Department of Animal Sciences

 

                                                                                                                                Prospective Students:

                                                                                                                     Travel Stipends are available
                                                                                                                     for qualified U.S. applicants
                                                                                                                      to the Ph.D. programs in
                                                                                                                      Animal Science and
                                                                                                                      Pathobiology and Veterinary
                                                                                                                      Sciences. Click here for more information.

Welcome

 

The Department of Animal Science at the University of Connecticut has a diverse faculty, offering a wide range of educational opportunities for students. The internationally renowned faculty and staff are committed to recruiting talented graduate students, and to providing them with an unparalleled educational experience. This includes three different graduate degree programs options: Plan A Master of Science degree, requiring course work, laboratory research and a thesis; Plan B Master of Science degree, requiring course work leading to a comprehensive understanding of a subject area, and an oral examination; and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. These degree programs, and the department's facilities and faculty expertise are described in more detail on the links provided.

 

Prospective Students - How to Apply

 

The Department of Animal Science has a world-renowned faculty and staff who are committed to recruiting the highest quality students and to providing the resources necessary for students to be successful. The department offers programs in Animal Science leading to the degrees of Master's of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. As the academic success of our students is very important, faculty and staff carefully mentor each student's progress throughout their program.

Students pursuing an M.S. degree typically spend one and one-half to two years in the program. Students pursuing Ph.D. degrees typically finish their program in four to five years. Financial support is generally available for the entire program of study for students pursuing degrees with a major research component, provided that they are making satisfactory progress in both their research and academic endeavors. 

The Plan A Master of Science degree requires the completion of a research laboratory-based thesis, and is recommended for students who intend to continue toward the Ph.D. or wish to pursue a career in research and development. Students pursuing the M.S. or Ph.D. in Animal Acience shape a curriculum of courses most suited to their needs, in consultation with their major advisor and the advisory committee. Several "typical" curricula are described below in the areas of Animal Genetics, Animal Nutrition, Food Science and Microbiology, Immunobiology, and Physiology.  

Completion of a strong undergraduate degree program, with fundamental training in biology, chemistry, mathematics and statistics, is required for admission to the Animal Science graduate program. Graduate programs in Animal Science often include supporting work in areas such as Pathobiology, Molecular and Cell Biology, and Nutrition, among others. 

Although the General Record Exam (GRE) is required, there is no explicit minimum score needed  in order to be considered for admission. The entire application package is evaluated as a whole, and in some cases a weakness in one area may be overcome by strength in another. For foreign applicants, the Graduate School has established the following  requirements for the TOEFL exam: 550 - paper; 213 - computer.

Deadlines: Fall deadline: February 1st for International students; March 1st for U.S. Applicants. These deadlines are somewhat flexible, but make sure to discuss late applications with the Graduate Admissions Committee Chair (Dr. Silbart) in advance of submitting a late application  Spring deadline: November 1st (foreign)/December 1st (domestic).  Foreign applicants are strongly advised to submit their application materials well in advance of these deadlines. 

If you are considering applying to the Animal Science Master's or Ph.D. programs, please  visit the links below for detailed instructions. Our graduate programs depend very heavily on the appropriate linkage of student and faculty interests, so please make sure to indicate a preferred advisor on your application. 

Application Links and other Information:

     Application Instructions

     Online Application Materials (Grad School)

Additional Application Requirements for ANSC:

- GRE

- Personal Statement

- Three letters of recommendation

     Faculty Research Interests

     Financial Aid

     International Services and Programs (DISP)

     Facilities

 

      

 

Currently Enrolled Students:
 

If you are currently in a graduate program in Animal Science, please visit the links provided on these pages for information pertaining to policies, requirements, financial aid etc.

Ph.D. Rules and Guidelines

M.S. Rules and Guidelines [Adopted by faculty vote, 5/14/2004]

Annual Report form (Due August 1st, 2005)

Graduate Student Award - Approved by Faculty Vote, 10/23/03

Graduate Student Photos and Faculty Advisors

TA Assignments (Fall '04 and Spring '05)

 

 

ANSC Fields of Study [proposed] - typical curriculum

 

Animal Genetics

Food Science and Microbiology

Immunobiology

Animal Nutrition

Physiology (Growth, Lactation, Environmental)