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Graduate Education

Graduate Name Plate

The Animal Nutrition section of the Department of Animal Science offers students the opportunity to earn M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in a variety of majors. Exceptionally qualified undergraduates can enroll in a concurrent B.S./M.S. degree program. 

Research opportunities
The graduate program in animal nutrition emphasizes research in both ruminant and non-ruminant species. Graduate students develop and pursue research projects that improve growth efficiency and health of animals and enhance the human health attributes of animal products while sustaining environmental quality. Research approaches range from fundamental molecular nutrition to applied whole animal systems.

Coursework
Coursework in the graduate program are designed to supplement the student's research program and prepare the graduate for a professional career. This multi-disciplinary education program allows students to be competitively prepared for the full spectrum of challenges they will face in contemporary issues in animal nutrition.
Nutrition classes focus on mechanisms of growth; nutrient requirements for efficient production; lipid, protein, mineral, and vitamin metabolism; forage utilization; the nutrient composition of feedstuffs; animal metabolic disorders; and manipulation of animal products to enhance human health. Nutrition classes are supplemented with courses in biochemistry, statistics, physiology, immunology, and molecular biology. Graduate research seminars and journal clubs are offered to expose students to research in related areas and to the animal industries. 

Graduate financial support
Graduate research and teaching assistantships are available on a competitive basis through grants administered by individual faculty, from the Department, and from the Interdepartmental programs in which the Animal Nutrition faculty participate. Assistantships provide a competitive salary, tuition support, and health benefits. In addition, scholarships and awards are available to graduate students who excel in research and teaching activities.

Application process
The application process differs among majors. Therefore, it is recommended that prospective students contact the animal nutrition faculty member whose research programs most closely match their interests. The faculty member will provide guidance through the application process. Alternatively, prospective students may apply directly to the specific Program listed above under Majors. Additional Information on the application process is available on the Graduate College website.