Animal and Food Sciences

In the MSAFS degree program, you’ll build the expertise to elevate your career in animal agriculture, food production, and related industries through advanced coursework, hands-on research, and real-world problem solving. By integrating animal science, food systems, and sustainable production principles, you’ll develop solutions that improve livestock health, enhance food quality, and support global food security.

Choose a path that fits your goals: a research-oriented thesis option (Plan A) or a coursework-oriented non- thesis option (Plan B). Plan A requires 30 credit hours, with students eligible to count six credit hours of research residency towards that total. Plan B requires 36 credit hours. Applicants should have completed one course in calculus or physics, three courses in biology or physiology, and three courses in chemistry, including one course in organic chemistry or biochemistry.

As an MSAFS student, you’ll collaborate across disciplines, collaborate with industry partners, and contribute to innovations in food and animal systems, preparing you to lead in a wide range of agricultural, food industry, and research careers or continue your academic journey towards a Ph.D. or other advanced degrees.

THE AFS COMMUNITY

Graduate students in the MSAFS program are part of a dynamic and innovative community where curiosity and impact are at the forefront. Within a department known for its welcoming culture and interdisciplinary mindset, students work closely with faculty, staff, and peers who are committed to advancing animal and food sciences. Whether researching livestock nutrition, improving food safety, or optimizing reproductive physiology, students are empowered to turn their ideas into action and their passions into purpose.