With the COVID-19 threat hanging above our heads, Americans are buckling up for the long ride. There is a shortage of many essential supplies—and the sadder part is that it’s more than just toilet paper and cleaning products!
In May 2020, pork, beef, chicken, and organ meat supplies reached critical levels. The nationwide meat shortage prompted President Donald Trump to sign the Defense Production Act, reinstating the services of meat handlers and processing plants to normalize the supply chain.
The meat shortage is compelling American consumers to explore creative ways to get their fill. Some have resorted to big-game hunting so that they could get their hands on meat amid the pandemic. While many slaughterhouses have closed up shops, certain locally based, small-sized meat packing facilities are reopening and being flocked by customers.
Banking on people’s love for meat products, a career in Meat Science is therefore worth exploring!
Meat Science is a discipline under the Food Science and Technology umbrella that is concerned with the understanding of quality control practices and principles to make better products for consumers. It studies factors and conditions before the animal is processed (antemortem), including animal husbandry and breeding practices, as well the processing and packing (postmortem) stages before they are distributed across the supply chain.
The study relating to these processes dates back to 1893, when the University of Minnesota offered its first course on meat preparation. Today, various schools across the United States offer Meat Science programs that lead to lucrative careers.
We rounded up the country’s top-rated institutions that are well-known for their academic programs and courses in Meat Science. Appearing in no particular order, these schools and programs share exceptional features that produce the best-skilled workforce.
This list was developed with these criteria in mind:
- Rigorous coursework focusing on the many facets of meat production, preparation, and distribution.
- Modern facilities and up-to-date principles that reflect the industry’s meat production and processing technologies and practices, giving students an insight into their future careers.
- Exposes students to field experience through internships and collaborative projects with major associations and key players in the meat industry.
- Undergraduate and graduate programs are available for fundamental or advanced Meat Science education and training.
- Offers certification programs aimed at industry professionals seeking to advance their skills or students aiming to supplement their formal Meat Science training.
- All programs are properly accredited by academic agencies, and recognized by meat industry associations.
- On-campus or online options are available.
Please check out our Methodology page for more information.
Texas Tech University
BS in Animal Science, Meat Science Concentration
Lubbock, TX
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- American Meat Science Association (AMSA)
Degree Program:
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 34%
The Meat Science concentration of the Bachelor of Science in Animal Science program students at Texas Tech University equips students with the knowledge and training in the areas of meat processing, science, and safety.
A related focus of study under the B.S. in Animal Science Program is Business Concentration, which blends Animal Science with Business and Economics to prepare students for career pathways that involve livestock production and support services.
The Production Concentration deals with scientific principles for livestock production, marketing, and processing. Meanwhile, the Science Concentration integrates the principles of advanced sciences to prepare students for an advanced degree.
All classes are taught in person and require a specific number of laboratory work and learning activities for exposure to the industry.
Learn more about Texas Tech University’s BS in Animal Science, Meat Science Concentration.
Texas A&M University
Graduate Certification in Meat Science or Master of Agriculture in the Meat Industry
College Station, TX
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)
- American Meat Science Association (AMSA)
Degree Programs:
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 55%
Owing to its research-driven curriculum and decorated extension programs, Texas A&M University’s Meat Science Program of the Department of Animal Science is the industry’s best-ranking, according to the Meat & Poultry Magazine.
TAMU’s Certificate in Meat Science requires at least 18 credit hours. Students must complete these four required courses: Meats, Food Bacteriology, Advanced Meat Science & Technology, and Analysis & Critical Control Point System. This certificate program is offered to TAMU students enrolled in any graduate program.
Meanwhile, The Master of Agriculture in the Meat Industry (MAgrMI) degree program involves supplemental coursework on top of the students’ internships. The program is designed to impart Meat Science training and skills in the areas of management, marketing, communication, and leadership for future careers in the meat industry.
Learn more about Texas A&M University’s GRADUATE CERTIFICATION IN MEAT SCIENCE OR MASTER OF AGRICULTURE IN THE MEAT INDUSTRY.
Iowa State University
MS and PHD in Meat Science
Ames, IA
Accreditations:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- American Meat Science Association (AMSA)
Degree Programs:
- Master of Science and Ph.D. in Meat Science
- Undergraduate minor in Meat Science
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Retention Rate: 100% (for more than 7 years)
Graduation Rate: 47%
Iowa State University awards M.S. and Ph.D. in Meat Science degrees to successful graduate students who complete coursework, training, and research in the areas of animal physiology, fresh meat quality, biochemistry, meat processing technology, meat preservation, and meat packaging. The meat research programs include Microbiology and Food Safety as vital components.
ISU’s Meat Science graduate program exposes students to the meat industry through networking, research collaboration, and internships. To supplement their training, graduate students also get access to on-campus courses and collaborative research projects.
