2022-2023 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Animal Science (Ph.D.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus


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Program Coordinator/Contact

Jeff Clapper, Professor
Department of Animal Science
Animal Science Complex 103A
605-688-5168

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
  • Critically evaluate data and solve problems in their field
  • Relate with people of diverse backgrounds with integrity and professionalism
  • 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.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees


Doctor of Philosophy 60 Credit Plan
  90 Credit Plan

Core Requirements


Develop a plan of study and a research proposal by the end of the first year.

Additional Admission Requirements


GRE: Not required
TOEFL: 79-80 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo: 110

Two letters of reference, a letter of interest and intent, transcripts, and a resume.

General Requirements


Graduate students must consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework.

For additional information refer to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements .

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