Animal Sciences, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Animal Sciences, Other.: The DTI for this program is 68.1%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Animal Sciences, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $30658) to the average debt ($20865) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Animal Sciences, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 68.1%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Animal Sciences, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($30658) against the typical student debt ($20865), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
If you’re thinking about Animal Sciences, Other., you’re looking at a field that’s both challenging and rewarding. Typical starting salaries are around $30658, with grads carrying about $20865 in student loans and a debt-to-income ratio of 0.68—which is manageable for most.
Each year, over 8396 students complete this major, so you’ll have plenty of peers to connect with. Whether you’re motivated by salary, job outlook, or the chance to build something meaningful, Animal Sciences, Other. can help you get there. Make the most of your college years by seeking out hands-on experiences and building your network.
Degree Overview
Animal Sciences, Other (CIP 01.0999) is an advanced multi-disciplinary field that explores the biological, social, and technological aspects of animal life through non-traditional lenses. While standard animal science programs focus on traditional livestock production, this "Other" category often houses specialized tracks like anthrozoology (the human-animal bond), animal behavior and welfare science, laboratory animal management, or exotic and companion animal science.
This field is ideal for "animal advocates and innovators"—individuals who want to improve the quality of life for animals in diverse settings, from suburban homes and research labs to zoos and high-tech agricultural facilities.
What Is an Animal Sciences (Other) Degree?
A degree in this category focuses on the complex biological and psychological needs of animals. Because it is categorized as "Other," these programs are often highly customizable and forward-thinking. You might study animal cognition (how animals think and learn), stress physiology in captive environments, or the development of precision livestock technology (using wearables to monitor animal health). It is a science-heavy major that balances hard biology with ethics and management.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Animal Welfare Specialists" who can audit and improve conditions in shelters, farms, and labs
- Develop experts in Behavioral Consulting for companion and exotic animals
- Prepare researchers to study the impact of animals on human mental and physical health
- Focus on the unique nutritional and medical needs of non-livestock species
What Will You Learn?
Students learn to view animals as sentient beings with specific biological requirements and behavioral patterns that must be respected and managed.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master Ethogram construction—the scientific method of observing and cataloging animal behaviors
- Analyze animal nutrition and formulate diets for diverse species
- Understand the legalities of the Animal Welfare Act and international ethical standards
- Use digital monitoring tools to track animal movement, heart rate, and vocalizations
- Perform "Enrichment Design" to create stimulating environments for animals in captivity
- Communicate scientific findings to pet owners, farmers, and policy makers
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a mix of biology, psychology, and ethics:
- Applied Animal Behavior: The science of why animals do what they do and how to modify it humanely.
- Animal Ethics and Law: Navigating the moral and legal status of animals in society.
- Anthrozoology: Researching the symbiotic relationship between humans and animals.
- Stress and Immunology: How an animal’s environment affects its physical health and disease resistance.
- Comparative Nutrition: Studying the dietary differences between carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores.
- Shelter Medicine and Management: The unique challenges of managing animal populations in rescue settings.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles in animal care, research, and specialized consulting.
Common job roles include:
- Animal Behaviorist: Working with shelters or private clients to solve behavioral issues.
- Welfare Auditor: Inspecting facilities to ensure they meet ethical and legal animal care standards.
- Laboratory Animal Manager: Overseeing the daily care and ethical treatment of animals in research.
- Zoo Enrichment Coordinator: Designing puzzles and habitat changes to keep exotic animals mentally healthy.
- Pet Industry Consultant: Developing new products like specialized food or "smart" toys for pets.
- Equine Manager: Overseeing the health, training, and boarding of high-value horses.
Where Can You Work?
Specialists in this field are found wherever humans and animals interact:
- Zoological Parks and Aquariums: Working in husbandry, education, or research.
- Research Universities and Hospitals: Managing the welfare of research animal colonies.
- Animal Shelters and Sanctuaries: In leadership or behavioral specialist roles.
- Corporate Offices: Working for pet food or pharmaceutical companies in R&D.
- Government Agencies: Working for the USDA or state departments of agriculture in welfare oversight.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary based on whether you work in the non-profit sector or in the corporate/research world.
- Animal Scientists (General): Median annual salary of approximately $65,000–$78,000.
- Animal Behaviorists: Salaries typically range from $45,000 to $85,000 depending on the setting.
- Research Facility Managers: Median annual salary of around $70,000–$95,000.
- Animal Welfare Inspectors: Salaries often range from $50,000 to $75,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the emotional and biological complexity. You must be successful in Anatomy, Physiology, and Statistics. You must also be prepared to deal with difficult ethical dilemmas and sometimes witness animals in distress. It requires a "cool head" for data-driven decision making and a high level of empathy for the beings you are studying.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love animals but are more interested in their "minds and behaviors" than just their medical care
- Are a "people person" who can teach humans how to better care for their animals
- Want to be a scientist who advocates for the ethical treatment of animals
- Enjoy working in diverse settings, from a high-tech lab to a muddy horse pasture
- Are interested in the "One Health" concept—that animal health is human health
How to Prepare in High School
- Take classes in Biology, Psychology, Statistics, and English
- Volunteer at a local animal shelter, wildlife center, or therapeutic riding stable
- Practice your "observation skills" by watching animal interactions at a park or zoo
- Join a 4-H or FFA chapter that focuses on "Animal Science" or "Small Animal Care"
- Read books on animal behavior by experts like Temple Grandin or Frans de Waal
The ability to scientifically understand and improve the lives of animals through better management and behavioral insight is the hallmark of a successful animal science professional.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor