Is Animal Science a Hard Major? What Students Should Know in 2026

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Animal science is often seen as a demanding major due to its blend of biology, chemistry, and hands-on animal care. Contrary to some beliefs, the field requires strong analytical and practical skills. Approximately 8,000 students graduate annually from U.S. animal science programs, reflecting steady interest despite the program's rigorous nature.

This article examines the course rigor, typical workload, and necessary skills for animal science students. It also explores how individual factors like background knowledge and career goals impact the difficulty, helping students gauge whether this major aligns with their academic strengths and professional aspirations.

Key Benefits of Animal Science as a Major

Animal science offers practical skills in biology and agriculture, aiding career changers in transitioning smoothly into related fields.
Its flexible curriculum supports full-time workers returning to school, balancing coursework with professional demands effectively.
The major enhances critical thinking and hands-on experience, building confidence among undergraduates facing challenging, specialized subjects.

Where Does Animal Science Rank Among the Hardest College Majors?

Animal science is often ranked as a moderately challenging major in national difficulty surveys. For example, a 2024 ranking by Bigeconomics placed it 32nd out of 118 majors, with a difficulty score of 60.0%. This ranking reflects factors such as the demanding workload, which includes extensive lab sessions, fieldwork, and technical courses in subjects like genetics, biology, and animal nutrition. Students typically devote 15 to 20 hours weekly to practical experiences like labs and internships, adding to the academic demands. These hands-on requirements, combined with analytical coursework, contribute significantly to its placement among challenging but manageable college programs.

The difficulty of animal science can differ widely depending on the college and a student's personal aptitude. Research-focused universities may impose higher expectations and more rigorous coursework, while smaller schools might emphasize applied learning, which some students find less intense. Compared to majors like computer science or engineering, which generally require stronger technical skills and rank higher in difficulty, animal science is somewhat less demanding.

However, it is more challenging than disciplines such as liberal arts or elementary education, which often involve lighter workloads. Ultimately, how hard animal science feels depends largely on individual interests and preparation, especially in science and hands-on study areas.

What Factors Make Animal Science a Hard Major?

Many students find animal science challenging due to its combination of academic rigor and practical skill demands. The major requires mastering a broad scope of scientific knowledge alongside hands-on experience, which significantly increases its difficulty.

Academic rigor: The curriculum is science-intensive, with a strong emphasis on biology, chemistry, genetics, physiology, and statistics. For instance, schools like the University of Maryland and UC Davis require advanced courses in biochemistry, animal genetics, and nutrition, with minimum grade thresholds ensuring high academic standards. This level of challenge reflects the academic rigor of animal science major programs.
Time commitment: Degree programs generally require at least 120 credit hours, with major-specific coursework often exceeding 35 credits. Students face demanding semester workloads that include frequent labs and fieldwork. Managing this extensive course load is a major aspect of animal science course requirements and workload.
Technical and analytical complexity: Beyond theoretical knowledge, students must develop practical skills such as animal handling, lab techniques, and data analysis. Courses often involve genetics, reproductive physiology, and farm management, requiring both critical thinking and technical proficiency.
Field-specific demands: Research participation, internships, and direct work with live animals impose early mornings, long hours, and physical labor. These experiential requirements further increase the course demands and necessitate effective time management.

For prospective students interested in accelerated paths within this challenging discipline, exploring accelerated career programs may offer tailored options to manage the workload.

Who Is a Good Fit for a Animal Science Major?

Identifying the right student profile is essential for success in animal science, as the major demands both scientific knowledge and practical skills. Students who possess specific traits tend to navigate the curriculum more effectively and gain the most from hands-on learning opportunities.

Below are five key traits that represent the best skills for animal science students:

Hands-on Learners: Students who thrive on direct interaction with animals and practical tasks benefit the most from the hands-on animal science experience benefits. These learners excel when applying classroom theories to real-world settings like laboratories or farms.
Scientific Thinkers: A strong foundation in biology, genetics, and chemistry is crucial, as these subjects support core areas like animal physiology and nutrition. Analytical thinkers can grasp complex concepts and solve problems more efficiently.
Passionate Animal Enthusiasts: Genuine interest in working with diverse species-from livestock to exotic wildlife-fuels motivation and resilience, essential for managing demanding coursework and fieldwork.
Adaptable Students: Comfort in both lab and field environments helps students succeed, as the major often requires dissections, live animal care, and facility-based learning.
Relationship Seekers: Students who value mentorship and small class sizes often flourish, benefiting from personalized guidance through specialized focus areas.

Those exploring their options might also consider pursuing the easiest PhD to get online to complement their knowledge and career flexibility within animal science or related fields.

Breakdown of All Fully Online Title IV Institutions

Source: U.S. Department of Education, 2023

How Can You Make a Animal Science Major Easier?

