What Are Some Nationally Ranked Animal Science Agricultural Schools?
Find out what you should look for when choosing a school with a strong animal science program. Read about three top-ranked schools with agricultural and animal science programs, and explore the degree options that each school offers.
What Should I Seek in a Top Animal Science Agricultural School?
Animal scientists apply aspects of biology and physical science to better understand and solve problems in the production and care of livestock and other animals. When you're selecting a school to gain an animal science education, you should ensure that the college offers facilities with ample resources for research - including both on-campus labs and off-site work experiences. Land-grant universities often have strong agricultural programs. You may want to seek schools with a wide array of topic areas, ranging from breeding to disease control - as well as a variety of animal subjects, like goats, sheep and swine. Another option is to find a school that focuses on and has received accolades for a program specific to your interests.
What Are Three of the Highest-Ranked Animal Science Agricultural Schools?
North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC
A top ten school in biological/agricultural engineering at both the undergraduate and graduate level according to the U.S. News & World Report for 2019, North Carolina State is at the forefront of agricultural and animal science research and education nationally. Through studies in topics such as animal well-being, biotechnology, nutrition, and genomics, you can gain a thorough understanding of perspectives and trends within the field. Organizations on campus include the Agri-Life Council, the Animal Science Club, and the Poultry Science Club. Degrees offered include:
- A.A.S. in Livestock Management
- B.S. in Animal Science, Veterinary Bioscience, or Animal Industry
- Master of Animal Science
- M.S. in Animal Nutrition, Genomics, Physiology, Animal Well-being, Production Management, or Biotechnology
- Ph.D. in Animal and Poultry Science
Purdue Global in West Lafayette, IN
Ranked No. 1 nationally for its biological/agricultural engineering programs by U.S. News & World Report for 2019, Purdue Global is often regarded as the leader in the research and study of animal science as it relates to agriculture. With a wide range of available research emphases and research institutes, like the USDA-ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit and the Center for Animal Welfare Science, you have access to ample resources while investigating topics of interest in the field. Degree programs include:
- B.S. in Animal Sciences in Animal Agribusiness, Behavior/Well-being, Biosciences, Pre-veterinary Medicine, Production, or Products
- M.S. in Animal Sciences in Animal Behavior and Welfare, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Management, Meat Science and Food Safety, Neuroscience, Nutrition, or Physiology
- Ph.D. in Animal Sciences in Animal Behavior and Welfare, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Management, Meat Science and Food Safety, Neuroscience, Nutrition, or Physiology
Texas A&M University in College Station, TX
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at this land-grant university served more than 7,800 students annually as of 2017. It offers undergraduates and graduate programs in areas such as animal nutrition, dairy science and reproductive physiology. U.S. News & World Report ranked its undergraduate and graduate agricultural engineering programs as No. 2 in the nation in 2019. Through the Department of Animal Science, you can complete programs such as:
- B.S. in Animal Science
- B.S. Animal Production/Industry
- M.S. in Animal Science
- Master of Agriculture in Meat Industry
- Ph.D. in Animal Science
10 More Colleges with Animal Science Programs
| College/University | Institution Type | Location | Estimated Graduate In-State Tuition* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rutgers University | 4-year, Public | New Brunswick, NJ | $19,000 |
| Oregon State University | 4-year, Public | Corvallis, OR | $14,000 |
| Washington State University | 4-year, Public | Pullman, WA | $13,000 |
| University of California | 4-year, Public | Davis, CA | $13,500 |
| University of Minnesota | 4-year, Public | Minneapolis, MN | $18,500 |
| University of Florida | 4-year, Public | Gainesville, FL | $12,000 |
| University of Kentucky | 4-year, Public | Lexington, KY | $13,000 |
| University of Maryland | 4-year, Public | College Park, MD | $14,500 |
| Ohio State University | 4-year, Public | Columbus, OH | $12,000 |
| Brigham Young University | 4-year, Private | Rexburg, ID | N/A |
*Source: NCES, U.S. Department of Education