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For Prospective Graduate Students in Animal Sciences

The Graduate School Experience

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 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 Animal Sciences Graduate Program

General Requirements

Minimum Admission Requirements

Candidates for graduate work are required to have a bachelor's or master's degree from an approved institution. The minimum undergraduate GPA accepted for admission with full standing is 3.0 on a 4.0 basis.

All applicants are required to have three letters of recommendation from persons who are able to judge the candidate's ability to satisfactorily undertake graduate studies sent to the Animal Sciences Department.

All applicants are required to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores to the Department. Animal Sciences will receive the GRE scores entered on the Graduate School application. If the GRE has not been taken, the GRE scores should be sent directly to the Animal Sciences when available. Any student interested in competing for a fellowship or scholarship wards from the University of Wisconsin must also submit GRE scores to the Graduate School. Students shoud check the GRE web site for exam times and locations, or write to the following address:

Educational Testing Services
Box 955-R
Princeton, NJ 08541

Applicants are required to use the Graduate School's online application and follow our application procedures.

 

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

A copy of your transcripts
A statement describing your reasons for graduate study
Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can assess your academic performance, personal characteristics and potential for graduate study.
GRE Scores (Institution Code 1846)

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

Submit a Graduate School application to Graduate School. The application is to be submitted electronically using the online application form. When using the online application, remember to follow all directions, which includes sending "official transcripts" and payment of the $56 application fee. Upon recommendation for admission by the department, the Graduate School will request official financial documentation from the international applicant.

Admission of International Students
Every international application whose native language is not English is required to take either the TOEFL or the MELAB exam. Satisfactory results on one of these tests must be submitted before being considered eligible for admission. Every international student must provide evidence of adequate financial support the proposed duration of graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin.

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

Acceptance
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.