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Major · Agriculture & Animal Sciences

Explore specialized roles in and niche domestic animal care

This associate’s level major covers niche aspects of agricultural and domestic animal services not found in standard programs. With only 30 annual completions across 4 colleges, it is a highly specialized pathway focused on practical animal care skills.

Schools offering
4
Annual completions
30
Typical degree level
Associate's
Median earnings (5yr)
$40k

About this major

Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services, Other operates as an instructional program covering specialized niches within animal care and agricultural support that fall outside standard classifications. Because this category captures everything not listed under standard animal service codes, the coursework varies heavily based on the specific institution. Students spend their time learning hands-on, practical skills related to the handling, care, and management of livestock or companion animals. The curriculum is deeply vocational, preparing graduates for immediate entry into specialized agricultural support roles or niche domestic animal services.

This pathway is typically a fit for students who prefer physical, hands-on learning over traditional classroom environments. It attracts individuals who already have a specific trajectory in mind within the animal care industry and need a targeted credential to get there. The coursework rewards practical problem-solving, physical stamina, and a direct, observational approach to animal health and behavior.

With only 30 national completions tracked across 4 colleges, this is an incredibly small academic footprint. This scarcity stems directly from administrative grouping, as most universities roll these students into broader general agriculture categories. Because specific career destinations are highly variable, students often pivot into related fields like equine care or animal training, and those completing an associate’s degree can expect median earnings around $32,618.

Section 3 · Careers

Where this major leads

Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.

No federal crosswalk data available for this major yet.

Section 4 · Earnings

Earnings at a glance

Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.

Median 5-year earnings

$40k

Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings

Associate's

$33k

Bachelor's

$42k

Who this major is for

You may thrive here if you prefer a deeply vocational approach to learning and want to develop specialized hands-on skills working directly with animals. This path rewards students who enjoy practical problem-solving in dynamic environments and those who are comfortable with the physical demands of agricultural and domestic animal care. It is a strong fit for individuals who are specifically seeking an associate’s degree to enter the workforce quickly, as well as those who appreciate the hyper-focused nature of a program that centers on niche skills rather than broad theoretical science.

Think twice if you are looking for a standard, widely recognized bachelor’s degree path, as this specific classification is offered exclusively at the associate’s level. Students who prefer a traditional, theory-heavy academic environment might find the vocational focus too limiting for their long-term goals. You should also reconsider if you want the flexibility of a large, established academic cohort, because with only 4 colleges offering this specific major, you are better off looking into broader related fields like Equestrian/Equine Studies which boast a much larger national footprint.

Section 6 · Where to study

Top colleges for Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services, Other

Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.

College Location Assoc. Bach. Total
Alamance Community College Graham, NC 22 0 22
York County Community College Wells, ME 8 0 8
Kirkwood Community College Cedar Rapids, IA 0 0 0
Mesalands Community College Tucumcari, NM 0 0 0
Section 9 · Frequently asked

Common questions

What level of degree is required for this major?
This specialized field is offered exclusively at the associate’s degree level among the 4 colleges tracking it. Students seeking a bachelor’s degree typically transition into broader agricultural or animal science programs.
What is the typical earning potential in this field?
Graduates five years out see median earnings of $39,896. Those completing an associate’s degree specifically average $32,618, while related bachelor’s degree paths pull the overall average slightly higher.
Why are there so few completions in this major?
With only 30 total completions nationally, this low number reflects an administrative grouping rather than an exclusive boutique program. Many universities roll these specific skills into broader general agriculture or animal science categories.
What related majors should I consider?
Students interested in this field often explore Equestrian/Equine Studies, which has a much larger footprint of 452 completions, or Animal Training. These paths offer more established programs while focusing on similar hands-on animal service skills.