with domesticated animals could also lead to profound job satisfaction \u2014 and you can start by earning an animal sciences bachelor\u2019s degree online<\/a> through Oregon State University.<\/p>\n \u201cIf students want to learn about all aspects of domestic animals, the animal sciences degree is the right fit,\u201d said Janell Johnson, senior instructor and head academic advisor with the College of Agricultural Sciences<\/a> at Oregon State. \u201cStudents will explore everything from behavior and welfare, nutrition to reproduction, genetics and animal breeding, management, product quality and ethics.\u201d<\/p>\n Everywhere you find domesticated animals, you\u2019ll find jobs. Your career options are as varied as the animals you could work with.<\/p>\n You could put your animal sciences degree to good use on mixed livestock farms. Knowledge of several different types of species and how they interconnect could set you apart from other applicants. Researchers say<\/a> these jobs deliver high satisfaction, as workers appreciate the diversity of tasks and the opportunity to learn. Considering sheep, horses and cattle as your coworkers might appeal to you, too.<\/p>\n A laboratory could also be your home away from home. Grand View Research<\/a> explains that pharmaceutical companies are heavily investing in treatments for illnesses that target pets. For example, in 2021, Zoetis launched a medication to treat osteoarthritis pain in dogs. You could work as a laboratory technician to develop similar solutions or in sales to bring these medications to pets in need.<\/p>\n Your animal science background also makes you a good candidate for jobs with the U.S. Department of Agriculture<\/a>. In positions like these, you\u2019ll help to preserve the safety of the food supply and help farmers identify effective livestock-rearing methods.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s explore the jobs you might choose after graduating with an animal sciences degree.<\/p>\n Oregon State\u2019s animal sciences program will provide you with a background in animal genetics and nutrition \u2014 and that can make you a capable farmer, rancher or livestock manager. The Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a> explains that 63% of livestock and dairy managers are self-employed, meaning you have plenty of control over the size and distribution of your herd.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t want to run your own farm, you could work for someone else as a livestock manager or director. This work involves pulling together a team, supervising their work and ensuring the animals are healthy and productive. The BLS<\/a> explains that about 116,000 job openings for agricultural workers appear each year, primarily due to people who are retiring or otherwise leaving the labor force.<\/p>\n Oregon State\u2019s animal sciences degree supplements online coursework with immersive virtual experiences, so you can deepen your understanding of this type of work.<\/p>\n \u201cStudents will virtually visit our OSU Dairy Center, OSU Sheep Center, OSU Clark Meat Science Center and the OSU Horse Center. These virtual tours will give students the opportunity to learn about management strategies at these facilities and the research happening there,\u201d said Johnson.<\/p>\n In 2024, 45.5% of American households had dogs and 32.1% had cats, per American Veterinary Medical Association <\/a>data. Your animal sciences degree makes you a great candidate for animal caretaker jobs in places like shelters. Your knowledge of animal behavior could prepare dogs and cats for new homes, while your skills in nutrition could ensure they\u2019re well fed while they wait for their forever families.<\/p>\n Dogs and cats aren\u2019t the only pets you\u2019ll develop the skills to help. Horses also need safe places to stay when their families aren\u2019t riding them, and the American Horse Council Foundation<\/a> says more than seven million of these magnificent creatures live in the United States. This online animal sciences program can help you find work as an equine boarding stable manager, offering support and care to horses and their people.<\/p>\n While an animal sciences degree could lead to hands-on jobs with furry creatures, your broad base of knowledge could also help you succeed in indirect animal jobs. For example, you could use your knowledge of animal health and genetics in animal health sales representative jobs.<\/p>\n You could also put your degree to work as a pharmaceutical sales representative and visit veterinary clinics to discuss new therapies that could help dogs and cats.<\/p>\n Earning an animal sciences degree online will provide you with detailed knowledge you can use immediately. It can also become a foundation for other programs that deepen your skills.<\/p>\n Oregon State\u2019s animal sciences bachelor\u2019s degree online does not automatically prepare you to enter veterinary school, but many students use it as a starting point.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are specific academic requirements for vet school admission, and they can vary by institution,\u201d Johnson explained. \u201cWhile some of the courses offered can help fulfill some prerequisites, students should discuss their plans with their academic advisor to ensure the courses they need are incorporated.\u201d<\/p>\n When students emerge from veterinary school, they enter a competitive market hungry for their skills. For example, the National Conference of State Legislatures<\/a> explains that the U.S. has lost 90% of its livestock and large animal veterinarians since the end of World War II. Some parts of the country have few or no large animal experts available to help cows and sheep in poor health.<\/p>\n You could also take additional courses in animal behavior to become a certified dog trainer or cat behaviorist. Some graduates build up their scientific skills to take on more advanced research tasks.<\/p>\n If you’d like to work with animals but aren’t set on a career path quite yet, you have options. Compare and contrast four online degrees<\/a> focused on animals available through Oregon State.<\/p>\n You can also strengthen your skills with Oregon State\u2019s extensive suite of online certificates<\/a> and microcredentials<\/a>.<\/p>\n Domesticated animals need you. It\u2019s time to answer the call. Learn more about Oregon State\u2019s animal sciences bachelor\u2019s degree online<\/a> and build a rewarding career that involves domesticated animals. Connect with an Ecampus enrollment services specialist to get started.<\/p>\n <\/span> 4<\/span> minute read<\/span><\/span>Everywhere you find domesticated animals, you’ll find jobs. Your degree in animal sciences can lead to careers on farms, feedlots, labs, sales offices and more. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":90,"featured_media":2879,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[685,1,6,678,672,676],"tags":[704,703,374],"class_list":["post-2878","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-advancing-your-career","category-all","category-ecampus","category-faculty-and-programs","category-learning-experience","category-why-osu","tag-animal-science","tag-animal-sciences","tag-college-of-agricultural-sciences"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/ug-animal-sciences-800x450-1.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7BNSE-Kq","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2557,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/explore-3-online-degrees-focused-on-animal-science-and-conservation\/","url_meta":{"origin":2878,"position":0},"title":"Which online animal science or conservation degree should I choose?","author":"Elena Moffet","date":"November 21, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Oregon State offers several bachelor's programs in conservation and animal sciences that you can earn online. Learn what makes each unique and the different skills you'll gain.","rel":"","context":"In "All Stories"","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"A grey heron stands in shallow water with a captured fish in its beak, reflected on the water\u2019s surface.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/News-CNS-MC-Wildlife-800x450-240529.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/News-CNS-MC-Wildlife-800x450-240529.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/News-CNS-MC-Wildlife-800x450-240529.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/News-CNS-MC-Wildlife-800x450-240529.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1210,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/zoology-online-bachelors-degree\/","url_meta":{"origin":2878,"position":1},"title":"Oregon State brings its zoology expertise online with first-of-its-kind bachelor\u2019s degree","author":"Tyler Hansen","date":"June 17, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Oregon State University has launched the nation\u2019s first\u00a0online bachelor\u2019s degree program in zoology, combining OSU's expertise in the life sciences with its industry-leading work in online education to provide students with a solid foundation in the biological sciences at all levels.","rel":"","context":"In "All Stories"","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Beaver swimming","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Zoology-hero-image-1280x550.jpg?fit=1200%2C516&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Zoology-hero-image-1280x550.jpg?fit=1200%2C516&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Zoology-hero-image-1280x550.jpg?fit=1200%2C516&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Zoology-hero-image-1280x550.jpg?fit=1200%2C516&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Zoology-hero-image-1280x550.jpg?fit=1200%2C516&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2556,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/which-online-environmental-bachelors-degree-should-i-choose\/","url_meta":{"origin":2878,"position":2},"title":"Which environmental degree should I choose?","author":"Elena Moffet","date":"June 17, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Explore what makes each of Oregon State's environmental online bachelor's degrees unique and learn about the skills you'll gain when you enroll in a program online.","rel":"","context":"In "All Stories"","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"an alpine lake with red leafed trees and mountains the background","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/News-CNS-MC-Environment-800x450-240529.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/News-CNS-MC-Environment-800x450-240529.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/News-CNS-MC-Environment-800x450-240529.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/News-CNS-MC-Environment-800x450-240529.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":829,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/erin-mathias\/","url_meta":{"origin":2878,"position":3},"title":"The first in a legacy of many","author":"Julie Cooper","date":"March 29, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"The past does not dictate the possibilities for one\u2019s future. Erin Mathias knows this firsthand. She enrolled online in the Ecampus fisheries and wildlife sciences program to pursue her dream career, becoming the role model she needed when she was younger and serving as inspiration to her siblings and African\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Archives"","block_context":{"text":"Archives","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/archives\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Fisheries and wildlife sciences alumna Erin Mathias is pictured standing to the left of a rhinoceros at the Oregon Zoo. Erin is smiling and resting one hand on the rhino's snout. She wears a gray and orange Oregon State zip-up jacket.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Erin-Rhino-8.jpg?fit=743%2C478&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Erin-Rhino-8.jpg?fit=743%2C478&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Erin-Rhino-8.jpg?fit=743%2C478&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Erin-Rhino-8.jpg?fit=743%2C478&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1005,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/oregon-state-taps-into-big-data-with-new-online-bachelors-in-geography-geospatial-science\/","url_meta":{"origin":2878,"position":4},"title":"Oregon State taps into big data with new online bachelor\u2019s in geography & geospatial science","author":"Tyler Hansen","date":"September 11, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"To meet the demand for geography and geospatial professionals in the national job market, Oregon State University now offers a bachelor\u2019s degree in geography and geospatial science 100 percent online, giving learners everywhere access to highly transferable skills in order to harness the power of \u201cbig data\u201d analysis and geovisualization\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Archives"","block_context":{"text":"Archives","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/archives\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"A map of the United States with different regions marked in green, purple and orchid shades.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/ggs-census-map.jpg?fit=774%2C266&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/ggs-census-map.jpg?fit=774%2C266&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/ggs-census-map.jpg?fit=774%2C266&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/ggs-census-map.jpg?fit=774%2C266&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2533,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/black-excellence-in-stem\/","url_meta":{"origin":2878,"position":5},"title":"Zoology senior showcases Black excellence in STEM","author":"Erica Martin","date":"May 8, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Camrie Smith has spent her life dreaming of working with animals. Now, with the help of her Oregon State degree in zoology and the flexibility of online courses through Ecampus, she's making it happen.","rel":"","context":"In "All Stories"","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Camrie Smith sits with her hands in her lap wearing a white sweater. She is outdoors with a wall of vines behind her. Her natural hair is pulled back and she smiles broadly at the camera.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Camrie-Smith.jpg?fit=1200%2C1074&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Camrie-Smith.jpg?fit=1200%2C1074&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Camrie-Smith.jpg?fit=1200%2C1074&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Camrie-Smith.jpg?fit=1200%2C1074&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Camrie-Smith.jpg?fit=1200%2C1074&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2878","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/90"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2878"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2878\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2879"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2878"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2878"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2878"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Where can you work with a degree in animal science?<\/h2>\n
Work with cows, goats and sheep on farms and in livestock management jobs<\/h2>\n
Work as an animal caretaker in shelters and stables<\/h2>\n
Join the business world with sales and marketing jobs<\/h2>\n
Build on your animal sciences bachelor\u2019s degree<\/h2>\n
Get started on your degree today<\/h2>\n
Request information<\/a><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"