
Graduate Programs

Animal and Food Science graduate programs
Our faculty research areas include:
- Immunology, physiology, and virology;
- Avian infectious diseases and their management;
- Avian genomics and molecular genetics;
- Animal nutrition and metabolism;
- Equine metagenomics; and
- Food microbiology, safety, and processing.
Multiple graduate degree areas exist in the department, namely:
- A joint Ph.D. degree program in Animal and Food Sciences
- Two M.S. degree programs (Thesis) — one in Animal Science and one in Food Science
- Three new, non-thesis M.S. degree programs primarily designed for individuals interested in learning and enhancing multidisciplinary technical and leadership skills. The programs include concentrations in 1) Animal Science Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership; 2) Food Science Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership; and 3) Animal and Food Sciences: Veterinary Biosciences, Biotechnology and One Health (VBBOH).
Students accepted into the ANFS Ph.D. and M.S. (thesis) program have access to financial support and tuition scholarships. Most graduate students are funded through research assistantships (RAs) and teaching assistantships (TAs).
Our graduates are successfully prepared for professional schools (e.g., veterinary and medical), or to further their education through advanced degrees (Ph.D. programs and post-doctoral positions). Many of our alumni are employed in the fields of biotechnology, food product development and safety, pharmaceutical research, vaccine development and testing, agricultural feed and nutrition industries, as well as government administration and policy.
-
An advocate for Black microbiologists
February 24, 2023 | Written by Kate ZinconeKishana Taylor notes that she often was one of few — and in some cases the only — Black microbiology students in her classes, and she earned three degrees without ever having had a Black professor. Through the Black Microbiologists Association, she has built a network that allows young Black professionals to engage with a diverse group of educators and scientists. -
Prepare for over-the-counter antibiotic changes
January 25, 2023 | Written by Chris Torres of Farm Progress“What this ends up meaning, these medications will only be administered under vet oversight and only for therapeutic use. So, treatment of a disease that is diagnosed, or control and prevention of a disease,” explained Tara Gaab, veterinarian and assistant professor of animal science. -
A vision for veterinary medicine
December 02, 2022 | Written by Dante LaPentaAnimal science major Stephanie Bayron plans career in veterinary shelter medicine in Puerto Rico. “Reducing the number of stray animals reduces disease outbreaks; addressing overbreeding and overpopulation is so critical,” Bayron said.