High School
High school students seeking to enter this field will find that the more agriculture and science courses they take in high school, the better prepared they will be. In addition, courses in mathematics, business, communications, chemistry, and mechanics are valuable.
Postsecondary Training
Nine months to two years at a technical school or a college diploma are the usual minimum credentials for animal breeders and technicians. Many colleges now offer two- and four-year programs in animal science or animal husbandry where additional knowledge, skills, and specialized training may be acquired. Besides learning the scientific side of animal breeding, including instruction in genetics, animal physiology, and some veterinary science, students also take business classes that help them see the field from an economic point of view. With the increasing use of technology for breeding livestock and domesticated nonfarm animals, a bachelor's degree becomes more important for succeeding in the field. Master's and doctoral degrees are useful for the most specialized fields and the careers that require the most sophisticated genetic planning. Higher degrees are required for potential teachers in the field, and the current work being done in cloning is done exclusively by people with doctorates.
Whether trained by experience, at an academic institution, or both, all new hires at major breeding companies are usually put through some type of training program.
Other Education or Training
Continuing education opportunities are provided by the American Society of Animal Science, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, and the National Association of Animal Breeders. Contact these organizations for more information.
- Agribusiness Technicians
- Agricultural Consultants
- Agricultural Equipment Technicians
- Agricultural Pilots
- Agricultural Scientists
- Animal Behaviorists
- Animal Caretakers
- Animal Handlers
- Animal Physical Therapists
- Animal Trainers
- Aquaculturists
- Aquarists
- Arborists
- Astrobiologists
- Beekeepers
- Biochemical Engineers
- Biochemists
- Bioinformatics Specialists
- Biologists
- Biomedical Engineers
- Biomedical Equipment Technicians
- Biophysicists
- Biosecurity Monitors
- Biotechnology Production Workers
- Biotechnology Research Assistants
- Botanists
- Chemists
- Climate Scientists
- CRISPR Scientists
- Cytogenetic Technologists
- Cytotechnologists
- Dairy Products Manufacturing Workers
- Drug Developers
- Ecologists
- Environmental Scientists
- Epidemiologists
- Epigenetics Researchers
- Farm Crop Production Technicians
- Farm Equipment Mechanics
- Farmers
- Farmers' Market Managers/Promoters
- Fishers
- Food Technologists
- Genetic Counselors
- Genetic Engineers
- Genetic Genealogists
- Genetic Scientists
- Grain Merchants
- Groundwater Professionals
- Horticultural Inspectors
- Laboratory Technicians and Technologists
- Laboratory Testing Technicians
- Marine Biologists
- Meatcutters and Meat Packers
- Medical Scientists
- Microbiologists
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Naturalists
- Neuroscientists
- Nuclear Medicine Physicians
- Nursery Owners and Managers
- Organic Farmers
- Pathologists
- Pet Shop Workers
- Pet Sitters
- Physicians
- Preventive Medicine Physicians
- Range Managers
- Rewilders
- Soil Conservationists and Technicians
- Soil Scientists
- Tobacco Products Industry Workers
- Veterinarians
- Veterinary Technicians
- Zoo and Aquarium Curators and Directors
- Zookeepers
- Zoologists