Master of Science
The MS is available to qualified students with bachelor’s degrees. MS degrees are offered by the department in animal science and dairy science, with five specializations in each, and in bioveterinary science. Course Requirements
Course requirements are determined by the student in consultation with and upon agreement by his or her supervisory committee. Depending on the research emphasis selected and the student’s background, these requirements may be different for each student. Students working toward an MS or PhD degree must complete appropriate graduate-level statistics courses, as well as participate in the Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences departmental seminar. Specializations in Animal/Dairy Science
Animal Nutrition
This specialization involves studies in biochemistry, principles of nutrition, animal management, nutritional physiology, and animal feedstuffs. Cooperation with producers, feed industry groups, other departments of the University, and USDA collaborators, along with research funding from private industry, strengthens the graduate program in this area. Breeding and Genetics
This specialization involves studies in quantitative genetics, applied animal genetics, statistics, and animal management. Cooperation with other departments, particularly the Department of Biology and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and collaboration with other research institutions, livestock producers, and commercial animal breeding companies broadens the resources of this graduate program. Molecular Biology
This specialization involves studies in molecular genetics, biochemistry of nucleic acids, cell biology, reproductive physiology, and bioveterinary science. Cooperation with other departments, particularly the Department of Biology and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the Biotechnology Center, and collaborators at other research institutions allows for a strong graduate program in this area. Reproductive Biology
This specialization involves studies in physiology and endocrinology of reproduction; embryo technology, including collection, culture, manipulation, storage, and transfer of embryos; disease transmission, cytogenetics and molecular genetics; and environmental and toxicological influences on reproductive processes and fetal development. Cooperation with other departments and research centers of the University and with USDA collaborators allows for a strong graduate program in this area. Animal or Dairy Management (MS Only)
This specialization involves studies in the applications of the principles of genetics, reproductive biology, and nutrition to animal or dairy management at an advanced level. Appropriate emphasis is also placed on statistics, economics and business administration, and range management. The management specialization offers the option of degree programs with or without thesis (Plan A or Plan B). Graduates in management from a program including thesis (Plan A) may pursue advanced studies in more specialized fields. The MS in management without a thesis (Plan B) is considered a terminal degree. |
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