Applicants with degrees in animal or food science, biology, or chemistry are often given preference. Government jobs may require a civil service exam. A Ph.D. is generally required for college teaching, independent research and advancement to administrative research positions and management jobs. A master's degree is sufficient for some jobs in applied research. A bachelor's is adequate for beginning positions, but advancement may be limited to those with higher degrees.
Most employers prefer to hire animal scientists with farm experience and graduate degrees.