What courses are in the program?

General Education Core: 36 creditsEnvironmental Professional Core: 13 creditsElective Courses: 32 creditsProgram Core: 39 creditsANIM 205: Animal NutritionANIM 301: Animal Husbandry and GeneticsANIM 302: Animal Comparative AnatomyANIM 304: Animal Comparative PhysiologyANIM 310: Sustainable Livestock Health, Nutrition, and CareANIM 410: Sustainable Livestock ManagementBIOL 301: Animal Behavior: The Evolution, Ecology, and Social Behavior of AnimalsBIOL 310: MicrobiologyBIOL 315: Cell BiologyCHEM 103: Chemistry IICHEM 104: Chemistry II LaboratoryCHEM 201: Organic Chemistry ICHEM 202: Organic Chemistry I LaboratoryCHEM 301: BiochemistryCHEM 302: Biochemistry Laboratory

100% Online Bachelor of Science Degree

Build a Career in Animal Science

Lead in livestock management, animal health, and sustainable food production.

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Unity’s online programs are trusted by over 10,000 students across all 50 states.

88% of Unity graduates are employed or earning advanced degrees within 6 months.

Program Overview

Agricultural Animal Science

This bachelor’s program delivers skills-based learning in animal nutrition, livestock management, and sustainable agriculture, giving you the scientific foundation and hands-on knowledge to make a real impact in one of the world’s most essential and rapidly evolving industries.

Career Outlook: Agricultural Inspectors in the U.S.

13 K

Number of jobs in 2023

5 %

Est. job growth through 2033

$ 51 K

Median annual salary 2024

*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.

CAREER OUTCOMES

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

Farm Manager

Oversee livestock operations, animal health, and sustainable land practices.

Agricultural Inspector

Ensure livestock and food products meet health, safety, and welfare standards.

Animal Nutritionist

Design feed strategies that support livestock health and production efficiency.

multiracial-farmers-collecting-organic-eggs-from-h-2023-11-27-05-30-52-utc-1024×540

Livestock Production Consultant

Guide farms on husbandry, genetics, and facility management to improve sustainability.

DE student Brianna posing on a snowy mountain.

“I love how Unity focuses on the environment and takes a more holistic approach to learning.”

Brianna R.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies

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Brianna R.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies

“Before attending Unity, I was attending my local state university and working at a local farm. I saw an advertisement online about Unity and after looking more into the mission and goals of the college, I knew that this was where I needed to be. I love how Unity focuses on the environment and takes a more holistic approach to learning. Once enrolled, I immediately felt a sense of belonging. I have never had a school that has aligned with my personal interests, goals, and ideologies until Unity. I feel this college represents what I stand for and shares the same passions that I have for the environment and its conservation.”

Are you ready to discover what YOU can do? Explore the opportunities at Unity – Distance Education today and take the first step toward achieving your dreams.

Start YOUR journey to success today!

“Unity surprised me the most with its 5-week class format, supportive instructors, and affordability. While we often consider online classes a go-at-your-own-pace option, Unity is structured differently, and I excel with structured but fast-paced courses.”

Hunter S.
Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation

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Hunter S.
Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation

Hunter always knew that his future would involve working to protect the natural world. His journey led him to Unity, thanks to a family connection, one of his relatives had graduated from Unity in the early 1990s and recommended it as a perfect fit for someone with his love for the outdoors.

Hunter, chose Unity’s Distance Education program, which allowed him to stay close to his Maryland home while caring for his ill father. Sadly, his father passed away during his first year at Unity, but Hunter knew his father would have wanted him to continue his education. Now, his mother is his biggest supporter as he works toward his B.S. in Wildlife Conservation, a degree that fits his goal of working for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. “I want to build a career in conservation and wildlife management, and this program aligns perfectly with my long-term goals,” explains Hunter.

