Animal Science vs. Veterinary Science

Attribute	Animal Science	Veterinary Science
Focus	Study of animals and their biology, behavior, and welfare	Medical treatment and care of animals
Education	Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs available	Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree required
Career Options	Animal nutritionist, livestock manager, animal behaviorist	Veterinarian, veterinary technician, veterinary pathologist
Skills	Knowledge of animal biology, research skills, communication skills	Medical knowledge, surgical skills, problem-solving abilities

Introduction

Animal Science and Veterinary Science are two closely related fields that deal with the study and care of animals. While both fields involve working with animals, there are some key differences between the two disciplines. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Animal Science and Veterinary Science to help you better understand the differences between the two.

Education and Training

One of the main differences between Animal Science and Veterinary Science is the education and training required for each field. Animal Science typically involves a bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, or a related field. This degree focuses on the study of animal biology, nutrition, genetics, and reproduction. On the other hand, Veterinary Science requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, which typically takes four years to complete after obtaining a bachelor's degree. Veterinarians are trained to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries in animals.

Focus of Study

Animal Science focuses on the study of animals from a scientific perspective, including their biology, behavior, and genetics. Animal scientists may work in research, agriculture, or food production, studying ways to improve animal health and productivity. Veterinary Science, on the other hand, focuses on the medical care of animals. Veterinarians diagnose and treat illnesses, perform surgeries, and provide preventive care to ensure the health and well-being of animals.

Career Opportunities

Animal Science graduates may pursue careers in a variety of fields, including agriculture, research, and food production. They may work as animal scientists, livestock managers, or research technicians. Veterinary Science graduates, on the other hand, typically work as veterinarians in private practices, animal hospitals, or research institutions. Veterinarians may specialize in areas such as small animal care, large animal care, or exotic animal care.

Job Duties

Animal scientists may be involved in a wide range of duties, depending on their area of specialization. They may conduct research on animal nutrition, genetics, or reproduction, or work in agriculture to improve livestock production. Veterinarians, on the other hand, are primarily responsible for diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries in animals. They may perform surgeries, prescribe medications, and provide preventive care to ensure the health of their patients.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for animal scientists was $65,310 in May 2020. Job growth for animal scientists is projected to be 4% from 2020 to 2030, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. In comparison, the median annual wage for veterinarians was $99,250 in May 2020. Job growth for veterinarians is projected to be 16% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This higher job growth rate for veterinarians may be due to the increasing demand for veterinary services for pets and livestock.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Animal Science and Veterinary Science are two distinct fields that involve working with animals, but they have different focuses and career paths. Animal Science is more focused on the scientific study of animals, while Veterinary Science is focused on the medical care of animals. Both fields offer rewarding career opportunities for those who are passionate about working with animals, but the education and training required for each field are different. Whether you choose to pursue a career in Animal Science or Veterinary Science, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of animals.