Program Overview

The animal science master’s degree develops individual skills and personalizes college courses to prepare students to be competitive in the diverse field of animal science. With a program emphasis on the importance of experiential learning with different animal species, students will engage in learning experiences with many livestock animals, like beef and dairy cattle, poultry, swine, and sheep.

Coursework and research prepare students for the investigation of fundamental problems associated with animal production and strengthen knowledge in animal science, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, genomics, and statistics.

Diverse research opportunities and unique opportunities for animal science students allow for an individualized program with helpful and accessible faculty and staff.

Concentrations

Students in this graduate program pursue a general degree in animal science.

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Why study Animal Science?

Student Funding Opportunities

There are multiple opportunities for students to finance their master’s degree in animal science, like teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and biweekly payroll assignments.

Cutting-Edge Research

Through the thesis track program, students engage in research projects within the animal science industry, utilizing state-of-the-art on-campus facilities. Research areas include animal health and welfare, genetics and genomics, nutrition physiology, and reproductive physiology.

Professors in the department have dual appointments in teaching and research, making valuable experiences easily accessible for students.

Dual Degree

The Department of Animal Science offers an accelerated five-year BS/MS program, designed to help you earn both a bachelor’s degree and a thesis-based master’s degree in animal science efficiently. You can take up to nine graduate credits during your senior year that count toward both degrees. Students are considered for conditional admission during or right after their third undergraduate year, with exciting opportunities to start your own research project alongside a supportive graduate advisory committee. To get started, simply complete the “Animal Science Conditional Admission 5 Year BS-MS” form, which requires signatures from you, your advisory committee, the graduate director, and the undergraduate coordinator before submission to the Graduate School.

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What can you do with a degree in Animal Science?

Graduates work in areas such as animal pharmaceuticals, nutrition, reproduction, genetics, farm and animal management, food safety, and veterinary medicine. Potential job titles include but are not limited to animal nutritionist, geneticist, reproduction specialist, veterinary technician, livestock manager, pharmaceutical sales representative, food safety specialist, research scientist, Extension agent, and farm operations manager, among others. This thesis-based program also provides excellent preparation for those interested in pursuing a PhD in animal science.

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