Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Career Cluster

Revised May 2024

The Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) career cluster focuses on the essential elements of life, including food, water, land, and air. This career cluster includes occupations ranging from farmer and rancher to veterinarian, geologist, land conservationist, and florist.

Statewide Program of Study: Animal Science

The Animal Science program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with the science, research, and business of animals and other living organisms. This program includes applying biology and life science to real-world life processes of animals and wildlife in laboratory and field environments such as veterinary offices, farms, ranches, and other outdoor settings. Students research and analyze growth and extinction of species and study disease diagnosis and prevention.

Secondary Courses for High School Credit

• Level 1: Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
• Level 2:
  • Small Animal Management
  • Equine Science
• Level 3: No Level 3 course offered; current sequence completes endorsement requirements
• Level 4:
  • Advanced Animal Science
  • Veterinary Medical Applications
  • Practicum in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (Veterinary Medical Applications)

Aligned Advanced Academic Courses

• AP Biology

Students should consult a counselor about course options for their preparation. AP or IB courses not listed under the Secondary Courses for High School Credit may not count toward concentrator or completer status for this program of study.

Work-Based Learning and Expanded Learning Opportunities

Work-Based Learning Activities

• Shadow an animal scientist in a biology lab to learn about applying science to animals and wildlife
• Intern in a veterinary clinic caring for animals and observing animal care in a clinical setting

Expanded Learning Opportunities

• Participate in an FFA career, leadership, and speaking contest such as an agriscience fair
• Attend an agricultural industry seminar

Example Postsecondary Opportunities

Apprenticeships

• Reproduction Technician

Associate Degrees

• Biological and Physical Sciences
• Entomology

Bachelor’s Degrees

• Animal Science
• Zoology/Animal Biology

Graduate Degrees

• Marine Sciences
• Biotechnology

Additional Stackable Licenses

• Veterinarian
• Certified Veterinary Technician

Example Aligned Occupations

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

• Median Wage: $29,906
• Annual Openings: 1,348
• 10-Year Growth: 24%

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

• Median Wage: $33,679
• Annual Openings: 1,217
• 10-Year Growth: 24%

Veterinarian

• Median Wage: $103,160
• Annual Openings: 347
• 10-Year Growth: 26%

Aligned Industry-Based Certifications Offered in LCISD

• Certified Veterinary Assistant, Level I
• Elanco Fundamentals of Animal Science Certification
• Elanco Veterinary Medical Applications Certification

Additional Information

Successful completion of the Animal Science program of study fulfills requirements of the Business and Industry endorsement.

Data Source: TexasWages, Texas Workforce Commission (Retrieved March 8, 2024)

https://tea.texas.gov/academics/college-career-and-military-prep/career-and-technical-education/programs-of-study