Curious how studying animals — from genetics to nutrition — can help you improve animal and global health, advance agriculture, and support environmental sustainability?

Major in Animal Sciences

What is Animal Sciences?

Animal sciences studies how animals grow, behave, and thrive to blend science with business. Learn the tools to improve animal health and welfare, advance agriculture, and even impact human medicine. When you major in animal sciences, you'll gain hands-on experience with companion and production animals while diving into topics like genetics, breeding, nutrition, reproduction, and more. Whether you want to become a vet, work in animal nutrition, or help solve global food challenges, you'll have the foundation and flexibility to pursue your passion in variety of animal sciences jobs. LSU offers concentrations in Animal Production, Animal Products Processing, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, and Science & Technology.

Program Website

Degree Details

Admissions Info

Program Highlights

Undergraduate Research Build skills, gain experience, and strengthen your résumé by collaborating with faculty mentors on real research from day one — like at the Doyle Chambers Central Research Station’s livestock and poultry facilities.

Hands-On Learning Labs Get real-world experience at the LSU AgCenter Dairy Store and Francioni Meats Lab, where you can apply classroom knowledge and land a student job.

Vet School Direct Path LSU is home to one of only 33 accredited vet schools in the nation. Plus, our 3+1 pre-vet track aligns with LSU Veterinary Medicine, so you can transition directly into vet school, saving time and accelerating your professional journey.

Community Impact Our connection with the LSU AgCenter helps you gain research and outreach opportunities that improve animal health, care, and sustainability across Louisiana.

What You Can Do

An LSU degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths and professional opportunities. With a strong academic foundation, real-world learning, and support from a powerful alumni network, you’ll graduate prepared for success in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re planning to work in a corporate setting, nonprofit organization, government agency, creative industry, or research lab, LSU equips you with the in-demand skills and hands-on experience employers value most.

Potential Careers

Animal Biotechnologist
Animal Caretaker
Animal Scientist/Researcher
Animal Nutritionist
Animal Physical Therapist
Animal Welfare Specialist
Lab Technician
Biomedical Researcher
Farm Manager

Animal Pharmaceutical Representative
Extension Educator/Specialist
Animal Geneticist
Livestock Manager
Meat & Poultry Inspector
Muscle/Meat Biologist
Reproductive Physiologist
Veterinarian (with additional education)

Workplace Settings

Veterinary Clinics & Animal Hospitals
Biotechnology & Biomedical Research Labs
Farms, Ranches, Feedlots
Animal Nutrition & Feed Companies
Pharmaceutical & Biotech Companies
University & Government Research Institutions
Meat & Food Processing Facilities
Agricultural Extension Offices
Zoos, Shelters, Animal Sanctuaries
Genetics & Reproduction Facilities

$50,000

Average alumni Animal Sciences salary 5 years after graduation

What Animal Sciences Looks like

What I Love About Animal Sciences

My Summer Studying Reproductive Biotechnology

Building Skills

Lab & Research Techniques Gain hands-on experience in data analysis, experimental design, research, and writing.

Humane Handling & Welfare Work directly with livestock and companion animals using efficient and ethical care.

Farm Operations Learn and master systems for breeding, feeding, health, and production.

Vet School Prep Build a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and genetics to provide adequate care.

The LSU Livestock Research Farm has given me valuable, hands-on experience that strengthens my understanding of working with animals, helping me connect classroom knowledge to real-world livestock production. Abbygail Davis
Junior concentrating in Animal Production

My favorite class was the large animal science labs, where we got to go to the cow, equine, sheep, and swine units. We got to interact with the animals. I even got to draw blood for the first time on a horse, so it was really fun. Kayla Benton
Animal Sciences ‘22

I was excited to see concepts I learned in the classroom come to life in the lab. This enhanced my studies and showed me the broader impact my education has on the world. Every day I left with a new piece of knowledge and a better understanding of the complexities of research. Sophie Kate LeBlanc
BS Animal Sciences & Technology

Advance your Career

Post-graduate education

LSU offers competitively ranked post-graduate programs designed to help you innovate and lead in your field. Engage in advanced coursework, contribute to impactful research, and learn from expert faculty who are solving real-world challenges across Louisiana and beyond. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, pivot into a new industry, or accelerate your career, LSU’s graduate programs open the door to a world of opportunity.

Masters (MS) - Animal Sciences PhD. - Animal Sciences DVM Program | LSU Vet Med

Related Majors

Agricultural and Extension Education

Agricultural Business

Natural Resource Ecology & Management

Biological Sciences

Apply Today!