Animal sciences

B.S.
Online You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online.*
delivery
$384 Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.†
per credit
4
start terms/year

From the delicate paws of a tiny chihuahua to the broad hooves of a towering Clydesdale, the world of domestic animals is as vast as it is varied. So are the careers you can pursue when you earn your animal sciences bachelor’s degree online from Oregon State University. You’ll study the biology, behavior and management of domesticated animals and prepare for meaningful roles in agribusiness, animal care management, farming and more.

Oregon State’s prowess in agricultural teaching shines bright in this animal science degree program. Your coursework will concentrate on the practical aspects of animal science in species like cattle, horses, sheep, dogs and cats. And you’ll graduate ready to make a difference for animals and the people who depend on them.

Skills you’ll gain in OSU’s online animal sciences degree program

As a student in Oregon State’s online bachelor’s in animal science program, you’ll gain the in-demand skills you need to stand out in the job market and level up your career. You’ll learn from expert Oregon State faculty who have real-world industry experience. 

  • Animal nutrition
  • Reproductive physiology
  • Animal genetics
  • Livestock production
  • Companion animal care
  • Animal behavior analysis
  • Animal products quality assurance
Smiling woman bends down in a barn, gently feeding a sheep as part of her role in caring for livestock
Best Online Bachelor's Programs 2025 - U.S. News & World Report

Program details

This animal sciences degree program focuses on domesticated species and their intersection with human society. Courses emphasize both scientific rigor and industry application, including welfare auditing and public policy. The curriculum is carefully sequenced to help you build knowledge over time, culminating in upper-division work that prepares you for real-world applications. The program offers the flexibility of online learning while creatively replicating hands-on experiences through virtual field trips and industry video demonstrations.   

The online animal sciences program is offered by Oregon State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

Degree requirements

A minimum of 180 quarter credits — at least 36 of which must be upper-division credits — is required to graduate with your degree in animal sciences, including:

Dog sits on hind legs with a man kneeling in front, holding its paws during a training session

Additional program features

You can apply up to 3 elective credits from an internship to your degree if you complete that project independently. Your academic advisor can share more details when you enroll in the program and design your degree plan.

While this degree can prepare you for a rewarding career with animals, it’s not intended as a direct pipeline to veterinary school. Students interested in becoming veterinarians will need to complete additional prerequisite courses.

Some degree requirements may be transferred from other institutions. Please note that a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 credits in this degree program must be completed at Oregon State (online or on campus) to meet the academic residency requirement.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admittance to OSU for appropriate articulation. Additional information about transferring credits is available through OSU’s Transfer Credit Central.

Apply to earn an honors degree online alongside your academic major. In this program, you’ll collaborate on research projects with faculty, complete a thesis and engage in co-curricular activities.

You can gain highly specialized skills that are in demand by employers — and do it with less of a time and financial commitment — when you earn a certificate or microcredential online from Oregon State. Choose from a large collection of short-form offerings that can help you upskill quickly.

Careers related to animal sciences

The knowledge you acquire in Oregon State’s online animal sciences degree program is designed for careers as varied as animal shelter manager, livestock production manager and research laboratory technician. You’ll graduate ready to showcase your abilities in careers involving domesticated animals in practical, professional settings. 

Job market outlook

Use the interactive tool on this page to discover employment trends, top occupations and salary details for professionals who have skills related to animal sciences. Please be aware that completing a program related to the job market information shown here does not guarantee employment or a specific salary.