What Jobs Can You Do With an Animal Science Master's Degree?

Animal scientists work in labs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, scientists entering the fields of animal science, animal biology and agriculture should find the job prospects within this industry growing "faster than normal, especially in food science and technology" through 2018. Depending on the specific career, salaries will vary, but individuals with a master's degree, as of May 2008, can expect salary ranges between $59,000 and $108,000 annually, with most higher paying jobs in the government sector.

Job Environment

Some animal scientists work on the farm, directly with animals.

Since the jobs available to those with animal science master's degrees vary widely, the job environment also vary. Graduates who take jobs in the agriculture industry may spend equal amounts of time in a lab and on the farm, examining animals and livestock. Students who enter a doctorate program, intending to teach or work in research, will spend time in government or corporate labs as well as libraries, offices and classrooms. Students who enter zoology, marine biology and veterinary medicine will spend the majority of their time directly with animals in their habitats.

Agriculture Industry

Scientists in the agriculture industry work directly with animals.

Many students will enter the agricultural industry with a master's in animal science. These jobs include breeding livestock, analyzing animal genetics, bacteria and diseases and animal molecular science. Professionals entering this industry will be comfortable working in a lab and research facility just as much as they enjoy working directly with the animals. Animal science majors will find agriculture jobs to be some of the highest paying in the workforce for candidates with a master's degree. While job seekers will find government agricultural jobs limited without first obtaining a doctorate, students with master's degrees will find that corporations readily need professionals with their educational background.

Zoology, Marine Biology and Veterinary Jobs

Marine biologists work in an animal's habitat.

Animal scientists with master's degrees in the fields of zoology, marine biology and veterinary training will work directly with the animals in their chosen field. Zoologists often work outdoors, directly with animals, caring for them in often very public environments. Since the nature of their job requires them to deal with zoo visitors from time to time, zoologists should be just as well-versed in human communication and customer service as they are with animals. Marine biologists will spend the majority of their days working directly with animals in their habitats or in an aquarium environment. Veterinary technicians work with sick animals and need to acquire the same customer service skills that zoologists need in order to deal with pet owners.

Teaching and Research Jobs

Animal scientists who teach earn more money.

Though many teaching and research jobs require a doctorate degree, having a master's in animal science will create a platform for industry professionals who want to work in government jobs. Since these jobs remove technicians from the animals' habitats, many animal scientists who pursue these career paths enjoy working indoors. Teaching and research jobs are two paths leading to high-paying government jobs, so many students will choose to continue their education and get their doctorate. After obtaining a master's degree in animal science, the student will need to plan on at least two more years of schooling in her selected track.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Agricultural and Food Science
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Biological Scientists
• Diploma Guide: Masters Degree in Animal Science