Careers related to Animal Science are diverse. Some involve direct care of animals such as zookeeper, trainer, rancher, and veterinarian. Others support and contribute to the wellbeing of animals through research, health care, laboratory work, epidemiology, fundraising for non-profits or sales of nutritional products. Some careers focus on domesticated and companion animals such as dairy manager and dog therapy training. Other jobs work with or for animals in nature by creating or applying environmental policies, habitat restoration or managing fish hatcheries. Additional careers exist in public health and international development. Explore your options and know your own unique interests, skills, and values.
Some possible job titles include:
- Animal Behaviorist/Trainer
- Veterinarian
- Veterinary Technician
- Researcher
- Research Colony Manager
- Pathologist
- Shelter Manager
- Animal Nutrition Sales Associate
- Animal Rehabilitation Specialist; Ranch Manager
- Herd Manager
- Wildlife Officer
- Fisheries Biologist
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator
- Pet Store Manager; Marketing Specialist
- Zoo Education Specialist; Science Teacher; Public Health Officer
- International Aid Worker
Areas of Interest
The Occupational Outlook Handbook provides detailed information about career options in agricultural and animal research, marketing and management or in healthcare and veterinary medicine.
Related fields
If you are interested in careers relating to animal science, you might also look at careers in: agriculture, business and management, biological science, ecology and environment, health and medicine, government, international and nonprofit..
Major Information
To find out where fellow Aggies interned and found employment by major, use the ICC data pages.
Campus Organizations
Student organizations are a great place to connect with others exploring similar career interests. Use the keyword search in the Center for Student Involvement’s OrgSync database to find student organizations that relate to your interests.
Master’s and Ph.D. students, and postdoctoral scholars can participate in and take on leadership roles in campus organizations such as the Graduate Student Association, Chancellor’s Graduate and Professional Student Advisory Board and the Postdoctoral Scholar’s Association.
Professional Associations
Joining professional associations related to the industry you are interested in provides access to professionals in the field, and networking opportunities which can lead to potential jobs and internships. Many national associations have state and local chapters you can join. Involvement in associations can also provide you insider updates on industry trends and best practices. One of the best ways to identify relevant associations is to search for them online, but we have provided some resources below to get you started. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list.
- AG Careers / Job Board for Agriculture, Food, and Biotechnology
- American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
- American Human Society
- American Zoo Association
- Association of American Veterinary Medicine Colleges
- World Wildlife Society
Visit the ICC and Meet with an Advisor
For further guidance narrowing down your career interests, you can schedule an advising appointment. Our advising page has a list of all ICC advisors or you can review the list of undergraduate advisors below: