Animal Sciences Graduate Admissions



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What is Graduate School Like?

We are please that you are considering a graduate degree from the Department of Animal Sciences. We hope that this narrative gives you a better sense of what being a graduate student is all about. Prospective students are welcome and encouraged to contact faculty members to discuss research opportunties and available training positions.

Graduate school is a very unique experience. However, if you are considering graduate school, it is of value that you have a sense of some of the differences in comparison to a typical undergraduate program. As an undergraduate, students get into a routine of attending lectures, laboratory sessions, taking exams, and completing various out of class assignments (e.g. problem sets, term papers). Although as a graduate student you will also be required to take some advanced courses, there are several other requirements and/or expectations necessary to successfully complete a graduate program.

In many respects, a graduate program can and should be considered as a job. It is understood that you will be required to take classes and that faculty will be supportive of facilitating your academic classroom success. However, graduate students are expected to support a number of departmental activities as part of their advance graduate experience including assisting with classes, helping with various research projects, and other advisor and/or departmental activities.

Our graduate program requires that you successfully complete a research project (dissertation). The research that you undertake would be under the guidance of your major advisor. This research is much more in depth than anything that you would have experience as an undergraduate. This represents a major, significant commitment as part of your program. What research you become involved with and at what level may depend on the faculty advisor that you select and what funding he/she has to conduct the research. It is important to recognize that in order for you to complete a graduate program in Animal Science a financial commitment is being made in that your advisor at least has and/or will have the necessary research funding for the materials and supplies.

In terms of the starting point that you would get involved in the research depends on what funds are available to conduct the research. In many cases, your advisor has secured funds such that a core project has been thought out. The funds that are used to conduct the research represent an obligation of the faculty member to complete the project in a timely manner. This means the graduate student must also take the necessary steps to fulfill this obligation as well. In general, on a daily basis, it is expected that after you have met your coursework obligations, that you redirect your activity to the research.

Attendance at professional society meetings (e.g. Animal Science Association, Poultry Science Association, American Meat Science Association) is encouraged. These are meetings typically held once a year in which members meet to present, discuss, and exchange information. This is an excellent time for graduate students to interact with the best in their field. Also, attendance at such meetings may help to lay the groundwork for future employment. Annual meetings are also a desirable time to present the results of your research.

Along with presenting your research at professional meetings, it is very important that your work is published in a peer-reviewed journal. Although you will have considerable effort dedicated to preparing your final dissertation, this document should not be considered the end in itself. Dissertations are not easily accessible and have limited readership.

Many consider graduate school as one of their most rewarding educational experiences. This is a very unique opportunity for you to work with and learn from an advisor on a one on one basis.

Applying to the Graduate Program in Animal Sciences

Graduate School Minimum Degree Requirements

Applicants should use the Graduate School's online application and follow all application procedures.

Submitt 3 Letters of Recomendation electronically who are individuals who can assess your academic performance, personal character and potential for graduate study. Letter of Recommendation Instructions

To Apply send the following materials to the Animal Sciences Department:

Original transcripts from all college and universities attended; International applicants must submit official documents with the institution seal/stamp with official signatures in both English and the native language

A statement describing your reasons for graduate study

GRE Scores and TOEFL if an international applicant (Institution Code 1846)

Address the above materials to:
Graduate Studies Coordinator
Animal Sciences Department
1675 Observatory Drive
Madison, WI 53706

Applicants must also complete the on-line Graduate School Application and submit the $56 non-refundable application fee. Please be advised that the Animal Sciences Department does not have the ability to waive this fee.

Admission of International Students:
Cost of attendance

Upon recommendation for admission by the department, the Graduate School will request official financial documentation from the applicant. Please do not send this information until requested to do so.

TOEFL or MELAB Information -

Every applicant whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English, must provide official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or theMichigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB). An admitted applicant whose TOEFL (paper-based) test score is below 580; TOEFL computer-based test (CBT) score below 237; or MELAB below 82 must take an English assessment test upon arrival. You must then register for any recommended English as a Second Language (ESL) course(s) in the first semester you are enrolled. Note: Department/Program requirements may be higher than the minimum scores stated above.

Deadlines:
Application for graduate studies in Animal Sciences are accepted throughout the year. However, to be considered for a University Fellowship and scholarship awards, applications must be received by January 15th for Fall admission.

Admissions Criteria

Students with satisfactory undergraduate training in any biological science including emphasis on basic science courses will have suitable backgrounds for graduate studies in meat and animal science. Typical students recently admitted to the program had a GPA of 3.2 or higher; candidates with a lower GPA may be considered for admission under special circumstances. Admission decisions are based on academic record, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) scores, if applicable.

Students are admitted to the department if a faculty member agrees to accept the candidate into his or her research group and to provide laboratory/desk space and research support, and upon the approval of the Graduate School. The faculty member also makes the decision of whether or not to offer a research assistantship to the candidate. International candidates in the master of science program rarely receive financial support.

Information for International Students

International students are accepted for admission by the faculty of the department. The Department of Animal Sciences can not waive the $56 application fee to the graduate school. Official financial documents will be required upon an offer of admission.

If you are accepted by a faculty member, and approved by the Graduate School, the Graduate School will send you the documents necessary for obtaining a visa.

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