The Department of Animal Sciences offers graduate work leading to the master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees. Fields of specialization include animal breeding and genetics, animal behavior, biochemistry, environmental physiology, immunobiology, meat science and muscle biology, microbiology, nutrition, systems of animal management and production, physiology of lactation, and physiology of reproduction. Beef and dairy cattle, horses, poultry, sheep, swine, and a variety of companion and laboratory animals are available for study. Students must take the Graduate Record Examination and are strongly recommended to take the advanced test in chemistry or biology. Emphasis is placed on a student's interest and ability in research as demonstrated by previous work and letters of recommendation.
Admission is possible for spring semester.
Graduate Teaching Experience Experience in teaching is considered a vital part of the graduate program and is required as part of the academic work of all Ph.D. candidates in this program. A comprehensive oral examination concerning the thesis and other areas of animal agriculture will be required. Doctoral candidates must complete a minimum of 16 units of credit beyond the requirements for the M.S. degree, including at least five units of advanced lecture and laboratory courses, one unit of seminar, and eight units of thesis research. Students must pass preliminary and final examinations administered by committees appointed by the dean of the Graduate College. The final examination is limited to a presentation and defense of the thesis research.