Animal science offers an opportunity for training in a diversity of basic sciences and the integration of such knowledge into the framework of a living system. Students can major in animal science or co-major in animal science and one of the following disciplines: biochemistry, genomics, genetics, microbiology, nutrition, physiology or statistics. Students can also concentrate in management and production areas.
Admission Requirements
Factors considered for admission include: grade point average, scores on the GRE, undergraduate courses, experiences, statement of interest, and letters of recommendation. In addition, a member of the Animal Science Graduate Faculty must be willing to serve as the applicant's advisor for the M.S. program.
Master of Science
A minimum of 30 credit hours, including 18 hours of graduate level course work in the degree program, is required. Students also complete and defend a thesis based on their research. The minor is optional. If a student selects a minor, the advisory committee must include a member from the minor field.
Master of Animal Science
The non-thesis Master of Animal Science (MR) degree (Option B) requires a minimum of 36 credit hours, 19 credits of core courses and 17 credits of elective courses. The MR degree program is also offered through distance education.
Student Financial Support
A limited number of research and teaching assistantships are available for students in the M.S. degree program through the department and are awarded on a competitive basis. Students are also supported by research grant funds awarded to faculty members. The total support package includes health insurance, tuition, and a stipend. Students applying for assistantships should apply by January 31 for fall admission.
Other Relevant Information
To provide an opportunity for students to develop their teaching skills, graduate students in a program that includes a thesis are required to assist in the departmental teaching program regardless of source of financial support. All graduate students in the Department of Animal Science who are mentored by departmental graduate faculty members are required to teach a minimum of one semester during their M.S. program.


