Animal Science Academics
It is a big responsibility to which animal science graduates will contribute in many ways. The increasing global demand for high quality protein puts those that produce animals and food animal products in a powerful position. Whether you choose direct involvement with animals through managing a ranch, feedlot or swine operation, working with reproductive technologies or nutrition, or assuring the safety and quality of meat animal products, there is a certain gratification in knowing you are helping feed the world.
Where can a degree in Animal Science take me?
Run a ranch, farm or agricultural company
Production management specialization - Many electives allow you to concentrate your studies where you want to – for example, concentrating in economics/business courses prepares you for a career in livestock management, livestock agribusiness and marketing, credit or service industries.
Improve techniques in animal care and production
Science specialization - Adding greater depth in math, chemistry and physical sciences to the animal science core sets you on a course for advanced work in graduate study, biotechnology or other scientific/technical careers.
Stand out in health care for animals
Science specialization, pre-veterinary focus, pre-veterinary medicine - Fulfilling veterinary medical school requirements by majoring in animal science gives you an extra edge in developing your nutrition and management skills with animals.
Gain specialized training in the horse industry
Equine studies minor - Providing instruction in equine health, nutrition and training, along with stable management, this minor gives you an edge in equine careers.
Develop new, value-added meat products
Meat science minor - Developing new products, creating a food safety plan, practicing quality assurance and learning what affects the eating quality of meat products are just some of the things you’ll do in completing this minor.
Find a full listing of program requirements and course offerings in the course catalog.
The Department of Animal Science offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in animal science or the Doctor of Philosophy degree in biological sciences. Faculty and graduate students are actively involved in basic and/or applied research in the fields of nutrition, reproductive physiology, animal breeding, meat science and animal production.
- 60-credit-plan
- 90-credit-plan
The certificate program is available to persons with an earned B.S. degree in animal science or related field, who have an interest in continuing their education in the field of animal sciences without completing a master’s degree.
- Animal breeding
- Meats
- Reproductive physiology
- Ruminant nutrition
- Swine nutrition
Additional Department Admission Requirements
- GRE: Not required
- TOEFL: 550 paper-based; 80 internet-based
- IELTS: 6
- Submission of a current résumé, a letter of application that outlines interests and goals and two letters of recommendation (in addition to materials required by the Graduate School).
Core Requirements
- M.S. students are required to have one credit of Graduate Seminar.
- Ph.D. students are required to have two credits of a Graduate Seminar.
- All students are required to present a seminar on their thesis or dissertation.
Graduate Student Scholarships
- Darwin and JoAnn Britzman Graduate Assistant Scholarship.
- Barry H. Dunn Animal Science Graduate Student Scholarship.
- Meat Nerd: Excellence in Meat Science Scholarship.
