Ohio's Animal Science pathway develops expertise in livestock and poultry production, animal health, nutrition, and genetics—preparing students for careers in the state's significant animal agriculture industry. Ohio ranks highly in dairy, beef cattle, and swine production, with major operations throughout the state.
Students study animal behavior, physiology, nutrition, and genetics while gaining hands-on experience with livestock and poultry management systems. They work with dairy operations, beef ranches, poultry farms, and school animal facilities, learning modern production practices and welfare standards.
Graduates work as veterinary technicians, livestock managers, dairy technicians, or animal nutritionists with operations ranging from small family farms to large-scale producers. Many continue studies at Ohio State's College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences or pursue specialized credentials in veterinary technology.
Animal Science at a Glance
2
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Ohio's animal science standards emphasize both traditional livestock management and contemporary production systems aligned with Ohio State's animal science research. Standards include competency assessment in animal health, nutrition planning, breed improvement, and welfare practices.
Curriculum integrates industry certifications in livestock handling, animal health care, and dairy management. The state maintains partnerships with Ohio's dairy associations, beef councils, and poultry organizations to ensure curriculum relevance.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Animal Science Foundations |
| Animal Production and Management |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓ServSafe Manager
- ✓Certified Veterinary Assistant
- ✓Certified Horticulture Professional
- ✓Certified Landscape Technician
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓NOCTI Agriculture Mechanics
- ✓NOCTI Agricultural Production
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.
Dairy Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $28,020 - $35,380
Adjusted for cost of living: $30,520
Veterinary Assistant
Entry LevelSalary range: $30,840 - $36,650
Adjusted for cost of living: $33,591
Herd Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $61,220 - $147,340
Adjusted for cost of living: $103,464
Livestock Production Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $28,020 - $35,380
Adjusted for cost of living: $33,646
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students work at Ohio dairy farms, beef operations, and veterinary clinics across the state, with special emphasis on Midwest agricultural regions.
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 Ohio CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Ohio Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Ohio's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Ohio standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Ohio
Agricultural Science
Ohio's Agricultural Science pathway prepares students for careers in the state's diverse farming sector, from traditional row crop production to specialty agriculture and agribusiness. With roots in land-grant tradition through Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, this pathway combines classroom instruction with hands-on agricultural experience. Students develop expertise in crop science, soil management, pest control, and modern precision farming technologies. They work in school gardens, greenhouses, and lab settings while learning about Ohio's major crops including corn, soybeans, and wheat, plus emerging sectors like specialty crops and organic production. Graduates pursue careers as agricultural technicians, farm managers, crop consultants, or continue their education at Ohio State, Ohio University, or other agricultural programs. Many establish operations or join family farms using modern practices they learned.
Agricultural and Environmental SystemsPlant Science
Ohio's Plant Science pathway develops expertise in crop production, horticulture, turf management, and ornamental plant cultivation. The state's rich agricultural heritage and diverse growing operations provide excellent learning contexts for students pursuing horticultural and crop science careers. Students study plant biology, genetics, soil science, pest management, and cultivation techniques through greenhouse operations, field work, and lab-based coursework. They learn precision agriculture technologies and sustainable growing practices that reflect modern commercial operations throughout Ohio. Graduates work as greenhouse managers, landscape technicians, crop consultants, or turf managers with nurseries, landscaping firms, golf courses, and farms. Many continue their education at Ohio State, Ohio University, or specialized horticultural programs while others enter management roles in agricultural supply and service companies.
Agricultural and Environmental SystemsReady to Build Animal Science Programs at Scale?
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