Animal science can feel overwhelming due to its heavy science content and demanding workload, but employing targeted strategies can help students handle the major more efficiently. With focused effort and the right techniques, the challenges can become much more manageable.

Create regular study routines: Establishing a consistent schedule breaks material into smaller, achievable goals and prevents last-minute stress. Methods like the Pomodoro Technique improve concentration through alternating work and short breaks.
Focus on core sciences early: Strengthening knowledge in biology, chemistry, and physiology during the initial years lays a foundation that simplifies advanced topics later on.
Engage in collaborative learning: Joining study groups offers opportunities to clarify complex ideas, exchange viewpoints, and boost accountability, which enhances comprehension and memory retention.
Participate in hands-on experiences: Utilizing labs, simulators, and internships connects theory with practice, allowing students to develop practical skills in supportive settings.
Use academic support resources: Taking advantage of tutoring, workshops, and professors' office hours early prevents knowledge gaps and improves academic outcomes.

Are Admissions to Animal Science Programs Competitive?

Admissions to animal science programs tend to be quite competitive, especially at well-known universities. This is mainly due to high numbers of applicants, limited program spots, and rigorous prerequisite requirements. For instance, some top programs accept fewer than 15% of applicants, while others maintain more moderate rates around 30% to 50%. The popularity of pre-veterinary tracks and research opportunities further intensifies competition.

Selectivity varies by institution but generally hinges on strong academic credentials such as a GPA of 3.5 or above and solid SAT or ACT scores. Applicants often need to complete advanced science courses like AP Biology or Chemistry to be considered competitive. Schools also appreciate candidates with relevant extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and a clear passion for animal-related fields. As interest in veterinary medicine rises, admissions standards have steadily increased across programs.

Is an Online Animal Science Major Harder Than an On-Campus Program?

Online animal science degree difficulty is generally comparable to that of on-campus programs, although the challenges each format presents differ due to their unique structures. Neither format is inherently easier or harder, but the experience varies based on factors like learning environment and student motivation.

To better compare online vs on-campus animal science programs, consider these key differences:

Academic expectations: Both online and on-campus programs uphold similar curriculum standards and learning objectives, ensuring consistent rigor.
Workload and pacing: Online students often manage a more flexible schedule, requiring strong self-discipline, whereas on-campus students follow more structured timelines.
Interaction and support: On-campus learners benefit from direct access to faculty, peers, and facilities, while online students rely on digital resources and recorded lectures, which can sometimes reduce immediate support.
Learning environment: Hands-on labs and animal handling are more effectively experienced in person; online courses use videos and simulations which may not fully replicate these essential activities.
Challenges unique to each format: Online students must adapt to virtual methods for practical skills, and they may feel less engaged without spontaneous interaction, while on-campus students face traditional scheduling and commuting demands.

For those considering advanced study, some may explore options like online doctoral programs without dissertation, which offer different structures that might influence their academic journey in related fields.

Are Accelerated Animal Science Programs Harder Than Traditional Formats?

Accelerated animal science programs are generally harder than traditional formats due to their condensed timelines, increased pacing, and greater workload intensity. These programs require faster progression through complex material, often demanding students to manage heavier course loads in much shorter periods.

The differences between accelerated and traditional Animal Science formats can be seen clearly in several key aspects:

Course pacing and content density: Accelerated bachelor's master's degrees animal science programs condense the curriculum into one to two years, requiring rapid assimilation of advanced topics that traditional formats spread over longer periods.
Workload management for different students: Accelerated tracks demand strong self-discipline and organizational skills, which may benefit highly motivated students but pose challenges for those balancing outside commitments.
Academic expectations and skills demands: Students face more frequent assessments and less time for review, increasing the cognitive load and requiring quick mastery of anatomy, physiology, and nutrition concepts.
Learning retention and stress levels: Compressed learning formats tend to elevate stress and can negatively affect long-term retention, whereas traditional programs allow more time for reflection and academic support.
Flexibility and daily structure: Traditional formats offer more flexibility and a slower pace, while accelerated programs often involve intense daily schedules with back-to-back classes, labs, and research responsibilities.

Considering the accelerated animal science program completion timeline is crucial for prospective students who must evaluate their ability to handle a demanding academic environment. For those weighing options, exploring most popular online colleges may provide insights into program formats that fit individual learning styles and schedules.

Can You Manage a Part-Time Job While Majoring in Animal Science?

Balancing a part-time job while majoring in animal science is feasible for many students but depends on several key factors. The rigorous nature of animal science courses, including extensive lab work and technical assignments, demands significant time commitment. Students' success in managing both often relies on their ability to handle an intensive weekly workload and maintain flexible schedules. Those with strong organizational skills and adaptable jobs usually find the balance more manageable.

