Launch Your Career Working with Animals at SUU
Posted: September 16, 2026 | Author: Kate Lyons | Read Time: 5 minutes
At Southern Utah University (SUU), students don’t have to choose between a fulfilling career and following their passions. If you are an animal lover and are wondering how to secure a long-term career working with animals big and small, wild and domestic, you’ve come to the right place! SUU offers eleven degrees to work with animals that can help you achieve your dream job.
Bachelor’s Degrees to Work with Animals
Agriculture - Animal Science and Industries Emphasis
SUU’s wide range of electives allows you to take your bachelor’s degree in agriculture with an emphasis in animal science and industries anywhere you choose. Study business-related topics to prepare for a job in management or take more science and math courses to prepare for a career addressing the medical needs of animals. The main portion of this degree focuses on the science, economics, politics, culture, and history of agriculture. After graduation, you’ll be equipped to journey into a career addressing nutrition, genetics, and care of common livestock animals. If the idea of managing a farm or providing care to animals fascinates you, then this is the degree for you!
Biology
Explore the origins, functions, and structures of living organisms, as well as the growth and evolution of things big and small. SUU’s bachelor’s degree in biology incorporates labs, microbiology, ecology, and more. If your dream is to become a veterinarian, wildlife biologist, zoologist, animal trainer, or even an animal scientist, this degree will set you on your path. Upon graduation, you will have opportunities to work in education, in government, in a laboratory, or with wildlife.
Environmental Science
Study Earth’s ecosystems and how humans and animals contribute to their surroundings with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. SUU’s program is rooted in geosciences, providing an interdisciplinary approach to earth systems. Students will gain the skills and knowledge necessary for solving contemporary issues related to the natural environment. The degree also allows some flexibility for students to tailor the degree to their liking and land in a career meant to help protect our fragile ecosystems.
Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism
Enjoy the journey of earning a degree that allows you to be outdoors and with animals. SUU’s degree in outdoor recreation in parks and tourism applies a disciplinary approach by incorporating agricultural science, biology, communications, geology, and hotel and hospitality management. Prepare yourself to triumphantly work in government, in protected natural areas, or in outdoor leadership. If graduate school is on your list of goals, this bachelor’s degree can help you get there and stand out on your application. Discover the many possibilities that a degree in outdoor recreation can take you!
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
By combining SUU’s bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in agriculture, students can set themselves up to be accepted into a veterinary school on the Pre-Veterinary Medicine track. Students earn a B.S. in Biology or Agriculture with a pre-vet emphasis to complete vet school prerequisites. SUU also offers the option to earn your bachelor’s degree in agriculture with an emphasis in animal science and industries and then use appropriate physical science and biological courses as electives. No matter which route you take on your climb to being a veterinarian, SUU will help you to reach your peak.
Graduate Degrees to Work With Animals
Master of Interdisciplinary Studies
If you’re curious if there is a way to help animals without being in the medical or agricultural world, we have great news! The Master of Interdisciplinary Studies program at SUU offers opportunities to work with animals through Contemporary Animal Services Pathways. The pathways include the Best Friends Executive Leadership Certification, Best Friends Professional Development Symposium, Principles of Contemporary Animal Services, or the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies emphasis in Principles of Contemporary Animal Services. These pathways are available specifically to SUU students through a partnership with Best Friends Animal Society.
Certifications to Work With Animals
Agriculture - Livestock Farm Management
A certificate in agriculture - livestock farm management requires a fraction of the credit hours compared to a degree, while providing students with the same great educational experience. Upon completion of the certificate, you’ll be able to demonstrate agricultural knowledge and possess the resources to solve problems. Obtain knowledge from industry experts about cows, pigs, horses, and sheep, as well as crops, nutrition, soil, communication, business, and so much more. This certificate provides students with hands-on experiences, readying them for a fulfilling career in a fraction of the time!
Minors to Work With Animals
Biology
If you’re looking for a way to add to a different major, minoring in biology may give you that nudge you need to land your dream career working with animals. You’ll dive into topics on physiology, development, evolution, and environmental adaptation. The minor requires less than 20 credit hours for the core requirements in addition to a few credits of electives. You’ll be sure to stand out with a minor in biology while working in a job that fits your passions.
Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism
SUU’s minor in outdoor recreation in parks and tourism can elevate your major and get you where you want to go. You’ll learn the foundations of outdoor recreation, risk management, and technical outdoor skills, plus a range of interdisciplinary topics that can also apply to animals. You’ll be set to take on employment opportunities with local, state, and national agencies, or you can work in protected areas or wilderness adventure/therapy organizations.
Animal-Related Clubs at SUU
Animal Ambassadors
Maybe you want a degree in something else but still want to work with animals. The Animal Ambassadors Club is the perfect place for you! Housed in the Biology Department, this club educates the public about animals, science, and studying the sciences at SUU. It also provides opportunities for students to engage in meaningful community service and a place for students to share their knowledge and discuss a range of topics.
No matter which path you decide to take, SUU is ready to support you every step of the way. Learning about a wide variety of animals from industry professionals, SUU equips students with a multitude of programs and degrees to work with animals. Making a difference in the world with a degree from SUU is the next step in your big adventure.
