Master of Science (M.S.) in Animal Sciences

The Graduate Program in the Animal Sciences offers graduate study leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The master’s degree program does not offer the non-thesis option. Faculty research interests include: Cell, molecular and developmental biology studies, gene expression of the neuroendocrine system during growth and development, molecular genetics of metal and heme homeostasis in animals, maintenance of pluripotency and cell lineage determination in early embryos and embryonic stem cells, regulation of gene expression during embryonic patterning, neuro- and reproductive endocrinology in avian species, and virology, immunology and microbial pathogenesis of significance to animal agriculture; Nutrition and intermediary metabolism of ruminants and non-ruminants, regulation of milk fat production in dairy cattle, modeling for nutrient management, nutrient management in avian and other monogastric species, including forage utilization in horses; nutritional immunology, nutrient sensing, metabolic homeostasis, companion and exotic animal nutrition; Aquaculture related fish physiology and cryopreservation of germ cells, and; Application of computational and systems biology to quantitative genetics, genomics, epigenetics, selection theory and breeding for the improvement of domestic animals and conservation genetics.

Applicants should have a strong background in animal or poultry science or one of the biological or veterinary sciences. e.g., nutrition, physiology, biology, biochemistry, cell-molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, virology, or their subdisciplines. Previous research experience (industry or academia) related to the field of interest is advantageous. While having earned a master's degree in a related field will strengthen an application for the Ph.D. program, it is not required. Earned Degree: Baccalaureate (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university (by starting term of the ANSC Program) Minimum Undergraduate GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale Combined GRE Score (optional): 300.