Animal Science

Animal Science at Andrews University prepares you to work with animals through a unique blend of science, hands-on experience, and purpose-driven education.
Whether your goal is veterinary school or a career in animal care, management, or welfare, you’ll build both academic knowledge and real-world skills from your first semester.

Through small classes, intensive labs, and hands-on animal care at our Agriculture Education Center, you won’t just study about animals—you’ll work with them.

Our program is designed to help you graduate with experience, confidence, and a clear path into veterinary medicine or a wide range of animal-related careers.

Agriculture Education Center

Gain daily, real-world experience with animals on campus.

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Animal Care Rotations

Work directly with livestock through structured care teams.

Lab-Based Learning

Apply concepts in anatomy, nutrition, and health through hands-on labs.

Internships & Field Experience

Build professional experience with clinics, farms, and animal care facilities.

What You'll Study

Your coursework combines animal science, biology, chemistry and hands-on agricultural animal care experience—giving you both the scientific foundation and practical skills to work confidently with animals.

Core Animal Science

Build a deep understanding of how animals grow, function, and are cared for.

Leadership & Management

Develop the skills to lead, manage, and make informed decisions.

Hands-On & Real-World Experience

Apply what you learn through direct experience.

Science Foundation

Strengthen your background in the sciences that support animal health and performance.

Pre-Veterinary Preparation (Optional)

If you’re planning for veterinary school, you can add:

Additional coursework in chemistry, biology, and physics to meet veterinary school requirements

View Full Program Requirements

Career Pathways

While many students pursue admission to veterinary school, an Animal Science degree opens the door to a wide range of careers from working in animal health and nutrition to welfare, management, business, and research, there are many paths to explore.

Check out the chart below for some of the careers you could choose and what credentials are needed!

Career Opportunities

BS Animal Science — pathways by education level

	Livestock, Poultry & Dairy Industries	Horse Industries	Governmental & Regulatory	Non-Governmental (NGO)	Science & Academic Research	Exotic & Wild Animals	Companion Animals	Veterinary Medicine
BS Animal Science + Education + Experience	Dairy herdsperson Cattle feeder Sheep or goat farm manager Rare breeds conservator Owner/manager of livestock & poultry supply company Poultry breeding farm & hatchery manager	Horse barn manager Horse recreational outfitter/packer Horse trainer Equine therapeutic horse program coordinator/director Owner/manager of equine supply business	Animal control officer Humane society animal rescuer & welfare inspector Food animal products inspector UN's FAO animal management advisor	ADRA, Peace Corps, Heifer International, World Vision animal management advisor/educator (foreign language proficiency important)	Field, farm, and lab assistant for scientists Cattle genetics company lab technician & barn assistant	Aquarist Nature center educator Wildlife rescuer Wildlife rehabilitation Zoo keeper Zoo educator	Owner/manager of pet supply company or pet daycare business Using companion animals in therapy for humans	Veterinary assistant Veterinary office manager
BS Animal Science + Certification	A.I. technician Dairy co-op milk technician Bovine hoof health specialist	Equine dentist Farrier Equine sports massage therapist Equine therapeutic riding instructor Riding instructor	USDA animal health inspector Livestock welfare auditor	Grant writer for non-profit relief organization Communication specialist for animal-based charity United Nations animal agriculture project manager	Dairy co-op lab technician (milk testing, milk culturing) Animal Science lab technician & research associate	Zoo habitat designer Exotic animal behavioral enrichment specialist Wildlife rehabilitator	Trainer of aide animals for the visually/hearing/mobility impaired Trainer of drug and bomb detection animals Trainer for police and military dogs	Veterinary technician Animal laboratory technician Pet nutritionist
BS Animal Science + Graduate Degree	Cattle reproductive specialist/embryo transfer Dairy cattle nutritionist Lactation specialist Dairy specialist veterinarian Pasture/grazing management specialist	Equine nutritionist Equine-specialist veterinarian (lameness, reproduction) Equine chiropractor	County extension agent USDA animal & plant inspection administrator USDA veterinarian	Project manager for various NGO projects (includes project development, oversight, reporting, financial & human resources management)	Animal geneticist Animal Scientist / professor Range & wildlife specialist Parasitologist Toxicologist Wildlife biologist Zoologist	Wildlife conservation officer Exotic animal reproduction specialist Exotic animal veterinarian Zoo animal nutritionist	Companion animal veterinarian Small animal chiropractor	Veterinarian (wide range of practice types & specialties) Pet bereavement counselor

Adapted from original Animal Science Career Opportunities chart.

Explore printable chart

More Careers

At Andrews, our Animal Science program has hands-on learning built into your weekly experience. You’ll graduate not just with knowledge, but with real experience and confidence in animal care.

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Stay connected with student life, plants, animals, research, and campus happenings.