Animal Science 4+1 (BS/MS)
Applied Animal Science (4+1)
Animals provide food, fiber, and companionship for the Earth’s 8 billion people. Animal scientists are some of the most well-positioned experts in animal behavior, nutrition, genetics, and performance, to help ensure the health and welfare of farm and companion animals. Animal scientists apply their knowledge and training in their work with animals or in animal-affiliated industries.
Our applied animal science (4+1) program offers you an opportunity to earn a master’s degree in just one year after you earn your bachelor’s degree. The foundational undergraduate component delivers comprehensive, hands-on training within the discipline of animal science. The accelerated graduate year of the program enables you to take your skills to the field, gaining an in-depth understanding of animal science in a real-world context.
You will gain essential tools, skills and experience you need to enhance your core competencies to pursue animal science careers in a rapidly changing job market.
How this program works
You will join the University of Delaware as an undergraduate student in a B.S. program in animal biosciences, animal science, or pre-veterinary medicine. Once you have earned at least 60 credits (i.e., junior standing) they may apply to the +1 component, the applied animal science MS program.
Admission decisions are made by the department’s graduate committee and require a minimum GPA of 3.0, although students that do not meet this GPA criteria may still be considered upon recommendation of their advisor. Up to seven credits of graduate coursework (600 level and above) may be applied toward satisfying the requirements of both degrees. It is recommended that three of these credits be ANFS 675, Veterinary Biochemistry.
What makes our program unique?
Our applied animal science (4+1) program caters to your unique interests. You will have a dedicated faculty advisor throughout the 4+1 program, and that faculty member will work with you during those five years to help you develop and refine your career goals.
During your +1 year, you will work with your advisor to develop an individualized curricular plan that aligns with your individual needs. The curricular plan will include four animal science courses (12 credits), one ethics course designed to teach problem solving (3 credits), two business courses related to leadership and project management (6 credits), and two purely elective courses that can relate to either animal science or business (6 credits).
Additionally, you will work on a unique project (3 credits) that you will craft in collaboration with your advisor to refine skills related to your career objectives.
Career outcomes
Animal scientists fill valuable roles in industry, government, and non-profit fields.
Possible careers include:
Animal nutritionist
Research associate
Scientist
Animal welfare auditor
Tech support specialist
Science teacher
Contact us
Tanya Gressley
Associate Dean, Graduate Programs
Office location:
531 S. College Avenue
032 Townsend Hall
Newark, DE 19716
What is a 4+1?
Our accelerated degree (4+1) programs enable students to apply for a graduate program as early as their junior year of undergraduate study.
If granted acceptance, students will take 6 to 8 credits of graduate-level courses during the final year of their undergraduate program. Because these credits can be dual-counted toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, students can complete both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in only one additional year—or five years total.