Majors at the University of Connecticut
Animal Science
U.S. Agriculture is a $1 trillion business, the largest industry in the world! In New England over 20% of our population is employed in agriculture. Animal agriculture is the largest industry within agriculture, employing many Animal Science graduates.
Agricultural sales in Connecticut, represented by Animal Science activities, are in excess of $350 million per year.
More than 22 million people, 20% of America's labor force, are employed in some form of agriculture and Animal Science graduates will be needed in the future when more modern technology is applied throughout animal agriculture. Today there are over 750 biotechnology firms in the U.S., of which 250 are located in the northeast, over 25 in Connecticut. A 13% national shortage of well-trained qualified individuals is predicted. Career potentials equal those of other professions.
A career in Animal Science makes you part of a large and important industry with many opportunities. In addition, you can find great personal reward. Many pursue careers that address such issues as food production, animal welfare and population control.
While pursuing their B.S. degree, Animal Science students work with animals and learn how animals function as explained by the basic sciences of genetics, physiology, nutrition, medicine and behavior. Animal Scientists work with domestic animals and their products of meat, milk, eggs and fiber; as well as the companion animals, such as horses, cats and dogs. Graduates are prepared for national certification as Professional Animal Scientists.
Academic Department
Nature of Work
Sample Job Titles
- Animal Research Technician
- Genetic Manipulation Specialist
- Individual Proprietor
- Cell Culture Specialist
- Animal Care Technician
- Dairy, Meat & Seafood Technical Assistants
- Managers of Stud Farms/Livestock/Poultry Operations
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- Manager of Research Farms & Facilities
- Manager of Ranches/Farms/Feedlots
- Herdsperson/Artificial Insemination/Embryo Transfer
- Laboratory Animal Management
- Livestock Management Services
- Manager for Training/Boarding Facilities
- Livestock Equipment Representative
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Potential Employers
The Pre-Vet/Pre-Grad Animal Science option prepares students to seek post-baccalaureate professional training in graduate programs or colleges of veterinary medicine. After earning M.S., Ph.D. and/or D.V.M. degrees, graduates may consider employment in the following areas:
- College/University Teaching and Research
- Practicing Veterinarian/Research Veterinarian
- Extension/Adult Education Specialist
- Research Scientist, Research Associate, Senior Scientist
- Food Quality Control/Product Development Scientist
- Administrative/Industry/Leadership Positions
- Commercial Research/Product Development
- Consultants - Veterinarians, Nutritionists, Biotechnologist, Management
- Private Development of Animal Products/Service
- Food Inspectors
- Vocational Agricultural/Post-Secondary Educators
- Molecular Biotechnologist
- USDA Research Centers Faculty
Useful Skills
Patience, being organized, ability to work under stress, and good communication skills.
Getting Experience
The Business/Service Animal Science students will benefit greatly from Cooperative Education or professional internships as they work under the direction of an industry leader to gain practical experience, earn money and academic credit all at the same time. Internships may be conducted in any Animal Science based industry or firm either nationally or internationally. Some of these positions also require a M.S. degree. Within the next 10 years, students in this option will have an ever-increasing number of employment opportunities available to them - largely because of commercialization of new ideas in biotechnology. Today there are more than 750 biotechnology companies in the U.S. of which more than 250 are in New England, with approximately 25 in Connecticut. Nationally, a 13% shortage of qualified Animal Science graduates is predicted. These graduates will provide a vital link between the work of the professional scientist and the needs of commercial industries involved in the production, processing, distribution and preparation of animal food products.
Employment Opportunities
Animal agriculture is the largest industry within agriculture, employing many Animal Science graduates. Animal Science can prepare students to seek post-baccalaureate professional training in graduate programs or colleges of veterinary medicine. In addition, animal science graduates can follow a business/service route where they would fulfill the needs of commercial industries including the production, processing, distribution and preparation of animal food products.
Internet Links
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