Animal Science (PHD)

PhD

Animal Science, PhD

On Campus 90 cr

The Department of Animal Science offers graduate study emphasizing animal breeding and genetics, meat and poultry products, non-ruminant and ruminant nutrition, and physiology. Analytical laboratories and animal facilities are available for graduate research.

Description

The department's contemporary facilities enhance basic and applied research capabilities for an intensive large animal, poultry, and laboratory animal work. An extensive, federally inspected meat laboratory is available for meat and poultry research. In addition, the department maintains facilities 40 minutes away from Lincoln for research in all disciplines of beef and dairy cattle, sheep, and swine. Graduate programs conduct collaborative research at four university district research and extension centers and the USDA Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska.

Specializations

  1. Animal Breeding and Genetics
  2. Animal Health, Welfare, and Precision Management
    • On Campus

    Required for Application:

    • CV/Resume
    • 3 Letters of recommendation
    • Personal Statement is optional but encouraged

    Department

    Animal Science

    Graduate Chair

    Jim MacDonald

    Support Staff

    Heather Wilson

  3. Extension and Education
  4. Meat Science and Muscle Biology
  5. Nonruminant Nutrition
  6. Physiology
  7. Ruminant Nutrition

Applying for Admission

Standard requirements for all graduate programs

  • Application for Admission with $50 non-refundable application fee.
  • Transcripts (unofficial): Uploaded as part of application form.

    If International: Uploads must include all college- or university-level transcripts or mark sheets (records of courses and marks earned), with certificates, diplomas, and degrees plus certified English translations.

    After admission: Official documents are required from all students who are admitted and enroll. Photocopies of certified records are not acceptable. International students enrolled in other U.S. institutions may have certified copies of all foreign records sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies by their current school’s registrar office.

  • If applicant’s native language is not English, verification of English proficiency is required.
  • If applicant is not a US citizen and expects an F or J visa: financial information.
  • Applicants must also fulfill any additional requirements the department specifies at the time of application.

Additional requirements specific to this program

  • GRE
  • GRE: After you identify the faculty member(s) in this department with whom you wish to work, contact them regarding their preferences on completion and reporting of GRE scores.
  • Resume/CV
  • Personal Statement:  Your statement should include the following: 1) Overview of background/experiences; 2) Reasons for pursuing graduate study including personal and/or career ambitions; 3) Proposed major advisor(s) and reason(s) for interests in their program(s).
  • Faculty and Research Interest: Indicate up to 3 faculty members you may be interested in working with. Acceptance by a major advisor is required for admission.
  • Three recommendation letters

NOTE: When sending GRE or TOEFL scores, our institution code is 6877 and a department code is not needed.

Admission Application Deadlines

Rolling review process.  Recommended: Apply by March 15 for Fall admission or by October 15 for Spring admission.

Department

Animal Science

Graduate Chair

Jim MacDonald

Support Staff

Heather Wilson

Tuition & Fees
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The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.

UNL Graduate Chairs and staff please complete the program update form to provide edits. Updates to graduate program pages are made on an annual basis in conjunction with the Graduate Application for Admission.