North Carolina's Animal Science pathway prepares students for careers in livestock production, veterinary services, animal health, and related agricultural industries. The program covers animal nutrition, reproduction, genetics, health management, and animal behavior while emphasizing proper animal handling and welfare.
Students gain hands-on experience working with livestock including cattle, swine, poultry, sheep, and goats through supervised agricultural experience (SAE) projects and school-based animal facilities. North Carolina's position as the nation's second-largest pork producer and major poultry producer creates abundant career opportunities in animal agriculture.
The pathway integrates classroom instruction with FFA leadership development and SAE projects, providing comprehensive agricultural education. Students learn both production agriculture practices and animal science principles applicable to veterinary careers, research, and agribusiness management.
Animal Science at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
North Carolina's Animal Science pathway aligns with National Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) Career Cluster standards for Animal Systems. NC DPI has developed Essential Standards that integrate animal science principles with NC's livestock industries including swine, poultry, beef, and dairy production. Programs must include supervised agricultural experience (SAE) and FFA participation as integral components.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Agriscience Applications | AG10 |
| Animal Science I | AG20 |
| Animal Science II | AG21 |
| Advanced Animal Science or Veterinary Science | AG30 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Certified Landscape Technician
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓NOCTI Agriculture Mechanics
- ✓NOCTI Agricultural Production
- ✓ServSafe Food Handler
- ✓ServSafe Manager
- ✓Certified Veterinary Assistant
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Livestock Production Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $32,040 - $41,600
Adjusted for cost of living: $37,423
Veterinary Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $37,610 - $50,200
Adjusted for cost of living: $39,951
Animal Nutritionist
ExperiencedSalary range: $57,200 - $77,750
Adjusted for cost of living: $68,950
Livestock Sales Representative
Entry LevelSalary range: $32,040 - $41,600
Adjusted for cost of living: $34,034
Animal Health Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $37,560 - $59,400
Adjusted for cost of living: $39,898
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
SAE projects raising livestock for production, show, or profit. Internships with veterinary practices, livestock operations, and feed/pharmaceutical companies. Summer employment at farms, livestock auctions, and agribusinesses. Work experience at NC State University animal research facilities.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in National FFA Organization, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps North Carolina CTE Programs
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North Carolina Standards Built In
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Teacher Customization
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Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as North Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in North Carolina
Agricultural Education
North Carolina's Agricultural Education program serves one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation, from tobacco and sweet potatoes to hogs, poultry, and Christmas trees. The program integrates three components: classroom/laboratory instruction, supervised agricultural experience (SAE), and FFA leadership development. Students can specialize in areas including animal science, plant science, agricultural mechanics, agribusiness, and natural resources management. North Carolina's agricultural programs benefit from partnerships with NC State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the NC Department of Agriculture, and agribusiness companies throughout the state. The pathway emphasizes both production agriculture and the broader agricultural value chain including food processing, agricultural technology, environmental conservation, and agribusiness management. Students gain hands-on experience through school farms, greenhouses, aquaculture facilities, and supervised agricultural experience projects.
Agricultural EducationEquine Science
North Carolina's equine science pathway prepares students for careers in horse breeding, training, and care management. Students develop hands-on expertise in equine health, nutrition, reproduction, and behavioral management while working with live animals in on-campus facilities. This pathway combines biological sciences with practical horsemanship skills, preparing graduates for positions in boarding facilities, therapeutic riding centers, and agricultural enterprises throughout the state. The program emphasizes both traditional and modern equine management practices, from farrier work to veterinary care coordination. Students learn about genetic selection, performance evaluation, and business management specific to equine operations. North Carolina's thriving equine industry, particularly in the Piedmont and western regions, provides excellent internship and employment opportunities. Graduates transition into roles as equine managers, horse trainers, breeding specialists, and facility operators. Many establish their own boarding operations or therapeutic riding programs, while others work for established facilities serving North Carolina's active equestrian community.
AgricultureRelated Glossary Terms
CTE Pathways
CTE Pathways are structured sequences of courses within a Career Cluster that prepare students for a specific group of related occupations. Pathways combine academic and technical instruction, providing a clear roadmap from introductory courses through advanced, specialized training aligned with industry standards and postsecondary opportunities.
ProgrammaticWork-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) encompasses a range of educational strategies that connect classroom instruction with real workplace experiences. Activities include internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, clinical rotations, and cooperative education, all designed to help CTE students apply technical skills in authentic industry settings.
ProgrammaticProgram of Study
A Program of Study (POS) is a coordinated, non-duplicative sequence of academic and CTE courses that spans secondary through postsecondary education. Required under Perkins V, a POS integrates academic content with CTE instruction, includes work-based learning, and leads to an industry-recognized credential or postsecondary degree.
ProgrammaticCareer and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are national organizations that provide CTE students with opportunities for leadership development, competitive events, community service, and career preparation. Recognized CTSOs include DECA, FBLA, FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA, and TSA, each serving students in specific career cluster areas.
ProgrammaticReady to Build Animal Science Programs at Scale?
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