Animal Sciences (ANSC)
Program Overview
Animal Sciences (ANSC) Program
The Graduate Program in the Animal Sciences offers graduate study leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The master’s degree program requires a research-based thesis. A non-thesis M.S. option is not available.
Abstract
Faculty research interests include:
- Cell, molecular and developmental biology studies, gene expression of the neuroendocrine system during growth and development, developmental potency and cell fate decisions during mammary gland development, maintenance of pluripotency and cell lineage determination in early embryos and stem cells, regulation of gene expression during embryonic patterning, neuro- and reproductive endocrinology in avian species, and virology, immunology and microbial pathogenesis of significance to animal agriculture;
- Nutrition and intermediary metabolism of ruminants and non-ruminants, modeling for nutrient management, nutrient management in avian and other monogastric species, including forage utilization in horses; nutritional immunology, nutrient sensing, and metabolic homeostasis.
- Aquaculture related fish physiology and genetics, and;
- Application of computational and systems biology to quantitative genetics, genomics, epigenetics, selection theory and breeding for the improvement of domestic animals and conservation genetics.
Financial Assistance
A number of graduate combined research/teaching assistantships are available and awarded to students who present strong academic records and a capability and motivation to perform well in teaching or in research assignments. These assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis. Appointments are on an annual basis, with reappointment contingent on demonstration of successful progress towards the degree. Assistantships are available for up to two years for the M.S. degree and four years for the Ph.D. degree.
General Requirements
- Statement of Purpose
- Transcript(s)
- TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (international graduate students)
Program-Specific Requirements
- Letters of Recommendation (3)
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (optional)
- CV/Resume
- Description of Research/Work Experience (optional)
Application Deadlines
- Domestic Applicants:
- US Citizens and Permanent Residents: May 7, 2026 (Fall), December 11, 2025 (Spring)
- International Applicants:
- F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visas; A,E,G,H,I and L visas and immigrants: February 19, 2026 (Fall), September 11, 2025 (Spring)
Facilities and Special Resources
The Department of Animal and Avian Sciences and the nearby Gudelsky Veterinary Center housing the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, have extensive facilities consisting of faculty research laboratories, animal holding areas, a campus farm, aquaculture facility and outlying research farms. Additionally, the department maintains a teaching computer laboratory with 30 computers.
Faculty
The faculty members include:
- Angel, C. Roselina
- Biswas, Debabrata
- Broadbent, Andrew J.
- Burk, Amy O.
- Cardoso, Fabiana De Freitas
- Che, Sunoh
- Hamza, Iqbal
- Jin, Younggeon
- Keefer, Carol L.
- Kim, Byung-Eun
- Kohn, Richard A.
- Ma, Li
- Porter, Tom E.
- Przygrodzka, Emilia
- Salem, Mohamed
- Schiffmacher, Andrew
- Seo, Heewon
- Song, Jiuzhou
- Sunny, Nishanth
- Taneyhill, Lisa
- Turzillo, Adele
- Xiao, Zhengguo
Research Areas
The faculty research interests cover a wide range of areas, including cell, molecular and developmental biology, nutrition and intermediary metabolism, aquaculture, and computational and systems biology.
Degree Options
The program offers both Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The master’s degree program requires a research-based thesis, while the Ph.D. program requires original research contributions.
Program Overview
The Animal Sciences program at the University of Maryland provides students with a comprehensive education in animal sciences, preparing them for careers in research, academia, industry, and government. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of animal sciences, as well as specialized knowledge in their area of interest.
Conclusion
The Animal Sciences program at the University of Maryland is a rigorous and comprehensive program that provides students with a strong foundation in the principles of animal sciences, as well as specialized knowledge in their area of interest. With a faculty of renowned experts and state-of-the-art facilities, the program is well-equipped to prepare students for successful careers in research, academia, industry, and government.