Animal Science (M.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

A veterinarian works with a cow while two students watch.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Cody Wright, 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 basic science 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.

Course Delivery Format

Program coursework is available on campus, in classroom and laboratory settings, as well as field-based settings.

Student Learning Outcomes

Communication skills: Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills
Apply methods and interpret results: Apply scientific method, experimental design, statistically analyze data, and interpret results
Demonstrate technical methods: Demonstrate a proficiency in technical methods necessary to conduct research in their field
Professional Ethics: Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethics
Critical thinking: Critically evaluate data and solve problems in their field
Diversity and inclusion: Relate with people of diverse backgrounds with integrity and professionalism

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science

Thesis

30 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

AS 790 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1

Select from the following courses

12-14 credits of discipline specific courses are required for a total requirement of 30 credits.

AS 533 - Applied Mineral Nutrition of Livestock Credits: 1
AS 534 - Applied Vitamin Nutrition of Livestock Credits: 1
AS 711 - Ruminology Credits: 3
AS 712 - Ruminant Nutrition Credits: 3
AS 720 - Advanced Selection of Domestic Animals Credits: 3
AS 730 - Endocrinology Credits: 3
AS 732 - Advanced Physiology of Reproduction Credits: 3
AS 734 - Protein and Energy Nutrition Credits: 3
AS 736 - Monogastric Nutrition Credits: 3
AS 740 - Metabolism Credits: 3
AS 750 - Animal Growth and Development Credits: 3
AS 753 - Research Topics in Meat Science Credits: 3
AS 760 - Advanced Equine Nutrition Credits: 3
AS 770 - Advanced Beef Production Credits: 3
AS 780 - Evaluation and Use of Breeds in Livestock Credits: 3
DS 731 - Laboratory Techniques in Dairy Science Credits: 3
PS 756 - Quantitative Genetics Credits: 3
STAT 541 - Statistical Methods II Credits: 3
STAT 661 - Design of Experiments I Credits: 3
VET 576 - Advanced Mammalian Physiology Credits: 4

Total Required Credits: 30 (Thesis)

Notes

Develop a Plan of Study no later than the end of the first semester of study.

The Advisory Committee will work with the student to select the discipline specific courses intended to prepare the student in their emphasis area.

Develop a research proposal no later than the end of the first semester.

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 should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .