Online Associate Degrees in Animal Science
Animal science degree programs typically require a combination of classroom and hands-on learning, so online programs are not common. Read on to find out more about animal science degrees at the associate's degree level. See what kind of classes you'll take, career options after graduation and whether programs are available online.
<h3 id="section---CanIEarnMyDegreeOnline">Can I Earn my Degree Online?</h3>
<p>Online animal science associate's degree programs are rare. Some 4-year institutions offer 2 + 2 degree programs in cooperation with community colleges. These programs allow the student to earn an associate's degree through a local community college and then earn a bachelor's degree from the university through distance education.
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<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td>Online programs are rare; 2 + 2 online program options are available through some 4-year universities</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Animal biology, animal diseases, breeding, livestock production, animal nutrition</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td>Feed production, livestock equipment sales, animal breeding, meat processing, quality control</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$26,370 <i>(Animal Care and Service Workers)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>22% growth <i>(Animal Care and Service Workers)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
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<h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITakeInAnAnimalScienceAssociateSDegreeProgram">What Courses will I Take in an Animal Science Associate's Degree Program?</h3>
<p>Animal science associate's degree program curricula typically combine life science courses on such subjects as animal nutrition, reproduction and genetics with courses on agricultural business. These programs focus on the production and management of livestock. They are designed to prepare you to either enter the workforce upon graduation or continue your studies at a 4-year institution.
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<p>Your coursework will focus on developing skills that will help you find ways of improving the quantity, quality and processing standards of meat, poultry and eggs for consumers. In addition to some basic education and business courses, you will take classes on the following subjects:
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<ul><li>Animal nutrition
</li><li>Animal biology
</li><li>Breeding
</li><li>Animal diseases
</li><li>Livestock production
</li><li>Chemistry
</li><li>Agricultural economics
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegree">What Can I Do With My Degree?</h3>
<p>Individuals entering the field of livestock production and management may work with livestock on ranches and assist in formulating nutrition and health programs. Graduates can work in meat processing plants as buyer assistants, processing technicians or quality control technicians. In addition, you may be qualified for entry-level positions in related fields, such as feed production, livestock equipment sales or animal breeding. Additional education and graduate degrees may result in career opportunities in management, research and teaching.</p>