Online Animal Science Colleges and Schools: How to Choose

Fully online animal science programs are extremely rare. However, there are a number of animal science programs that offer some courses online. Animal nutrition, the livestock industry and genetics are among the topics that can be explored via online schooling.

Choosing an Online Animal Science College or School

Awards and Programs

Animal science requires hands-on learning and practice so only rarely are studies available completely online. More often, program labs and field work are supplemented by online courses. Students can earn undergraduate or graduate certificates, as well as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in animal science. Sometimes, online courses can be taken individually, such as nutrition for zoo animals or the relationship between behavior and nutrition in companion animals.

Career Options

With an education in animal science, career options are many. Graduates may seek employment in the livestock industry, in food production and preparation, for government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture or Cooperative Extension Services, or in the pharmaceutical industry. Within this broad context, animal scientists can pursue jobs as different as farm manager, reporter or research technician. Some students choose to continue on to veterinary school.

Online Animal Science Courses and Programs

Online Certificate in Animal Nutrition

An undergraduate certificate program in animal nutrition educates students about the nutritional needs of companion animals, livestock and horses, as well as the nutrition animals provide to humans. Topics could include animal nutrition principles, lactation and milk nutrition, formulation of animal feeds, management of feed mills and how animal diets differ from one another and from the human diet. Courses may be provided via webcast, DVD or CD with an asynchronous schedule for student convenience.

Online Bachelor in Animal Science and Industry

This is an online bachelor's degree completion program for those who would like to keep working while attending school and who have at least two years of college education. The program prepares participants for work in the food industry, including at livestock feed companies, meat packers, ranching operations or food processors, as well as in education and communication enterprises. Core topics can include principles of animal science, nutrition, microbiology, swine science, poultry production, statistics and genetics. Courses may be delivered via videoconferencing and CD-ROM, with email communication among students, classmates and faculty. Some schools require an animal science internship in the student's local area.

Online Master's Degree in Animal Science

Online master's programs are available in a hybrid format for those interested in the genetics, nutrition and physiology aspects of animal science. A livestock production and management focus may also be offered. In addition, students who are interested in pursuing a doctorate in veterinary medicine may benefit from an online master's in animal science. Course topics could include genetics of domestic animals, ruminant nutrition, biological statistics and ethics in reproductive biotechnologies.