Animal Sciences
Careers and Training

If you want to work with animals and benefit your community, then you may want to consider a rewarding career in one of the many disciplines offered in the animal sciences. The challenge to meet the future projections of energy shortages, population growth, urbanization, and environmental conservation necessitates a continuing and increased need for highly trained professionals in animal sciences.

Animal science is the application of experimental investigation, technology, and other scientific principles for the advancement of efficient and environmentally friendly production of animal agriculture. Training in the animal sciences is highly recommended if you are considering working in agriculture as a researcher, extension personnel, a producer, a teacher, or if you are interested in any of the many career options in agribusiness. Students also receive training in both basic and agricultural sciences. A major in animal sciences offers a path to a highly rewarding and challenging vocation.

Here are some of the attractive and rewarding careers in the animal sciences that await you :

Animal Care and Welfare

You will receive training pertaining to the current issues of animal welfare as they relate to production and husbandry. Employment opportunities exist with humane societies, animal shelters, and allied veterinary groups.

Animal Health

You will learn about the disease problems of livestock, poultry, and companion animals and their economic significance, causes, public health implications, and control. Employment opportunities exist in areas such as veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, and in various pharmaceutical industries.

Animal Production and Management

You will learn the principles, theories, and practices involved in the production of beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry, sheep, goats, horses, and aquatic animals.

Business

You will receive a background in economics and agricultural practices that are useful for agricultural loans, commodity trading, and agribusiness.

Extension

Many animal science graduates work for State and Federal Cooperative Extension Services.

Engineering

Animal agriculturalists assist in the development of animal housing designs, equipment manufacturing, and waste management systems.

Environmental Control

You will learn about the impact that animal industries have on waste management, energy production, nutrient application, and recycling.

Genetics and Animal Breeding

You will learn the principles of genetics and how they apply to livestock, poultry, companion animals, aquatic, and laboratory research animals. Biotechnology techniques and the potential developments in this area are also covered. Understanding the principles of genetics is required for working in the areas of gene manipulation, embryo transfer, artificial insemination, and breeding stock supply.

Government

You will qualify for many state, federal, and municipal positions such as those of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Plant and Animal Quarantine Stations.

Meat Science

You will study the development, growth, function, and carcass evaluation of muscle tissue. Many career opportunities exist in this area such as meat processing and inspection, quality control, sales, and marketing.

Nutrition

You will study the application of the principles of nutrition to the feeding of farm animals, composition and nutritional value of feedstuffs, and the nutritional requirements of beef and dairy cattle, horses, poultry, and swine. Training in nutrition is essential for employment in feed manufacturing and supplies, feed/forage utilization, and sales.

Scientific Research and Investigation

You will learn skills in the basic and applied sciences that will enable you to pursue most career options requiring a science-based degree.

Teaching

Animal science graduates work as instructors and administrators in schools, 4-H organizations, and Future Farmers of America.

UH Manoa Career Services