Graduate Field
Animal Science
Program Description
Graduate faculty in the field of animal science include members from the department of animal science, division of nutritional sciences, and the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Students training toward M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in the field develop a unique program applicable to their particular goals under the mentorship of a special committee composed of faculty with the relevant expertise. In addition to doing research, students are encouraged to gain experience in teaching, extension, and public outreach.
The field requires one more member on the special committee of both M.S. and Ph.D. degree candidates (i.e., three for the M.S., four for the Ph.D.) than is required by the Graduate School. At least one member of the special committee must be a member of the faculty in a department other than that of the chairperson.
Concentrations
- Animal nutrition
- Animal science
- Physiology of reproduction
- Animal genetics
- Animal genomics
Program Information
- Program Mode of Delivery: In Person
- Program Location: Ithaca, NY
Program Requirements
- Minimum Semesters for Degree: 8
Graduate School Milestones
- Responsible Conduct of Research Training: Required
- Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID): Required
- Student Progress Reviews (SPR) begin: First Year
- Examination for admission to candidacy (A Exam): Second or third year
- Defense of Dissertation (B Exam): Fourth or fifth year
Field Specific Milestones
- One semester of teaching assistantship or other extension related activity required.
Course Requirements
- Course requirements are determined by the student’s Special Committee.
- Enrollment in a GRAD research course or the equivalent field specific research course is expected of all students.
Graduate School Enrollment Requirements
Course Requirements
- Course requirements are determined by the student’s Special Committee.
- Enrollment in a GRAD research course or the equivalent field specific research course is expected of all students each semester through graduation. These courses include:
University Graduation Requirements
Requirements for All Students
In order to receive a Cornell degree, a student must satisfy academic and non-academic requirements.
Academic Requirements
A student’s college determines degree requirements such as residency, number of credits, distribution of credits, and grade averages. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the specific major, degree, distribution, college, and graduation requirements for completing their chosen program of study. See the individual requirements listed by each college or school or contact the college registrar’s office for more information.
Non-academic Requirements
Conduct Matters. Students must satisfy any outstanding sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed or agreed to under the Student Code of Conduct (Code) or Policy 6.4. Where a formal complaint under the Code or Policy 6.4 is pending, the University will withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the adjudication process set forth in those procedures is complete, including the satisfaction of any sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed.
Financial Obligations. Outstanding financial obligations will not impact the awarding of a degree otherwise earned or a student’s ability to access their official transcript. However, the University may withhold issuing a diploma until any outstanding financial obligations owing to the University are satisfied.
Learning Outcomes
A candidate for the doctoral degree will demonstrate advanced knowledge within the broad discipline of Animal Science and contribute new knowledge within their focus area. They will develop the skills needed to direct an independent research program. At completion of the PhD degree, a student should demonstrate the ability to:
- Analyze the scientific literature to assess current knowledge in the field.
- Develop hypotheses and design experiments.
- Continually learn new research techniques to address evolving questions in the field.
- Analyze data using appropriate statistical methods.
- Maintain adhesion to ethical standards in animal and laboratory research.
- Communicate science in peer-reviewed publications and oral presentations.
- Deliver lectures to academic and nonacademic professional audiences and lay audiences to disseminate knowledge in the field.
- Serve as a mentor to students and trainees.
Admissions
Application Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadlines
Fall, Dec. 1
Requirements Summary
Preference is given to applicants whose credentials indicate strong undergraduate preparation both in the animal sciences and in related biological and physical sciences.
Admissions Contact Information
Email: dlb8@cornell.edu
Phone: 607-255-2862
Campus Address: 149 Morrison Hall
Website: https://cals.cornell.edu/animal-science/degrees-programs/graduate-studies
