Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology of Reproduction

The Department of Animal Science offers graduate degree programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Physiology of Reproduction.  The mission of the Physiology of Reproduction Program is three-fold: research the fundamental elements of reproductive biology necessary for development of systems to enhance the efficiency of animal reproduction and productivity, teach the latest principles and strategies/practices of reproductive biology to undergraduate and graduate students and through established extension programs, translate the acquired knowledge into reproductive systems to benefit producers and consumers.

The Physiology of Reproduction graduate program includes graduate courses designed to challenge students with state of the art information in the areas of animal reproduction, growth, stress and lactation. A distance learning teaching format is being used in one course. In addition to course work, students enrolled in the Physiology of Reproduction Graduate Program are required to conduct research. The research effort is strong because of the number of nationally recognized scientists who have diverse areas of expertise. Their interests vary from molecular biology to the application of the technologies in a production setting. The program is strengthened by numerous collaborative relationships between the scientists. These relationships are fostered by the Interdisciplinary Faculty of Reproductive Biology composed of over 45 faculty members from 10 departments located in four colleges at Texas A&M University, and across four campuses and three off-campus centers of the Texas A&M University system. The Robert Justus Kleberg, Jr. Animal and Food Science Center provides laboratories for research and graduate training across the Animal Science discipline, including Physiology of Reproduction. 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 of Reproduction. Texas A&M AgriLife Research projects also offer opportunities for graduate students to participate in current research activities. Support areas such as biochemistry and biophysics, economics, genetics and statistics may be readily arranged. 

Students completing the Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology of Reproduction will work with their thesis committee in order to design a degree and research plan that best meets their long-term objectives.  The final basis for granting the degree shall be the candidate’s grasp of the subject matter in the Physiology of Reproduction and a demonstrated ability to do independent research. In addition, the candidate must have acquired the ability to express thoughts clearly and convincingly in both oral and written form. The degree is not granted solely for the completion of coursework, residence and technical requirements, although these must be met.

Steps to Fulfill a Doctoral Program