One of the standout experiences for Hunter at Unity has been his Transformational Leadership course with Professor Carson. The course had a lasting impact, helping him discover his leadership style and how to drive positive change in various contexts.

“Professor Carson’s approach was both challenging and inspiring. He pushed us to think critically about leadership and how it applies not just in conservation but in any job or life situation. The skills and concepts I’ve gained will be invaluable throughout my career.”

Unity’s supportive and diverse community has played a key role in his positive experience. “I’ve had the chance to collaborate with people from all kinds of backgrounds, and the support from both students and professors has been incredible,” Hunter shares.

The Distance Learning program has allowed Hunter to balance his studies with his responsibilities at home, and he is on track to graduate on time.

“Unity has truly boosted my self-confidence and made learning enjoyable,” Hunter concludes. “I can’t wait to see where this path takes me.”

Are you ready to discover what YOU can do? Explore the opportunities at Unity – Distance Education today and take the first step toward achieving your dreams.

Start YOUR journey to success today!

“…it wasn’t just my degree…it was their degree too that I was learning.”

Karen Boerner
MPS in Wildlife Conservation and Management

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Karen Boerner
MPS in Wildlife Conservation and Management

“We had people from different master’s degree paths in the same classes and it was so cool to see how we thought differently and what we prioritized and all that. So that helped to build that knowledge base that I was really looking for. Because it wasn’t just my degree and what I was learning it was their degree too that I was learning.”

What you’ll learn

Care for Animals. Advance Agriculture. Build a Sustainable Future.

Animal nutrition, genetics, and comparative physiology for productive and ethical livestock care
Sustainable livestock health, behavior, and handling practices for large and small-scale farms
Livestock facility design and environmental management grounded in animal welfare research
Agricultural policy, food systems, and the science of sustainable land and resource management
Applied scientific methods for data collection, problem-solving, and real-world agricultural decision-making

farmer-using-spade-to-feed-cows-2023-11-27-05-30-09-utc

Awards and recognition

Proudly Recognized for Excellence

Tuition Rates

We believe a college education should help launch you into a promising future, not weigh you down with debt. Unity’s online bachelor’s programs are $470 per credit, with no term-based fees and free text resources in most courses.

Tuition Locked Through 2030!

While many U.S. colleges raise tuition by 2–4% each year, your tuition rate at Unity stays the same, giving you cost certainty from your first term through graduation.

Military Friendly

Active-duty service members, veterans, and their families receive a reduced tuition rate of $423 per credit. VA education benefits (including the GI Bill®, Chapter 31, Chapter 35, and Active Duty Tuition Assistance) may be applied toward the cost of your degree.

NO SURPRISES. NO UNNECESSARY FEES.

Transparent, Predictable Pricing

See why 98% of Unity students don’t need private loans.

Affordable, Transparent Tuition

With no hidden fees!

Flexible Payment Options

Plans that fit your budget.

Locked-In Tuition

7 years with no tuition increase.

Earn While You Learn

Work full-time while studying.

Personalized Financial Plan

Know your cost before you start.

Low Textbook Costs

Free materials in most courses.

how much you can save?

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Out-of-Pocket Costs

Our Net Price Calculator shows your personalized cost of attendance, including how Pell Grant eligibility and other financial aid can make your degree more affordable.

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Learn from Leaders

Learn from Leaders

PhD, MS, BS in Animal Sciences

Dr. Milca Rosa Velazquez
Global Expert in Animal Science and Nutrition

Learn More About Dr. Rosa-Velazquez

Dr. Milca Rosa Velazquez
Global Expert in Animal Science and Nutrition

Dr. Milca Rosa-Velazquez is a passionate and compassionate Animal Scientist born and raised in Puerto Rico. She received an AS in Pre-Veterinary and a BS in Animal Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico. She later enrolled in the School of Veterinary Medicine at La Complutense University in Madrid, Spain. During her undergraduate studies, she had the opportunity to join a research exchange program with Salamanca University in Spain; it was then that her love for research began.

