The MS in animal sciences is offered in both the basic and applied areas of genetics, nutrition, physiology, reproduction, animal health, molecular biology of growth and metabolism, and animal muscle biology.
Specialty areas consist of nutrition and gut health of poultry, pig, and fish; beef-cattle nutrition, grazing management, and genetics; dairy-cattle nutrition and physiology (especially the management of cattle in a hot climate); swine management; reproductive physiology and endocrinology of sheep, cattle, fish and swine; molecular biology of animal growth and metabolism; muscle biology and meat science; reproduction, animal health; nutrient/waste management; and freshwater and saltwater shrimp breeding and production, nutrition, and pond management systems. Emphasis is placed on the application of scientific methods for both the development and improvement of animal industries in subtropical and tropical environments. There is also the opportunity for cooperative studies in the areas of care/welfare and management of pets and companion animals (including horses), marine mammals, exotic wildlife, and/or zoo animals. Candidates wishing to specialize in animal breeding and genetics should be particularly strong in mathematics, including statistics, with a good biological background.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the animal sciences program, an applicant must: (1) hold a bachelor’s degree with a major in animal science (or the equivalent thereof) from an accredited institution of higher learning with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, (2) provide evidence of superior scholarship in previous academic work, (3) arrange for three letters of recommendation, (4) submit GRE general test scores, (5) submit an application including a statement of objectives, (6) submit a resume, and (7) submit a TOEFL score of 580 minimum, 600 recommended (250 computer) if a foreign student. Interviews by phone or in person in Hawaiʻi may be requested by the admissions committee. An applicant with a bachelor’s degree in a major other than animal or veterinary sciences who otherwise qualifies for admission will be required to take ANSC 200 or ANSC 201 , one production course, and such other undergraduate courses deemed necessary by the department as essential background to the applicant’s studies. The ANSC 200 or ANSC 201 requirements may be satisfied through meeting the teaching experience requirement.
The deadlines for receipt of all application materials are February 1 for fall applicants, and September 1 for spring semester applicants.
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