Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Biology

A Ph.D. degree in Animal Biology is offered by the Animal Biology Graduate Group. The program of study is interdisciplinary, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of animal biology. Research interests of mentoring faculty cover a continuum from basic to applied. In general, research is mission-oriented, recognizing that practical solutions require a sound knowledge of the complete biology of the organism, system, and environment. Over 30 faculty work in disciplines such as behavior, ecology, genetics, nutrition, and physiology, and the intersections of these disciplines. The Animal Biology Graduate Group is housed in the Department of Animal Science. Many of the mentoring faculty are located within the Animal Science Department but there are faculty members in the Animal Biology Graduate Group located outside the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Animal biology encompasses the discipline-based studies of domesticated and wild animals and animal management systems. Understanding of the multifaceted aspects of organismal biology is a critical context for interpretation of molecular, cellular, and behavioral observations. Students gain advanced knowledge of animal biology from lipid modification and the interaction of the immune system with animal growth, to conservation of indigenous species, cloning and reproduction, and the interaction of animal behavior with genetic modification. Students graduate with the qualitative and quantitative skills necessary for professional research and teaching in integrated animal biology and animal agriculture.

Admission to the Ph.D. requires a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an institution of acceptable standing. An undergraduate major in a biological discipline or equivalent preparation will be considered adequate preparation for admission. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.

TOEFL iBT - Minimum Score: 80

IELTS - Minimum Score: 7.0 on a 9-point scale

Duolingo English Test - Minimum Score: 115

Admission Deadlines
Priority: Jan 15
General: May 1
Space Available: Jun 1