MANSC Animal Sciences at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Programme overview

The master's in Animal Sciences covers animal breeding, genetics and bioinformatics, behavior, nutrition, production systems and precision management, lactation and reproductive physiology, environmental physiology, meat science, immunobiology and microbiology, across species including beef and dairy cattle, horses, poultry, sheep, swine, and companion and laboratory animals.

What you will study

Seminar (ANSC 590 or 591), ANSC 593 Research Studies in Animal Sciences (8 hours, an individual research project or internship with written report), one statistics course (ANSC 440, 442 or 445) and 18-20 hours of advisor-approved 400/500-level electives.

Career pathways

The degree can strengthen applications to DVM, MSc or PhD programs, support advancement in employment, or lead to mid-management positions in industry or government agencies.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; GPA 3.0 or higher in the last 60 credit hours and any graduate study (2.75-2.99 may request special consideration). GRE not required. Materials: transcripts, resume, personal statement and three letters of recommendation. Applicants without an animal sciences, biology, chemistry or related STEM degree explain in the statement why they will succeed. Non-native English speakers follow Graduate College English requirements. Start terms: fall (mid-August), spring (mid-January), summer (mid-June); complete applications are encouraged at least 2 months before the start term.

Domestic applicants: USD 14,908 a year (2026-27). Illinois resident rate. Tuition only for new and continuing graduate students, Fall 2026-Spring 2027 at full-time (12 credit hours per term). Non-Illinois U.S. resident tuition for this programme: $32,204. Excludes campus and mandatory fees, health insura Source

International applicants: USD 32,204 a year (2026-27). International rate. Tuition only for new and continuing graduate students, Fall 2026-Spring 2027 at full-time (12 credit hours per term). Excludes campus and mandatory fees, health insurance, housing and other expenses as the source states them separately Source

Not all graduate programmes offer admission in all terms; term availability is set by each programme of study.

Graduate applicants apply online through the Graduate College application; deadlines and term availability are set by each programme. Medicine, law and veterinary medicine applicants apply directly to their colleges.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/apply

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