Companion Animal Science

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Applying Science to Improve the Care and Well-Being of Animals

If you’re interested in learning about animal care and want a career that supports their wellbeing, our Companion Animal Science program is a great place to start. This online degree focuses on ethical, sustainable, and science-based approaches to companion animal health, behavior, nutrition, training, and facility care.

You’ll gain practical experience through coursework that prepares you for roles in animal training, shelter management, behavior research, and advocacy. The program supports growing needs in pet care industries and helps you build a meaningful, purpose-driven career.

CAREER OUTLOOK

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in
Companion Animal Science?

2.5 K

Animal Scientist jobs in the U.S., 2023*

$ 79 K

Median salary for Animal Scientists, U.S. 2024*

+ 8 %

Projected 10 year growth for Animal Scientists, 2033*

*Source: ONet Online/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unity cannot guarantee employment. Salary data represents averaged earnings for occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.

In the BS in Companion Animal Science Program You’ll Learn To:

Apply principles of genetics, nutrition, and environment to support the health and welfare of companion animals.
Compare anatomy and physiology across domesticated species to inform science-based care decisions.
Master safe, humane, and sustainable animal handling and behavior techniques for a variety of settings.
Use the scientific method to solve real-world animal care challenges, from data collection to action planning.
Design facility management plans that promote well-being through evidence-based health and welfare strategies.

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Female handler training a dog in a field.

What Will You Study

Companion Animal Science
Course Examples

Companion Animal Facility and Care Management

Students will be introduced to concepts around how animals learn and how to best care for animals based on individual and species-specific needs. Information learned in this class can be applied to best practices around the husbandry, training and handling of animals with the goal of minimizing animal stress and improving human-animal interactions.

Guide dog helping blind man in the city. Handsome blind guy have rest with golden retriever in the city.

Animal Nutrition

This course will introduce you to the basic fundamentals of animal nutrition as they apply to captive and wild animal species. You will identify and describe the gastrointestinal tract’s (GIT) unique structure and function among different species and how it contributes to the absorption of nutrients.

Animal Comparative Anatomy

In this course you’ll study the different structural systems found in the global spectrum of animals. These differences will be explored via individual examples, comparison between different animals and exploration of the underlying evolutionary relationships among the groups.

FAQ

Learn More About Degrees and Careers in Companion Animal Science

Companion Animal Science is the study of the biology, behavior, health, and welfare of animals that live closely with humans, such as dogs, cats, and other pets. This interdisciplinary field blends animal science, veterinary support, behavior analysis, and ethical care practices to improve the lives of animals and their human companions.

The BS in Companion Animal Science offers a focused understanding of the scientific principles behind the care and well-being of animals living closely with people. This program applies principles of animal biology, chemistry, nutrition, and physiology specifically to companion animals and pets. Students will explore topics such as their genetics, breeding, growth, behavior, and management within the context of the human-animal bond and the diverse roles these animals play in society. The curriculum offers preparation for students seeking immediate employment in pet-related industries or those planning to pursue advanced degrees in veterinary medicine or related fields.

Your online education should be affordable and manageable. Thanks to our promise to keep tuition flat through 2030, you won’t be burdened with unexpected increases or fees.

Our team of Distance Education concierges will work with you through the admissions process to help you plan and pay for your degree. Learn more about the costs here.

Our comprehensive 120-credit program can be tailored to fit your schedule and goals! Completion time is flexible, determined by the number of credits you choose to take each term (8 terms/year) and less time with transfer credits. Without transfer credits, you can anticipate the following completion times:

24 credits/year: Complete in just 5 years
30 credits/year: Achieve your degree in 4 years
48 credits/year: Fast-track your education in only 2.6 years

General Education Core: 36 credits

Environmental Professional Core: 13 credits

Elective Courses: 32 credits

Program Core: 39 credits

ANIM 205: Animal Nutrition
ANIM 301 Animal Husbandry and Genetics
ANIM 302 Animal Comparative Anatomy
ANIM 304: Animal Comparative Physiology
ANIM 305: Animal Health and Disease
ANIM 402: Companion Animal Facility and Care Management
BIOL 301: Animal Behavior: The Evolution, Ecology, and Social Behavior of Animals
BIOL 310: Microbiology
BIOL 315: Cell Biology
CHEM 103: Chemistry II
CHEM 104: Chemistry II Laboratory
CHEM 201: Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 202: Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
CHEM 301: Biochemistry
CHEM 302: Biochemistry Laboratory

For course requirements and a better look into your program, view our full course catalog. Then apply online for free to get started.

