Animal and Food Sciences Ph.D.
Animal and FooD Sciences Ph.D.
The PhD in Animal and Food Sciences equips students with extensive theoretical knowledge and practical training for a highly skilled position in animal science or food science.
As part of this research-intensive degree, students will complete multiple projects related to their faculty advisor’s field of study. Students will propose their research to their advisor and graduate committee during their first year of study, complete a comprehensive oral and written qualifying examination during their second or third year of study, and write and defend their dissertation prior to earning the degree. Students will additionally complete advanced coursework, present their research to various audiences, mentor other students and lab members, and assist with the university’s teaching mission.
This full-time program is completed in 3 to 6 years, depending on the student’s background and research progress as determined by their committee.
Jump to: Admissions Requirements | Application Deadlines | Curriculum | Funding
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Animal and Food Science PhD program is highly competitive and dependent upon support of a faculty advisor. Students are required to connect with a potential advisor prior to submitting an application. A list of our faculty and their research areas are found on the Department of Animal and Food Sciences website.
Strong candidates that already have a MS degree will have a BS and/or MS in a science related field that includes advanced coursework in biology, chemistry, and related sciences, a MS GPA of 3.5 or greater, excellent letters of recommendation from faculty members, employers, or research advisors, and demonstrated research productivity. Students with a BS degree who have not previously earned a MS degree may also be considered for direct admission to the PhD program if they have met the above requirements. Students who do not meet one or more of these criteria may still apply if encouraged to do so by a potential advisor.
Additional details about the admission process can be found in our Application and Admission Process Guidelines document. Application to the program is completed through Graduate Admissions. The GRE is not required. For applicants from countries where English is not the primary language, students must meet English proficiency requirements established by the Graduate College.
Application Deadlines and Admission Decisions
Applications are considered for admittance in the fall or spring semesters. Final deadlines for application are listed below, but we encourage applying before February 1 for fall admission and by September 15 for spring admission.
Students are admitted on a rolling basis upon the recommendation of their faculty advisor. Students not selected by a faculty member for admission into their lab are notified that they are not admitted to the program shortly after the application deadlines listed below.
Fall semester deadline
- June 1 (international applicants)
- Aug. 1 (U.S. citizens)
Spring semester deadline
- Dec. 15 (international applicants)
- Jan. 15 (U.S. citizens)
Curriculum
The curriculum is intentionally flexible to allow students to choose courses most relevant to their research focus.
Required coursework includes:
1 credit of graduate seminar where students will present their research and learn about other research;
6 credits of biochemistry and molecular cell biology coursework;
3 credit statistics course;
9 credits of doctoral dissertation;
additional coursework as determined by the student with the input of their advisor.
Complete degree requirements and course options can be found in the graduate catalog.
Funding
All students admitted to this program are supported with a research or teaching assistantship. This includes 12 months of competitive stipend support each year, a tuition waiver, and access to discounted health insurance. Students admitted on a teaching assistantship will have undergraduate teaching responsibilities in addition to research and coursework. Financial support for graduate students is provided by an admitted student’s faculty advisor, and all funding decisions are made by individual faculty members planning to accept students into their labs.