B.S. 

- $25,000 to $40,000

M.S. 

- $35,000 to $50,000

Ph.D.

- $ 60,000 and up

Production

• Ranch and farm management

• Unit managers (cattle, swine, sheep, horses)

Livestock and Meat Marketing

• Live animal and meat marketing
  

• State and federal market news reporters

• Livestock sale/auction management

• Federal meat graders

• Federal and state meat inspectors

• Meat buyers and managers for food chains

Meat Processing

• Commercial slaughter and processing

• Quality control supervisors

• Production managers

• Equipment and ingredient sales and service 

• New product development

Public Relations and Promotion

• Breed associations

• Breeding services

• Commodity groups

• Livestock publications

• Private consultants

Agricultural Finance

• Farm Credit Service

• Commercial banks

• Agricultural insurance

Agribusiness

• Feed

• Pharmaceutical and animal health

• Livestock supply distributors

• Semen sales and A.I. service

• Feedmill management

• Feed, supply retail store sales and management

• Field service technicians

Government Agencies

• United States Department of Agriculture

• State Department of Agriculture

• Cooperative Extension

Research / Lab Technician

Pre-Professional

• Veterinarian

• Medical Doctor

• Researcher or teacher

There are many advanced opportunities for students who continue their education. For instance, a student attaining a Ph. D. with emphasis on swine nutrition will have a choice of careers in University research and teaching, developing new products in private industry, or working as a nutritionist for a large integrated swine corporation. 

Pre-veterinary medicine is one of the most popular majors among Animal Science students. Gaining admission to a veterinary school after 4 years of college preparation requires high academic performance with a solid background in science. The personal rewards of this profession attracts top students nationwide.

For students not quite ready for the challenges of a Ph.D. program, the Master’s degree gives them a competitive edge in the modern job market. Technology requires people who can read research, interpret data and convey this information to others. Most companies place high value on the added expertise and maturity gained during the graduate program leading to the M.S. degree.

Skills needed for Success

• Media and public relations

• Written and oral communications

• Experience with animals and people

• Basic science education

• Oral and written communications

• Management skills

• Ability to apply basic science