Animal Sciences, MS
for the Master of Science in Animal Sciences
The Department of Animal Sciences offers graduate work leading to the Master of Science in Animal Sciences degree. Fields of specialization include:
- animal breeding, genetics, and bioinformatics
- animal behavior
- biochemistry
- environmental physiology
- immunobiology
- meat science and muscle biology
- microbiology
- nutrition
- systems of animal management and production, precision management
- physiology of lactation
- physiology of reproduction
Beef and dairy cattle, horses, poultry, sheep, swine, and companion and laboratory animals are available for study. Experience in teaching, extension, or outreach is encouraged as part of the academic work.
Admission
Candidates for admission to the M.S. program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution equivalent to those from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (A = 4.0) for the last two years of undergraduate work and for any graduate study is required for admission. Candidates for admission that have a GPA between 2.75 and 2.99 can request special consideration of the application materials submitted. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required for admission. English proficiency requirements for admission follow Graduate College requirements. Application materials include baccalaureate degree transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. Admission is possible for fall (mid-August), spring (mid-January), and summer (mid-June) semesters. Candidates for admission are encouraged to submit the complete application package no later than 2 months before the start of the desired admission semester.
for the Master of Science in Animal Sciences
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Handbook and the Graduate College Handbook.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Lecture and laboratory classes (400- and at least 2 hours of 500-level courses in consultation with the faculty advisor or Animal Sciences graduate programs office); excludes ANSC 590 or ANSC 591 and ANSC 599) | 22 | |
| Graduate seminar (ANSC 590 or ANSC 591) enrollment is required every semester (max 2 hours can be applied to the degree) | 2 | |
| ANSC 599 | Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree) | 8 |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Other Requirements
| Requirement |
|---|
| Other Requirements and conditions may overlap |
| Minimum Hours Overall Required Within the Unit: 8 |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: 12 |
| A comprehensive oral examination concerning the thesis and other areas of animal agriculture is required. |
| Thesis Deposit Required: Yes |
| Minimum GPA: 3.0 |
for the Master of Science in Animal Sciences
The recipient of a Master of Science in Animal Sciences will demonstrate:
- Graduate-level understanding of essential concepts and approaches in the area of animal science specialization. The essential concepts will enable the graduate to secure a mid-level management position in industry or government agencies or pursue Ph.D. studies and to advance throughout the professional ranks.
- Capacity to execute supervised thesis research including
- understanding of the scientific method, research objectives, materials and methods, basic data analysis, and appreciation of the findings; and
- leadership on the implementation of essential research activities.
- Ability to effectively communicate essential disciplinary knowledge and thesis research findings in oral and written formats.
- Aptitude to advocate for interdisciplinary research and education efforts to improve food security, food safety, animal and human health and well-being or environmental stewardship.
for the Master of Science in Animal Sciences
Animal Sciences
Department Head: Rodney Johnson
Director of Graduate Studies: Sandra Rodriguez Zas
Animal Sciences Department website
Animal Sciences Department Faculty
110 Animal Sciences Laboratory, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-3131
Animal Sciences email
College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences
College Website
Admissions
Grad College Admissions & Requirements