If you’ve grown up loving animals, then you might wonder if studying animal science in college is worth your time. Any degree in animal science can be a stepping stone into a good job working with animals or into even more education. While there’s a lot of benefits to a bachelor’s degree, it’s not for everyone. An associate degree in animal science can be just as good. In this article, we’ll walk you through what you get from this degree, and what you don’t.
What Is Animal Science?
Animal science is the study of domestic animals like cattle, poultry, horses, pigs, and all kinds of pets. The field blends biology, nutrition, genetics, and even aspects of business and food production to help agriculture care for their animals.
An associate degree in animal science is typically a two-year program that covers the basics in animal science. This includes anatomy, physiology, nutrition, reproduction, feeding, handling, and production.
What You Get from an Associates
Practical, Hands-On Skills
Many animal science programs emphasize hands-on learning. At BYU-Idaho, for example, students get to work with real animals at the Agriculture Science Center, where they’ll apply classroom concepts to caring for livestock like cows, sheep, and pigs.
The skills you learn during your associates degree prepares you for jobs that involve animals. This can be in shelters, clinics, farms, ranches, or any other agriculture-related business. You’ll get to learn the basic, hands-on stuff and get right to work.
Low Cost and Short Time Commitment
Compared to a four-year bachelor’s degree, an associate degree in animal science takes less money and less time. The tuition for this type of program at most colleges ranges from $3,500 to $8,000 per year, depending on where you go. The time commitment is about two-years if you attend full time, or a little longer if you decide on going part-time.
Because an associate degree is a much lower cost and time commitment, it can get you to work faster. And if you’re not sure if you want to make the big four-year commitment towards a bachelor’s degree, this gives you the chance to see what animal science is all about before jumping into further education.
Entry Path to Multiple Career Options
With an associate degree in animal science, you can qualify for entry-level positions, like a veterinary technician, an animal caretaker, or an agriculture technician.
These positions can get you started in the field, but if you want to continue your education, your associate degree can help you transfer into a bachelor’s degree at another university. You can expand on your animal science knowledge or dive into a brand new field you’re interested in.
What You Need More Education For
Higher Paying Careers
While an associates degree can offer you a modest pay, it’s still not much. Your starting salary typically ranges from $30,000 to $40,000, depending on your area and employer. It can be even less in rural areas or for nonprofit work. If you receive just another two years of school with a bachelor’s degree, you can earn up to $60,000.
Finding Better Work
In some areas, especially urban areas, positions for an associate degree in animal science are rare, so you’ll have to relocate for a job. And working in entry level positions doesn’t offer many chances for advancement without more education. You might be stuck in the job you have, and the work conditions can be tough and not very glamorous. If you see yourself in a different career, or at least a better position, you’ll have to head back to school for a bachelor’s degree.
An Associate Degree Might Be Right for You
If you’re still wondering if an associate degree in animal science is for you, don’t worry! We made a helpful chart:
| You’re a great match for this degree if you: | This degree isn’t the best fit if you: |
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Wrapping Up
An associate degree in animal science can be a smart first step. You get to work with animals, finish school faster, spend less money on your education, and get to work right away. It gives you the real, hands-on experience you need for an entry-level position, and builds a foundation in animal science that you can use for further education.
In short, an associate degree in animal science can be worth it, but only if your goals, expectations, and willingness to work hard match what you get from the degree. If you want to learn more about the degree, check out BYU-Idaho’s animal science associate degree.
Citations:
American Society of Animal Science — What Is Animal Science?
BYU–Idaho Academic Catalog — Animal Science Program
BYU–Idaho — Animal Science Facilities
Research.com — Types of Animal Science Degrees and Their Salaries
My Next Move — Animal Caretakers
My Next Move — Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
CareerOneStop — Agricultural Technicians