Graduate Studies
Learn more
- Graduate Studies Handbook
. - Information on Graduate Studies in the Department of Animal Science - Fields of Graduate Studies in Bumpers College
Two graduate degrees are offered in the Department of Animal Science at U of A:
M.S. = Master of Science or Ph.D. = Doctor of Philosophy
[Note: Some schools offer a Master of Agriculture that requires less research, but those degrees are usually considered terminal, that is not leading to a doctorate.]
Master of Science
What is involved?
- M.S. 30 hours above BS. [24 hours course work (D grades unacceptable) plus 6 hours “research and thesis”]
- Typical course load - 6 to 10 credit hours per semester
- Many are 50% appointments as graduate research assistants that are paid from state funds, teaching funds, and/or grant funds [For assistantship, graduate students assist with undergraduate courses and/or conduct research.]
- Major professor and 2 more faculty members for each graduate committee
- At Arkansas, $13,000 to $13,500/year plus tuition paid. Each may apply for $1,000 travel grant to present research papers or posters
- Typical time to finish – 2 years
Doctoral programs (Ph.D.)
This is a research degree that offers training for careers that require research, application of research, analysis of research, technology development and application, and deep understanding of underlying science. (Don’t do all degrees at same place).
Most common fields of study in Animal Science
| Nutrition | Ruminant Non-ruminant Nutrition-Immunology |
| Physiology | Endocrinology Reproduction Growth and Metabolism Lactation |
| Genetics | Molecular (genomics, proteomics) Population genetics Statistics and experimental design |
| Forages | Development and utilization Environmental studies |
| Meats | Food safety Product value Product development |
Career fields
| University | Teaching, Extension (adult education), and/or Research |
| USDA | Research |
| FDA | Research and Technical Service |
| Industry | Research and Development Highly technical procedures Compliance Quality control Technical service Consultation |
What is involved?
- 24 hours course work above BS (depends upon background courses)
- 18 hours (minimum) of research and dissertation above MS.
- Typical course load - 6 to 7 hours / semester
Major professor and 4 more faculty members on graduate committee (one member from outside home Dept.)
Typical time to finish – 3 years after MS. Can go directly from B.S. to Ph.D.
Competitive Assistantships:
- At Arkansas, $13,000 to $15,000/year plus tuition
- $3 to 5K above that for outstanding candidates
- $20K above that for very top candidates