Bachelor’s in Companion Animal Science Academic Information

Degree Requirements and Courses Needed

The companion animal science degree requires 120 credits. You may transfer in up to 90 credits from outside institutions. View our full course catalog for a better look into your program. Then apply online for free to get started.

Realizing Your Potential. Protecting Your Planet.

Why Unity Distance Education?

High Educational Value

Nationally recognized educational quality at an affordable price.

Sustainability Core

Committed to sustainable practices to prepare for a future of environmental awareness.

Personalized Guidance

Dedicated to turning career and academic aspirations into tangible achievements.

Transfer-Friendly

Accepting up to 90 transfer credits to graduate sooner and save money.

Inspiring Faculty

Connect with experts who share your passion for working in the animal industry.

Future Success

Ranked #1 independent university in the U.S. by the Social Mobility Index.

Multiple Start Dates

With up to 8 terms a year, you can take a break without jeopardizing financial aid.

Learning Flexibility

Balance life, work, and education by studying when and where you want

Real Students, Real Impact

Real Students, Real Impact

“I chose Unity because I felt like it aligned with me…”

Amanda P.
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

Read Full Testimonial

Amanda P.
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

“I chose Unity because I felt like it aligned with me more after doing research. I liked that I had the option to finish my education completely online and that it offered prevet courses unlike other universities.”

Learn from Leaders

Learn from Leaders

BS in Bus/Comm, MS in Anthrozoology

April Piazza
Global Expert in Animal Care and Veterinary Practices

Read More About Professor Piazza

April Piazza
Global Expert in Animal Care and Veterinary Practices

April Piazza is an adjunct instructor teaching in the Animal Health and Behavior program at Unity. She received a MS in Anthrozoology from Canisius College, a BS in BUS/COMM from King University, and an AS in Veterinary Technology from Johnson College. She’s retained her Veterinary Technologist board certification since 2007 and have been involved with exotic, companion, and large animal health, behavior, and husbandry for over a decade. Her work has taken her to zoological gardens, veterinary ICUs, the privacy of pet-sitting clients’ homes, and now, the classroom. Besides working in academia, she is involved in writing and research as a peer editor for the academic journal Animalia, contributing to a Canadian-published Anthrozoology textbook, and expanding on her written work in the women’s and animal rights movements.

Learn from Leaders

MS in Anthrozoology, BS in Psychology

Hannah McCollam
Global Expert in Marine Mammals and Conservation Behaviors

Learn More About Professor McCollam

Hannah McCollam
Global Expert in Marine Mammals and Conservation Behaviors

Hannah McCollam is an Associate Professor at Unity Environmental University. She received her MS in Anthrozoology from Canisius University and her BS in Psychology from Eckerd College. Hannah has spent the past 6 years in marine mammal care and training where she has worked alongside belugas, seals, sea lions, penguins, pacific white-sided dolphins, rough-toothed dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins. It was this interest in marine mammals and conservation that led to her spend her thesis focusing on exploring the links between an individual’s connection to nature and their likelihood of engaging in conservation behaviors. Through this research, she discovered a passion for education and inspiring the next generation of conservationists. This interest led her to a new career in academia, where she is thrilled to be a part of teaching and inspiring the next generation of conservationists! When not in the classroom, she can be found traveling to new places-especially those with a conservation focus- or nose-deep in a book found in her beloved personal library.

Learn from Leaders

M.A. in Zoology, B.S. in Zoology

Dana Kennedy
Global Expert in Zoological Practices and Animal Training Methods

Read More About Professor Kennedy

Dana Kennedy
Global Expert in Zoological Practices and Animal Training Methods

Dana Kennedy received her B.S. in Zoology from Michigan State University and holds a M.A. in Zoology from Miami University’s Global Field Program. She worked as a zookeeper at the North Carolina Zoo for seven years where she excelled at animal training and visitor education. Her M.A. work centered around a zookeeper’s role in conservation education in relation to human-wildlife conflict. Some of her most memorable training moments included team training white rhinos for voluntary artificial insemination, training baboons for ultrasounds and voluntary blood draws, and helping a bear overcome both weight issues and stereotypic behaviors through training and diet changes.

Through her work as a graduate student she realized that her true passion lies in education. She began transitioning to the education field shortly after she graduated, teaching classes for the Global Field Program that centered around conservation, education, and community. As a graduate from an online program, she understands the needs of students learning remotely and strives to take the distance out of distance education. Outside of teaching, she focuses much of her time on her two young daughters and enjoys hiking and traveling.