Learn more about Iowa State University’s Master of Science and Ph.D. in Meat Science.
Oklahoma State University
BS in Agriculture in Food Science: Meat Science
Stillwater, OK
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC); American Meat Science Association (AMSA)
Degree Program:
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 39%
Oklahoma State University’s baccalaureate agriculture program in food science offers a specific path to meat science. This would allow students to earn competencies in understanding what carcasses and meat in the market are composed of. Through the food science spectrum, elements of food safety, microbiology, product development, and animal harvesting techniques are all part of the theory and practice requirements.
Learn more about Oklahoma State University’s Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Food Science: Meat Science.
Kansas State University
BS in Agriculture – Animal Products Study & Meat Science & Food Safety Certificate
Manhattan, KS
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- American Meat Science Association (AMSA)
Degree Program:
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 34%
Kansas State University offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in Agriculture that focuses on Animal Products, one of the program’s six key areas.
KSU also offers a Meat Science & Food Safety Certification for those who wish to seek expertise across livestock and meat species. It is aimed at identifying, advising, and preparing students for the demands of the meat processing industry.
KSU’s Meat Science programs are offered on the Manhattan campus and via distance learning.
FUN FACT: Did you know that the State of Kansas ranks second in U.S. meat processing?
Learn more about Kansas State University’s BS IN AGRICULTURE – ANIMAL PRODUCTS STUDY & MEAT SCIENCE & FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATE.
Ohio State University
BS in Agriculture with a Major in Meat Science
Columbus, OH
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- American Meat Science Association (AMSA)
Degree Program:
Acceptance Rate: 52%
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 59%
Ohio State University’s Department of Animal Sciences offers multiple Meat Science major and minor options that can help jumpstart your career pathway. In particular, the Bachelor of Science Agriculture major in Meat Science is your direct link to the meat industry by diving into courses that feature the many processes and principles.
OSU’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences also offers Food Safety, Labeling, and Processing courses through its Meat Science Extension program.
Learn more about Ohio State University’s BS IN AGRICULTURE WITH A MAJOR IN MEAT SCIENCE Program.
Angelo State University
BS in Food Animal Science and Marketing
San Angelo, TX
Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- American Meat Science Association (AMSA)
Degree Program:
- Bachelor of Science in Food Animal Science and Marketing
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Retention Rate: 66%
Graduation Rate: 21%
Angelo State University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Food Animal Science and Marketing is designed to address the demands of the industry. This undergraduate program imparts the disciplines and principles of effective meat product production and marketing utilized by industry leaders.
Learn more about Angelo State University’s BS IN FOOD ANIMAL SCIENCE AND MARKETING Degree program.
University of Florida
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Life Sciences – Food Animal
Gainesville, FL
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- American Meat Science Association (AMSA)
Degree Program:
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Retention Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 68%
University of Florida’s baccalaureate program in Agricultural and Life Sciences offers a Food Animal Specialization, which offers coursework on dairy cattle, beef cattle, and meat safety and processing. The topics covered also include the production of domestic livestock and animal products.
In offering the undergraduate program with Food Animal concentration, the UF integrates up-to-date technologies that focus on equipping students with the competencies required by the industry.
Recommended Schools
Learn more about the University of Florida’s Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Life Sciences – Food Animal.
Pennsylvania State University
BS in Animal Science
University Park, PA
Accreditation:
- American Meat Science Association (AMSA)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE);)
Degree Program:
- Bachelor of Science in Animal Science (Science, Business, or Animal Management concentration)
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Retention Rate: 93%
Graduation Rate: 66%
At the College of Agricultural Sciences at Pennsylvania State University, students earn the Bachelor of Science in Animal Science degree. This program has two concentrations:
- The Business and Animal Management option focuses on the many components of agribusiness, particularly in the animal and food industries
- The Science option focuses on the biological sciences for post-baccalaureate study. It is ideal as a pre-veterinary or pre-medicine option.
Learn more about Pennsylvania State University’s BS in Animal Science degree program.
West Texas A&M University
BS in Animal Science
Canyon, TX
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- American Meat Science Association (AMSA)
Degree Program:
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Retention Rate: 65%
Graduation Rate: 28%
West Texas A&M University has a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science program with two specialties to choose from. Majors in Agriculture include specializations such as Agricultural Business and Economics and Agricultural Media and Communication. Otherwise, there is a streamlined program that’s more specific to the Animal Science program, with science cores including Farm and Ranch Management and Meat, Animal and Carcass Evaluation.
Learn more about West Texas A&M’s BS degree program in Animal Science.
South Dakota State University
MS in Animal Science and phd in Animal Science or Biological Science
Brookings, SD
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC); American Meat Science Association (AMSA)
Degree Program:
- Master of Science in Animal Science
- Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science/Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Science
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 36%
South Dakota State University’s MS and Ph.D. in Animal Science acquire training and education in applied research in Meat Science, among other facets of the program. The school’s Department of Animal Science works closely with the Dairy Science, the Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, and the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering departments to equip graduate students with top-quality research experience.
