Master of Science
Earning a Master of Science in the Department of Animal Science at UConn opens the door to advanced study, professional growth, and meaningful impact. Guided by expert faculty mentors, students build the scientific and creative foundations needed to improve human, animal, and environmental health. Whether your goal is to pursue a research career, enter industry, or continue toward a Ph.D., the program provides the skills, experience, and connections to help you succeed.
Program Overview
Our program offers graduate education that reflects the depth and diversity of our faculty’s research expertise. Students pursuing the Master of Science (MS) degrees can specialize in areas such as:
- Animal Genetics and Genomics
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology
- Animal Physiology
- Animal Nutrition
- Meat Science
- Food Microbiology and Safety
Graduate students work closely with a faculty advisor to design a personalized plan of study that integrates advanced coursework, research, and professional development. Each program is tailored to align with the student’s interests and career goals while fulfilling the degree requirements outlined below.
Degree Requirements
Master of Science Plan A
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | Minimum 30 credits |
| Coursework | At least 21 credits of advanced coursework. No more than 3 credits of ANSC 5692 (Research) or ANSC 5699 (Independent Study) may be applied toward the 21-credit coursework requirement. |
| Required Courses | ANSC 5001 (Fall), ANSC 5002 (Spring), ANSC 5601 (Fall), SPSS 5150 (Spring), ANSC 5694 (1 credit; Fall/Spring) |
| Thesis Research Credits | Minimum 9 credits of GRAD 5950 or GRAD 5960 |
| Advisory Committee | Major advisor and at least two associate advisors |
| Thesis | Complete and submit a master’s thesis |
| Final Examination | Public thesis defense |
Notes
- ANSC 5001 and ANSC 5002 may be taken out of sequence.
- ANSC 5002 is a prerequisite for ANSC 5694. Concurrent enrollment is not recommended.
- Course substitutions for ANSC 5601 and SPSS 5150 require prior approval from the Department Head and the Graduate Committee.
- For Graduate School policies and deadlines (e.g., Plan of Study, committee formation, graduation requirements, and academic regulations), refer to the UConn Graduate School Academic Regulations: https://catalog.uconn.edu/graduate/academic-regulations/
Master of Science Plan B (Non-Thesis)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | Minimum 30 credits |
| Coursework | Minimum 30 credits of advanced coursework, including at least 4 credits of ANSC 5692 (Research) and/or ANSC 5699 (Independent Study). |
| Required Courses | ANSC 5001 (Fall), ANSC 5002 (Spring), ANSC 5601 (Fall), One Group C course at grad level |
| Advisory Committee | Major advisor and at least two associate advisors |
| Research Project | Complete an approved scholarly or research project |
| Final Examination | Oral presentation of the project followed by a final examination conducted by the advisory committee |
Notes
- ANSC 5001 and ANSC 5002 may be taken out of sequence.
- For Graduate School policies and deadlines (e.g., Plan of Study, committee formation, graduation requirements, and academic regulations), refer to the UConn Graduate School Academic Regulations: https://catalog.uconn.edu/graduate/academic-regulations/
Admissions
Fall Term Applications are due June 1
Spring Term Applications are due November 1
Applicants should refer to the Graduate School for application instructions.
More Information
Questions?
For more information about the MS or Ph.D. programs in Animal Science, please contact: Mary Anne Amalaradjou