Program Coordinator/Contact
Jeff Clapper, Professor
Department of Animal Science
Animal Science Complex 103A
605-688-5166
Program Information
The Department of Animal Science offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Animal Science, or the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biological Sciences. Faculty and graduate students are actively involved in basic and/or applied research in the fields of nutrition, reproductive physiology, animal breeding and genetics, meat science, gastrointestinal microbiology and animal production.
With the multi-disciplinary approaches towards production efficiency, product enhancement, and natural resources management, graduate students gain strong skill sets. The graduate programs are administered in collaboration with the Departments of Animal Science, Dairy Science, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. The Department is committed to providing graduate students with quality educational and research experiences and preparing them to meet the challenges of a competitive job market upon graduation.
This program allows for considerable latitude in the education and training of students. Identification of a major professor with resources to support the student’s thesis project is required for unconditional acceptance into the program. An advisory committee will be formed for each student. The advisory committee will work with the student to design a unique and individualized plan of study to meet the interests and needs of the student. While the training of most students is largely directed to a single discipline represented within one of the participating departments, cross-discipline training is available and encouraged.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills
- Apply scientific method, experimental design, statistically analyze data, and interpret results
- Demonstrate a proficiency in technical methods necessary to conduct research in their field
- Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethics (Transferable Skill: Ethics - Moral Decision Making/Moral Reasoning)
- Critically evaluate data and solve problems in their field
- Relate with people of diverse backgrounds with integrity and professionalism (Transferable Skill: Diversity Awareness)
- Hypothesize, develop, and conduct an original research project in their field
Course Delivery Format
Program coursework is available on campus, in classroom and laboratory settings, as well as field-based settings.
Facilities and Services
Training and experience in research methods are among the most important facets of a well-rounded graduate student education. Excellent facilities and large herds and flocks of livestock are available for Animal Science research at South Dakota State University. Modern research facilities, including state-of-the-art facilities for cow-calf management and ruminant nutrition, along with new swine education and research facilities, both on-site and off-site, were completed in 2016.
Student Support and Engagement Opportunities
The department conducts cutting edge research that creates opportunities for graduate students. Qualified students may apply for a Graduate Research Assistant position.
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