Animal Science

The Animal Science program curriculum prepares students for rewarding careers in management of production and processing operations.

Students have the opportunity to study animal breeding and genetics, nutrition, physiology, growth, behavior, and management. Specialized careers within Animal Science include animal care, breeding, nutrition, marketing, promotions and research.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics overall employment of agricultural and food science technicians is projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 4,900 openings for agricultural and food science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow as research into agricultural production methods and techniques continues. Challenges such as population growth, increased demand for water resources, management of pests and pathogens, changes in climate and weather patterns, and additional demand for agriculture products, such as biofuels, will drive higher demand for research in agricultural efficiency and sustainability.

Animal scientists will be also be in demand to meet increasing need to investigate and improve diets, living conditions, and even genetic makeup of livestock. Food scientists and technologists are needed to improve food-processing techniques to ensure that products are safe to consume, waste is limited, and food is shipped efficiently and safely. Soil and plant scientists will be necessary understand and map soil composition to improve crop yields and maximize utilization. They are needed to investigate ways to improve soils, find uses for byproducts, and selectively breed crops to resist pests and disease, or even improve taste.

Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for agricultural technicians was $40,430 in May 2021. The median annual wage for food science technicians was $46,590 in May 2021.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for agricultural and food scientists was $74,160 in May 2021.

Accreditation / Affiliations

Agriculture Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Produce a written document that clearly explains an agricultural concept.
Analyze information and use critical thinking to solve an agricultural problem.
Explain how agriculture relates to global, social, and cultural concepts.
Develop skills useful in the agriculture industry or transfer to an agricultural degree.
Apply scientific information and the scientific method to explain agricultural concepts.

Student Profile

Angel Rangel Cortes

I remind myself of what my parents endured to get where they are today. They were able to achieve the American Dream, and they have taught me to go above and beyond!

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Program Requirements / Classes

Animal Science	AS
Animal Science Concentration	AGS

Degree Descriptions

Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) and Associate of Science Degree (A.S.)

The AA and the AS degrees are traditional 2-year degrees specifically designed to transfer to 4-year institutions for the purpose of completing a BA or a BS. They are often referred to as university parallel degrees. The general education requirements are what actually permit the degrees to be called Associates or Arts or Science. The difference between the AS and AA is minimal, with the AA permitting math courses and a science course that are not recognized under the AS degree. Read Colorado's Guaranteed Transfer Policy here.

Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.)

The AGS degree is, at times, articulated to transfer to certain 4-year institutions and programs. There is more room for flexibility in this degree. Generally, if a student decides to transfer to a 4-year school to pursue a BA or BS after earning the AGS, they may be short some of the general education requirements.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

The Associate of Applied Science degree is rarely pursued by a student who intends to transfer to a 4-year school. It is primarily a degree that prepares a student to go directly into the workforce. It is typically a specific technical career that the student who seeks the AAS is seeking. Again, the general education requirements are less rigid with the AAS degree.

Certificate Programs

Certificates are 1-year technical programs that require no general education courses. Auto Tech, Agri-business, and Cosmetology are Certificate programs. English, math, science, etc. are not required to complete a certificate, although some students choose to take preparatory classes that might help them succeed in the program.