It's funny that such a common career path can pull so many questions from people who may not know about its contents. Why yes, my major is animal science, and here are a few questions I get asked more often than I can count (Not really, I have taken math classes with all of my science):

1. "So you want to be a veterinarian?"

No. Plain and simple. That isn't my only career option for this degree, even though people think that is the most common. I don't want to go to school for another 4 years to be paid about half as much as a doctor.

2. "So...what do you want to be?"

Nutritionist, geneticist, feed sales rep, pharmaceuticals rep, rancher, research technician, trade specialist, university professor, extension education, business rep, and the list goes on over the diverse opportunities.

3. "You must really like animals?"

I suppose. I'd hope most future doctors and teachers really like people, right?

4. "Do you only take science classes?"

I mean it feels like it, but on top of that my semester looks a lot like an arts student, with theater, Spanish and communications classes. It's good to be well rounded in any major.

5. "Are your classes easy?"

Let's take a look into a semester course for a typical sophomore. Anatomy and physiology of animals. PLURAL. Not just human anatomy, but relate it to seven or eight different bodies. You now have a typical animal science course. Go ahead and add that, plus chemistry, biology, agriculture economics, accounting, and lots lots more.

6. "You can't get a job outside of animal agriculture with that degree, can you?"

I know top agriculture economists that have the same degree that I'm working towards. I also know fantastic farmers and ranch owners with the same background. Even political leaders hold this degree, so I'm not too worried about being "stuck" with animal science my whole life.

7. "Don't most people just farm with that degree?"

First of all, "just farming" is where all of your food and much more comes from. Second, yes, a lot of people get a college degree to be successful and educated producers. Animal science, agribusiness, agriculture economics... they are all helpful degrees.

8. "Do you get to work with animals every day?"

I wish. That would pass the class time quickly. But a lot of days, especially lab classes, we do have hands on activities that help with learning systems firsthand.

9. "What's your favorite animal?"

I love this question because I usually answer differently every time to keep people on their toes. So happy guessing!

Simple as that. I study animals and it's pretty awesome. I love working in the agriculture industry because I know my place can impact a lot of people, and animals. How neat?