Agricultural Animal Breeding: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program explore the scientific foundations and advanced techniques used to enhance agricultural animal populations through genetic innovation. The curriculum emphasizes sustainable improvements in animal health, productivity, and resilience by applying principles of modern genetics and biotechnology.
- Genetics: The study of heredity and variation in animals, focusing on how traits are passed from one generation to the next and their implications for breeding programs.
- Genetic Engineering: The direct manipulation of an organism's DNA using biotechnology to introduce or modify specific traits for improved performance or disease resistance.
- Population Genetics: The analysis of genetic variation within animal populations, used to predict breeding outcomes and maintain genetic diversity over time.
- Animal Health: Comprehensive understanding of disease prevention, diagnosis, and management strategies to ensure the well-being and productivity of livestock.
- Animal Husbandry: The science and practice of breeding, feeding, and managing livestock to optimize growth, reproduction, and overall performance.
- Biotechnology: The application of biological systems and organisms to develop tools and processes that support advancements in animal breeding and production efficiency.
Agricultural Animal Breeding Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Agricultural Animal Breeding Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Agricultural Animal Breeding degrees, including Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary and Animal Scientists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 27,340 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers 11-9013 | $87,980 | $51,700 - $156,530 | 5,910 | $42.30 |
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1041 | $86,350 | $49,080 - $160,870 | 8,700 | N/A |
| Animal Scientists 19-1011 | $79,120 | $48,440 - $235,750 | 2,470 | $38.04 |
| Farm and Home Management Educators 25-9021 | $58,120 | $36,780 - $85,230 | 10,260 | $27.94 |
Agricultural Animal Breeding Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $53,985 in Arkansas to $106,577 in Minnesota—a 97% difference. The highest-paying states include Minnesota, California, and Idaho. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 27,340 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Agricultural Animal Breeding by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Agricultural Animal Breeding programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Agricultural Animal Breeding is found at Texas A & M University, College Station (11 graduates), and Iowa State University (ISU) (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 13 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A & M University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
11 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Agricultural Animal Breeding programs
How much can I earn with a Agricultural Animal Breeding degree?
Salaries for Agricultural Animal Breeding graduates vary by role and location. Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers earn a median of $87,980 annually, while Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $86,350. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Minnesota average $106,577 compared to $53,985 in Arkansas. Approximately 27,340 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Agricultural Animal Breeding programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Agricultural Animal Breeding degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Texas A & M University, College Station (11 graduates), Iowa State University (ISU) (2 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Agricultural Animal Breeding growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 44 in 2010 to a peak of 20 in 2020, before declining slightly to 13 in 2023-24. This represents a 70% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Agricultural Animal Breeding degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, and Animal Scientists. Related occupations employ approximately 27,340 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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