Students typically stay successful by carefully choosing credit loads that prevent overwhelming weekly demands and prioritizing jobs with adaptable hours-often on-campus or roles compatible with variable lab schedules. The curriculum's mix of hands-on animal care, field trips, and scientific reading requires efficient time use, making academic support services valuable for many. While some balance these responsibilities well through effective planning, those with less flexible jobs or rigid study habits may face greater challenges due to the discipline's unpredictable demands and workload intensity.

What Jobs Do Animal Science Majors Get, and Are They as Hard as the Degree Itself?

Career paths for animal science majors vary widely in difficulty, responsibility, and required skills. While some jobs align closely with the academic rigor of the major, others tend to be less demanding or challenging in different ways, emphasizing practical or interpersonal skills.

Veterinarian: This role demands extensive schooling and expertise in diagnosing, treating, and preventing animal diseases. It is highly challenging, often matching or exceeding the major's difficulty due to the scientific knowledge and emotional resilience required.
Livestock or Dairy Manager: Managers handle daily farm operations, including breeding and managing staff. Although physically and mentally demanding, the challenges focus more on practical and managerial skills than academic rigor.
Animal Pharmaceutical or Sales Representative: These professionals sell health products to clinics and vets, relying heavily on communication and business acumen. The position is generally less academically demanding but requires solid industry understanding and interpersonal skills.
Laboratory Technician/Researcher: Working in research environments, they conduct experiments and analyze data, often dealing with complex scientific problems. This role's intellectual demands are comparable to those of the major, especially in research-focused settings.
Animal Care Specialist or Trainer: Responsibilities include daily animal welfare and training, which can be physically intense and emotionally demanding but usually less academically rigorous than the major.

Surveys indicate that animal science degree jobs and salaries reflect a moderate to high academic workload, with GPA averages similar to other life sciences. This variety allows graduates to select careers matching their desired balance of intellectual, physical, and emotional demands.

Prospective students might also explore affordable pathways such as a cheap bachelor degree online to enter this diverse field.

Do Animal Science Graduates Earn Higher Salaries Because the Major Is Harder?

There is no definitive link between the difficulty of an animal science major and higher salaries for its graduates. While the program requires a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and lab techniques, salary outcomes depend more on the skills gained and current workforce needs. Academic challenges can build valuable analytical and research abilities, but higher pay usually results from specialized knowledge or advanced professional roles rather than just course rigor. Market demand and job qualifications play a greater role in determining earnings than the major's inherent difficulty.

Several factors shape the salaries of animal science graduates, including industry sector, location, job title, and experience level. For instance, animal scientists typically earn a median wage of around $70,000 per year, with top states like California offering salaries up to $130,000.

Entry-level jobs such as veterinary technicians tend to have lower pay near $37,000 annually, while specialized positions in biotechnology or food science can reach $70,000 to $90,000 or more. Those with advanced degrees and experience in high-demand regions often see the highest compensation. Understanding these variables better reflects earning potential than focusing solely on major difficulty.

What Graduates Say About Animal Science as Their Major

Mael: "Pursuing animal science was definitely challenging, but every tough class was worth it. The hands-on learning deepened my understanding of animal care and nutrition, which has been invaluable in my career as a livestock manager. Considering the average cost of attendance, it was a significant investment, but the practical skills I gained made it worthwhile."

Atlas: "Animal science demanded a lot of dedication and time, which made it one of the harder majors I've encountered. Reflecting on the personal growth it offered, I appreciate how it shaped my approach to sustainable farming practices. The cost of the program was steep, but scholarships helped ease the financial burden, making the experience more accessible."

Isola: "The major was intense academically, especially with the science and research components, but it prepared me well for a career in veterinary technology. I found the combination of theory and lab work to be both demanding and rewarding. While the cost of pursuing animal science was quite high, the professional opportunities it unlocked justify the expense in my view."

Other Things You Should Know About Animal Science Degrees

What kind of coursework is involved in an animal science major?

Animal science majors typically complete a mix of biology, chemistry, genetics, nutrition, and physiology courses focused on animals. Laboratory work and hands-on experiences with animal care and management are common components. This combination requires both memorization and the application of scientific concepts.

Is animal science more theoretical or practical?

Animal science balances theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Students study scientific principles related to animal biology while also gaining hands-on experience in labs, farms, or research settings. The practical aspect helps reinforce theoretical learning but can add to the time and effort needed to succeed.

Do animal science students need strong math skills?

Yes, math skills are important in animal science, especially in areas like statistics, genetics, and nutrition. Understanding data analysis, measurements, and calculations related to animal growth or feed is often required. However, the math level is generally introductory to intermediate, not advanced.

How important is research experience for animal science majors?

Research experience can be valuable for animal science students, particularly those interested in graduate studies or scientific careers. Many programs encourage or require participation in research projects, which develop critical thinking and practical skills. This experience often enhances job prospects after graduation.