Animal Science deals with the science and business of producing domestic livestock species, including dairy cattle, beef cattle, poultry, sheep, swine, and other animals. Students in this field study topics such as animal behavior, nutrition, welfare, biology, and management. They also learn how biological, physical, and social science principles apply to animal production and animal care.
Animal Science programs are taught at universities around the world. There are many options for students who want to study animal biology, livestock systems, animal welfare, and related fields. In this article, you can learn more about some of the best-known universities for animal science programs.
Top Animal Sciences Schools in the World
1. University of California – Davis
The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is located in Northern California and is widely recognized in agriculture, veterinary science, and animal-related fields. UC Davis reported that the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject placed it second in the world in both veterinary science and agriculture and forestry.
The university has three undergraduate majors that students can choose from: Agricultural and Environmental Education (AEE), Animal Science (ANS), and Animal Science and Management (ANM).
The AEE major allows students to explore topics related to agriculture and the environment while building an understanding of natural and social sciences. The ANS major is designed for students who want to study the biology and care of animals. The ANM major focuses on preparing students for management careers in agribusiness and related industries.
UC Davis also offers six animal science-related minor programs: Animal Biology, Animal Genetics, Animal Science—Aquaculture, Animal Science—Dairy/Livestock, Animal Science—Equine, and Avian Sciences. These minors can complement a student’s main degree program.
2. Wageningen University and Research Center
The Wageningen University and Research Center is located in the Netherlands and is one of the most prominent universities in agriculture and life sciences. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject, Wageningen University & Research ranked first globally for agriculture and forestry.
The university offers a Bachelor’s in Animal Sciences, a Master’s in Animal Sciences, and a Master’s in Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management. These programs cover animals, health, welfare, sustainability, aquaculture, and human-animal-environment relationships.
The university’s animal sciences education and research focus on animals and their relationship with people, society, and the environment. Its programs prepare students to understand animal biology and improve animal systems with attention to welfare and sustainability.
3. Cornell University
Cornell University is located in Ithaca, New York. It is a private research university and a member of the Ivy League, known for its academic reputation and strong programs across many fields.
At Cornell University, the Department of Animal Science offers undergraduate and graduate programs focused on the biology and management of food, laboratory, and companion animal species. The department’s goals include developing new techniques and information that benefit animals, agriculture, and human health.
Cornell’s animal science faculty teach and research areas such as breeding, genetics, nutrition, physiology, growth, behavior, and management. These areas help students build a strong foundation for careers or graduate study in animal science and related industries.
4. University of Florida
The University of Florida is located in Gainesville. UF is a major public, comprehensive, land-grant research university with a 2,000-acre campus and more than 900 buildings.
The university has an animal sciences department that offers undergraduate and graduate programs. For the undergraduate program, students can choose from four specializations:
- Animal Biology – this specialization prepares students for professional and graduate programs, including veterinary school.
- Food Animal – this specialization focuses on livestock production and management and the processing of animal-sourced foods.
- Equine – this specialization focuses on the management, care, and biological and physiological science of horses.
- Integrative Animal Sciences – this specialization allows students to create a customized plan with an advisor, with possible concentration areas such as nutrition, reproduction, animal behavior, environmental science, artificial intelligence, or One Health.
For graduate programs, the Department of Animal Sciences offers a Master of Science with thesis and non-thesis options and a Doctor of Philosophy program. These programs provide advanced training in animal agriculture and related research areas.
5. Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university founded in 1855. It began as the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan and became a model for the land-grant university system in the United States.
The Department of Animal Science offers undergraduate and graduate programs. Its bachelor’s program provides education in the scientific principles of biology and animal agriculture, using a range of animal models. Animal Science at MSU includes beef and dairy cattle, horses, sheep, swine, poultry, and companion animals.
For graduate students, the department offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs in a variety of disciplines related to animal science.
6. University of Copenhagen
The University of Copenhagen was founded in 1479 and is one of Denmark’s oldest and most established universities.
The university offers a Master of Science in Animal Science. The program focuses on healthy animals and their performance across their life span. Students can concentrate on production animals, companion animals, horses, or experimental animals. They study topics such as animal nutrition, physiology, breeding, genetics, production economy, animal welfare, stable and pen design, sports physiology, and quantitative modeling of biological systems.
7. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities was founded in 1851 and is the flagship campus of the University of Minnesota System. The university describes itself as Minnesota’s only land-grant university and one of the most prestigious public research universities in the nation.
The Department of Animal Science offers undergraduate and graduate programs. For the undergraduate program, students can pursue an Animal Science major or an Animal Science minor.
Here are the areas of emphasis under the Animal Science major:
- Industry and Business
- Production
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine/Science
- Equine
- Companion Animal
The university’s Animal Sciences Graduate Program offers master’s and Ph.D. programs. Graduate students can focus on emphasis areas such as genetics, nutrition, physiology, and production systems.
I hope this article on the best animal science schools in the world was informative and insightful. To learn more about studying abroad, check out the available programs for international students.
