Animal Science (Master's) at Michigan State University

Programme overview

The MS in Animal Science builds a strong foundation in biological science and in-depth knowledge of a biological discipline important to animal agriculture. Programmes of study are individualised around the department's strengths and the student's goals, with research that may focus on beef or dairy cattle, sheep, swine, horses, poultry or laboratory species.

Faculty: College of Agriculture and Natural Resources | Department: Department of Animal Science | Duration: 30 credits minimum (Plan A thesis or Plan B non-thesis) | Study mode: full-time | Location: East Lansing, MI, United States

What you will study

Specialisation areas include quantitative genetics, systems science, nutrition, physiology of growth, lactation and reproduction, microbiology, molecular biology, toxicology, and livestock and farm management. Plan A requires 6-10 credits of ANS 899 thesis research, a public seminar and oral thesis defence; Plan B allows up to 6 credits of ANS 898 research, a project, a public seminar and a final examination. An optional Specialization in Environmental Toxicology is available.

Career pathways

Careers in extension, research, teaching or agribusiness.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree in animal science or a related biological science, with coursework establishing principles of animal science and the basic physical and biological sciences relevant to the chosen specialisation; collateral courses may be required. Applicants are evaluated on academic record, research and work experience, professional goals and letters of reference. GRE General Test scores are required of all applicants.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applicants can start in fall (late August), spring (January) or summer (May) in the MPH programme; intake terms for other graduate programmes are set by each department or program.

The graduate application fee is $75 for domestic and international applicants, with one fee per application; applicants may submit up to two applications to different graduate majors per semester. Applications are reviewed by the department or program, which sets its own deadlines.

MPH application deadlines (SOPHAS completion): fall May 18, spring October 18, summer February 15; MSU supplemental application: fall June 1, spring November 1, summer March 1.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.msu.edu/apply/graduate-students

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