Program Overview
The Graduate Program is designed to provide fundamental training in basic and applied animal sciences. After selecting an area of specialization, students are guided by the academic advisor and advisory committees in designing a program of study that will help to develop the knowledge and skills appropriate to the student's career and professional objectives. Students usually prepare for careers in basic or applied animal sciences in universities, government agencies, and private industry; college teaching; industry, community, and public health education programs; or animal industries.
Animal Sciences Areas of Study
Close faculty advising is a hallmark of our Department's graduate program. Prospective students are encouraged to contact potential faculty advisors and review the key areas of research pursued in the department:
- Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics
- Immunophysiology and Behavior
- Meat Science and Muscle Biology
- Microbiology
- Nutrition
- Production and Environmental Management
- Reproductive Biology
Bioinformatics, Animal Sciences Concentration
The genomic and proteomic projects are generating large amounts of complex biological data that require effective storage, retrieval, analysis and interpretation. The bioinformatics degree program provides students with the skills necessary to augment the understanding and use of agricultural, biological and medical information and resources through the application of molecular, chemical, physical, computational, statistical, mathematical and informatic techniques.
Students interested in the Master of Science in Bioinformatics Animal Sciences concentration may come with undergraduate training in one of the following areas:
- Biological and agricultural sciences
- Statistical, mathematical and computer sciences
- Informatics and engineering sciences
Graduates from the Master of Science in Bioinformatics Animal Sciences concentration program will be able to integrate basic and applied concepts in the areas of bioinformatics, biology, computer science and statistics and applied them to biotechnology and medical research.
The Master of Science in Bioinformatics Animal Sciences concentration requires students to complete a minimum of 36 hours, including 28 hours of course work and 8 hours of thesis research. Students must complete a set of required and elective courses including 12 hours in 500-level courses, 8 hours in courses within the Department of Animal Sciences, and 2 hours in the Department of Animal Sciences seminar.
For more information, visit the University's Bioinformatics Masters Program site.
Affiliated Programs and Specializations
Faculty in Animal Sciences may be members of the campus-wide Nutritional Sciences Division and supervise graduate students in Nutritional Sciences. Application and admission to the Nutritional Sciences Division are coordinated through the Nutritional Sciences office (449 Bevier Hall). A Genetics Specialization is available within the Department of Animal Sciences through the campus wide Genetics Program. Students are admitted to the program after their acceptance by one of the participating departments and review by the Genetics Program Executive Committee of the Graduate College.
Professional Masters Programs
The Department also offers one Professional Masters program in Agricultural Production.
