Animal sciences is a broad field centered on the study of agriculturally important animals and their products. Graduates in animal sciences have employment opportunities in many areas including agribusiness (feed, pharmaceutical and meat industries; dairy and poultry products; public relations and research), production and management (farming/ranching; managers of livestock and poultry operations; zookeepers; consultants and technical service representatives), governmental agencies (USDA) and educational institutions (extension, teaching and research).

Students seeking admission into graduate and professional schools usually take more courses in the sciences than students in production and management, who select more business-related courses. Students and their faculty advisors select courses that fit the students’ needs, interests and objectives. The most specialization occurs at the graduate level.