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First, some facts. Of the Animal Science graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 93 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 60%, Animal Science graduates have a lower likelihood (-7%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 48% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Animal Science graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 59% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2013 from West Texas A&M University with a Bachelor in Animal Science. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAssistant Horse Judging Coach Texas Tech University Jan 2013 - Dec 2014 Owner  [NAME REMOVED] Finck Photography Apr 2015 - Apr 2017 Canadian County 4-H Educator Oklahoma State University Extension Mar 2015 - Jul 2017 Bank Teller  BancFirst Jul 2017 - Mar 2018 Loan Processor BancFirst Apr 2018 - Aug 2019 Teacher El Reno High School Aug 2019 - Mar 2020 Administrative Assistant Bookkeeper Fulton Industrial Services Jul 2020 - Dec 2020 Trustee Johanna Bollinger Living Trust Jul 2019 - Present Owner [NAME REMOVED] Bollinger Photography Apr 2017 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMasters of ScienceTexas Tech University 2013 - 2014 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After analyzing the career paths of individuals with degrees in Animal Science, it becomes clear that they have pursued various types of jobs, some of which are closely related to their studies while others appear to be largely unrelated. The most common categories of jobs include roles in veterinary assistance and care, research and technical support related to animal health, education, and sales/marketing within the animal domain. It’s interesting to see how these graduates utilize their degrees, and the varying levels of direct relevance to animal science in their jobs.
Many graduates have found employment in veterinary-related positions, such as Veterinary Assistants and Animal Care Technicians. These roles are highly relevant to their studies, as they require specialized knowledge about animal behavior, care, and health that directly corresponds with what they learned in their degree programs. Research positions, including roles as Graduate Research Assistants and Research Technicians, also prominently feature, indicating that many animal science graduates are engaging in work that capitalizes on their academic training in practical, applied research settings related to animal health and husbandry. This suggests that those who pursue advanced degrees or research roles are able to apply their specialized knowledge effectively.
On the flip side, many jobs listed are less relevant to the core principles learned in animal science. Numerous individuals have entered fields such as customer services, sales, and administrative roles which do not require in-depth animal science expertise. Positions such as retail, event planning, and administrative assistance highlight a trend where graduates are using their degrees as a stepping stone into various sectors rather than strictly staying within animal science-related careers. This raises the question of whether the degree adequately prepares students for specific job markets or if it simply opens general pathways into a range of careers.
In summary, while many paths taken by animal science graduates are relevant and closely tied to their studies—especially in veterinary care and research—there exists a significant number that veer away from the principles and applied knowledge of animal science. This diversification into other job markets demonstrates the broad applicability of their skills but also points to a potential disconnect between education and career placement in fields directly related to their expertise. Ultimately, understanding this trend is essential for both current students contemplating their futures in animal science and educational institutions aiming to bridge this gap effectively.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Animal Science graduates:
When we take a look at the career trajectories of Animal Science graduates, we see a pretty mixed bag. For many, the first job after graduation seems to typically lean toward hands-on roles in veterinary care or animal management, such as interns, assistants, or research technicians. This initial experience provides a solid foundation and relevant exposure to the field right off the bat. For instance, graduates like those from Iowa State University often start with internships at consulting farms or as research assistants. It’s a great way to get involved in real-world applications of their studies right after college, which is pretty essential for those looking to carve a career in animal science-related fields.
Now, if we fast forward about five to ten years, the paths look increasingly varied, with some individuals really taking off in their careers while others seem to drift into unrelated fields. For instance, take graduates from schools like Texas A&M and Michigan State. A significant number of their alumni eventually secure managerial roles in companies related to pet nutrition and veterinary services, showing a promising progression where their degrees directly connect to their jobs. On the flip side, we also see some graduates in unrelated careers, such as retail management or administrative roles. For instance, the grad from Michigan State who has remained a floor associate at a department store definitely indicates a less direct connection to Animal Science than many others might have hoped. This discrepancy speaks volumes about how varied the outcomes can be, often depending on individual initiative and willingness to pursue opportunities in their chosen field.
In general, while there are definitely successful career paths for graduates of Animal Science programs – especially in research, veterinary practice, and animal nutrition – there is also a notable number who venture into roles that don’t directly relate to their degree. So, while some go on to achieve fulfilling jobs that contribute to animal welfare and science, others may find themselves working significantly outside their field of study. It’s a classic case of how your degree can open doors, but how you choose to walk through them might lead you down very different roads. It’s essential for students to stay proactive and focused if they really want to build a career that connects back to Animal Science.
A Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science can be pretty challenging, but it also depends on your interests and strengths. If you're super into animals and their biology, you might find the coursework more engaging than other majors. You'll have to tackle subjects like animal nutrition, genetics, and physiology, which can get complex. There are also hands-on labs and maybe even some fieldwork, so be prepared for both the book learning and the practical stuff. It’s definitely not the easiest major out there, but if you’re passionate about animals, it’ll be a rewarding experience that feels totally worth it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Animal Science.
Looking at these Animal Science graduates and their job histories, it seems like there's quite a mix when it comes to their income potential. For someone like the graduate from Texas A&M in 2017, jumping from Territory Manager to Retail Activation Manager to a Sales Training Manager at Hill's Pet Nutrition suggests they’ve been on a solid upward trajectory, likely earning a decent salary. On the other hand, if you check out folks like the University of Arkansas graduate from 2010 who worked as a Manager at Judicious Spirits and then faded into earlier roles without any significant jumps, it seems their earning potential has probably leveled off compared to more recent grads who are moving into higher-paying roles in specialized areas.
It’s clear some are making good money, especially those with titles like Account Manager or in sales positions where commissions can pad their income. Meanwhile, many others seem to be in roles that might not pay as well, like veterinarians starting out or research assistants, who are often paid less in the early stages of their career. Overall, it looks like success varies widely depending on the specific career paths they took post-graduation. It really highlights that not all Animal Science jobs are created equal when it comes to salary!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Animal Science. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Animal Science (ordered by the average relevance score of their Animal Science graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Michigan State University
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62 | 10 |