Programs

MS and PhD Programs
Master of Animal Science (MAS) Program
Other Programs

MS and PhD Programs

The core and strength of our program lies in the diversity of our students, distinguished faculty, and joint-international programs.

As a student in our program, you can conduct research in your field of interest and be involved in our teaching program. A member of our faculty will be available to mentor you and to provide guidance throughout your education, teaching, and research experiences. We have also partnered with universities, government entities, and research groups worldwide through formal and informal joint programs to provide you exposure to international research. International programs in Australia, China, Brazil and others provide in-depth exposure to international research.

Our joint programs include:
  • CSIRO, Australia
  • Animal Welfare Science Centre, University of Melbourne, Australia
  • AgResearch, New Zealand
  • DairyNZ, Hamilton, New Zealand
  • University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
  • Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu and Jaboticabal, Brazil

Our students routinely conduct research or study abroad at these institutions or others. Graduates of our PhD program are consistently placed in tenure-track positions in universities such as Purdue, Florida, Virginia Tech, University of Maryland, and Southern Utah University. Graduates are also employed in prestigious industry or international research scientist positions, in USDA-ARS positions, or in animal production, postdoctoral, or Extension educator positions. We invite you to explore our web site for more information about opportunities in the Department of Animal Sciences.

Master of Animal Science (MAS) Program

The Master in Animal Science (MAS) program was developed to provide an applied, non-thesis degree for graduates and professionals.

The program is aimed at students who want to increase their knowledge and competence at the graduate level in preparing to enter industry or professional school, but who do not have specific goals of entering into research positions in academia.

The program also serves working professionals who want to gain new knowledge concerning recent advancements in various subjects to promote their careers, and it fulfills continuing education needs of science educators.

Flexibility of courses that emphasize Animal Sciences principles, business, communication, education, etc. is an important component of the program. It is important to note that the MAS program is not intended to replace the traditional MS option currently offered by the department. Associateships are not currently offered to MAS students at this time.

MAS Curriculum

The curriculum requires a minimum of 35 credit hours of semester-based instruction, a culminating paper, and a comprehensive written and oral examination administered by the advisory committee.

Students complete

  • a core of courses (9 credit hours)

and select a specialization:

  • Animal Sciences (12 credit hours)
  • Animal Nutrition (12 credits hours)
  • Meat Science (13 credit hours)

Electives (14 credit hours) to complete the credit hour minimum are selected by the student and his/her advisory committee.

Other Programs

Graduate students also have the opportunity to obtain their degrees through two interdisciplinary paths related to the animal sciences. Click on the titles below to learn more about these programs.

The Department also partners with the College of Medicine’s MD/PhD program along with the College of Veterinary Medicine’s DVM/PhD program.