She received an MS in Animal Sciences from Veracruzana University in Mexico and a PhD from a sandwich program at the Ohio State University and Veracruzana University. Her research focuses on nutritional physiology, health, and epigenetics. It has demonstrated the importance of nutritional supplements in ruminant diets during gestation and its effects on pre- and postnatal offspring growth and health indices. She is an animal welfare advocate. She thinks it is a privilege to work with animals in research. “They are helping us to build a healthier and safer future. Therefore, as caretakers, we should ensure their experience is as pleasant and peaceful as possible.” When not conducting research or teaching, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors. She considers herself a citizen of the world. She has lived in different countries, including Spain, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the USA. She speaks English and Spanish fluently and some German. These have allowed her to work and learn from wonderful researchers from all over the world, explore their different cultures and understand their challenges, and bring back home and everywhere she goes valuable knowledge. She is committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity and inclusion are celebrated, and equity is a core value.

Learn from Leaders

PhD, Master’s, Bachelor’s in Poultry Science

Dr. Zachary Williams
Global Expert in Microbiology and Bacterial Pathogens

Learn More About Dr. Williams

Dr. Zachary Williams
Global Expert in Microbiology and Bacterial Pathogens

Dr. Williams has a Ph.D. from Auburn University, and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Mississippi State University. All three degrees are in poultry science. Dr. Williams’s research activities include microbiology of broiler litter, and controlling bacterial pathogens with proper litter management. Developing better ways to conduct mass mortality composting (primarily poultry species) during a foreign animal disease outbreak.

Dr. Williams has two children ages 3 and 2. He is currently teaching them how to fish and enjoys going camping and playing with them. During his free time, he ties his own flies for fly fishing, enjoys to run, and is an avid reader.

Learn from Leaders

Ph.D. in Animal Sciences, B.S. and M.S. degrees in the field of monogastric nutrition

Dr. Anoosh Rakhshandeh
Global Expert in Swine Nutrition and Digestive Physiology

Learn More About Dr. Rakhshandeh

Dr. Anoosh Rakhshandeh
Global Expert in Swine Nutrition and Digestive Physiology

Dr. Anoosh Rakhshandeh earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in the field of monogastric nutrition at Azad University, and his Ph.D. in swine nutrition and immune function at the University of Guelph. He is currently a full-time faculty member in the department of Animal and Food Sciences at Texas Tech University, where the focus of his research and teaching is animal nutrition.

His research explores the nutrient utilization and digestive physiology of animals, as influenced by various stressors. Dr. Rakhshandeh has published over 50 scientific abstracts, short papers, book chapters and peer-reviewed articles in the field of animal nutrition and digestive physiology. Dr. Rakhshandeh worked for the poultry industry for seven years before joining academia as a researcher and educator. During his career, Dr. Rakhshandeh has taught several animal nutrition related courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels, incorporating a student-centered and active learning approach to facilitate student understanding of animal nutrition, as informed by real issues in research, industry, and the environment.

Have Questions About the Bachelor’s in Agricultural Animal Science?

Agricultural animal science is a field of study that focuses on the scientific understanding of animals, including their biology, health, and welfare. It encompasses various aspects related to the care, breeding, nutrition, genetics, physiology, and health of livestock.

The BS in Agricultural Animal Science examines the scientific principles supporting the effective and sustainable raising of livestock. This program emphasizes the application of animal biology, chemistry, nutrition, and physiology to the study of breeding and genetics, growth, behavior, and management of animals raised for agricultural purposes, including meat, milk, fiber, and other products. Students will gain a strong foundation for careers in livestock management, the agricultural industry, and related scientific fields. This program also provides a strong foundation for students interested in further studies in animal science or veterinary medicine with a focus on production animals.

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 310: Sustainable Livestock Health, Nutrition, and Care
ANIM 410: Sustainable Livestock 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

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