Program Overview

Master of Science in Animal Sciences

The Master of Science in Animal Sciences offers graduate work leading to the degree with a major in animal science. Programs are flexible and designed to meet the needs and interests of the student and, as such, specific degree requirements are determined through individual consultation with an advisor and a special committee.

Degree Description

Animal Sciences offers graduate work leading to the Master of Science degree with a major in animal science. The department maintains herds of dairy cattle, beef cattle, and swine for research and teaching purposes.

Admission Requirements

For admission to Animal Sciences, students must meet the Graduate School Requirements.

Student Opportunities

Graduates from our program are employed in a wide range of careers from applied animal production to teaching and research of molecular mechanisms in domestic and companion animals, as well as humans. Graduate students acquire cutting-edge knowledge and techniques in disciplines that are vital to the improvement of quality of life for animals and humans.

Research Areas

Examples of ongoing fundamental research include:

• the use of mammalian comparative and functional genomics in the search for genes of economic significance including identification of genes involved in disease resistance as well as production traits
• understanding molecular events coordinating the physiology of uterine and testis biology using the mouse and domestic ruminants as model organisms
• understanding and enhancing skeletal and cardiac muscle growth and development with stem cell and gene therapy approaches
• developing deterministic models to evaluate the environmental impact of dairy and beef production systems
• examination of the bovine genome to examine the genetic x nutrition interactions associated with feed efficiency in beef cattle

Examples of important applied research include:

• minimizing the impact of animals on the environment
• altering animal nutrition to enhance meat quality
• strategies to understand and enhance animal behavior and well-being

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for graduates include:

• National agricultural laboratories
• management, allied and agricultural industries
• Extension and technical positions
• Teaching positions

Career Placements

Graduates have been placed in positions such as:

• Research technologist, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
• Ph.D. students at other prestigious universities
• Research technologist, Human Nutrition Lab
• Associate in Animal Sciences research, Washington State University
• Teaching positions
• Animal behavioral scientists at zoos

Program Details

• Total Graduate Faculty in Program: 15
• Graduate Students in Program: 31
• Students Receiving Assistantships: 29
• Priority Deadlines:
  • Fall: January 10
  • Spring: July 1
• Campus: Pullman

International Student English Proficiency Exams

International students may need to surpass the Graduate School’s minimum English language proficiency exam scores for this program. The minimum scores are:

• 550 TOEFL Minimum score
• GRE is optional

Facilities

The department’s dairy, feedlot, beef cow-calf unit, feed mill, research laboratories, experimental animal building, and meats laboratory provide the foundation for the department’s bench-to-applications approach.