Master of Science in Animal Science

The Department of Animal Science offers graduate degree programs leading to the Master of Agriculture, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Animal Science. Faculty expertise exists for a focus on genetics, breeding, physiology, reproduction, nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, environment, management, microbiology, meat science and further processed meats, and marketing for all livestock species. Continual growth in the animal science industry requires students with technical knowledge/expertise to manage a successful animal agriculture-based enterprise.

Laboratories available for graduate research include animal well-being cytogenetics, genomics, food technology, meat science, nutrition, molecular biology and reproductive physiology. The Robert Justus Kleberg, Jr. Animal and Food Science Center provides 39 laboratories for research and graduate training. Special equipment available in these laboratories or in readily accessible facilities, such as at the Computing Services Center, offer a wide array of opportunities for study and research. Dairy, beef, horse and swine herds and sheep and goat flocks at the main station or at research centers afford opportunities to study various problems in physiology, breeding, management, nutrition and production. The Rosenthal Meat Science and Technology Center, equipped to fabricate and process all meat foods on a semi-­commercial scale, is available for research problems. Texas A&M AgriLife Research projects in all subject matter fields offer opportunities for graduate students to participate in current research activities.

A major objective of the Department is to offer degree programs that provide knowledge, skills and training to gain employment in research, teaching, extension, or industrial operations. Our goal is to develop critical thinkers and problems solvers to bridge the gap between fundamental animal science research and its practical application to the production of livestock and their products.

The Master of Science program in the Department of Animal Science offers preparation for a future in teaching, research, extension, livestock and dairy production, and in industries involving food technology, livestock products and livestock management. The curriculum and individual student degree plan is designed to develop new understanding through research and creativity. Courses are selected by the student and his/her advisory committee to develop skills and expertise in specific academic areas to meet each student’s career objectives. Students conduct research, write a thesis on original research as directed by the student’s advisory committee and undergo a final examination. The student’s thesis seminar will be announced for public attendance prior to the final exam.

Steps to Fulfill a Masters Program