Designed for working professionals, the Animal Science Certificate program addresses the need for continuing education of food animal agriculture workers.
Learn more about South Dakota State University’s MS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE and PHD IN ANIMAL SCIENCE OR BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE degree programs.
University of Nebraska
BS in Animal Science/Meat Science
Lincoln, NE
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- American Meat Science Association (AMSA)
Degree Program:
- Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, Major in Meat Science
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Retention Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 41%
The University of Nebraska’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources offers a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, with Meat Science as a specific area of study. Classes are conducted in-person, with specific modules dedicated to practical training. Under this program, students can study all aspects of the meat and food industry, determining the biochemical components of meat and muscle, and standard food safety and product logistics practices followed across the supply chain.
Learn more about the University of Nebraska’s BS in Animal Science/Meat Science degree program.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Master Meat Crafter 2-Year Training Program
Madison, WI
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- American Meat Science Association (AMSA)
- Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)
Degree Program:
Acceptance Rate: 52%
Retention Rate: 95%
Graduation Rate: 62%
A part of the extension program of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Master Meat Crafter Training Program is a unique, two-year in-person certification program. Upon program completion, the title “Master Meat Crafter” is bestowed upon the graduates. This program’s coursework includes Meat Science, Food Safety Techniques, and Principles of Meat Processing.
Learn more about the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Master Meat Crafter 2-Year Training Program.
Tarleton State University
BS in Animal Science – Meat & Food Science
Stephenville, TX
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- American Meat Science Association (AMSA)
Degree Program:
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 50% within six years
The Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Technology at Tarleton State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science Program. It features six areas of concentration, namely Business, Animal Production, Science, Meat and Food Science, Pre-veterinary Medicine, and Range and Ranch Management.
The Meat and Food Science pathway is an eight-semester program that requires in-person classes, with practical training included in the curriculum. It is primarily offered at Tarleton’s Stephenville location but the course availability and rotation may vary.
Learn more about Tarleton State University’s BS in Animal Science – Meat & Food Science program.
University of Kentucky
BS in Animal Sciences and Graduate degree in Animal Sciences
Lexington, KY
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- American Meat Science Association (AMSA)
Degree Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences – Food Industry Option
- Graduate Program in Animal Sciences (Master’s or Doctoral)
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Retention Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 44%
The University of Kentucky’s Department of Animal & Food Sciences offers the Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences that, besides the other facets of the study, equips students with theories and practices for processing and preserving animal-derived foods.
Through the Master’s and Doctoral programs in Animal Sciences, graduate students can choose to specialize in food and food processes focusing on meats, dairy products, food microbiology, muscle biology, or food chemistry.
Learn more about the University of Kentucky’s Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences – Food Industry Option and Graduate Program in Animal Sciences (Master’s or Doctoral).
Why should I consider a Meat Science degree program and career?
Did you know that, from eating around 120 pounds of meat each year in the ‘70s, the typical American now consumes a whopping 143.9 pounds annually or roughly 2.5 pounds every week? Data shown by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service say so!
The USDA further reveals that in 2017, 50% of the American diet consisted of red meat, and 40% comprised of poultry. Consequently, in terms of demand for supplies in the agriculture category, meat and poultry industries take the cake. In the same year, The total meat production reached more than 50 billion pounds, and poultry production was at 48 billion pounds.
Apparently, Americans are heavily invested in a carnivorous lifestyle. The pandemic may be a revelation of the fact, despite warnings of the ill effects of consuming meat products, and the heavy promotion of new consumption ideologies such as vegetarianism and plant-based eating.
What are the best career outcomes of a Meat Science degree?
Meat Science graduates find exciting career opportunities in the areas of meat production, processing, distribution, and marketing. With specialized training, they also land career paths in research, teaching, and regulatory affairs. There are opportunities in the food industry, academia, non-profit organizations, and government institutions.
The North American Meat Institute says that the meat industry has more than half a million workers. Majority of them are production line supervisors, operators, food processing workers, and meat cutters. They make $33,610 annually.
Why is Meat Science important as a focus of study?
The Meat Science programs offered in American universities are aimed at maintaining high standards of research that ultimately lead to the determination of strategies and applications for meat quality, food safety, and food delivery.
Meat Science emphasizes the use of consistent, cutting-edge research and modern facility for meat selection, meat grading, meat processing, meat safety, and meat merchandising. For this reason, numerous colleges and universities run their Meat Science programs in collaboration with government entities and industry groups.
Industry leaders are usually tapped for Meat Science projects that are designed to meet the needs of the sector and the businesses and organizations that comprise it. In colleges and universities, many of the meat courses are taught by industry experts.
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