Animal science

Master of Science

Dr. Brenda Murdoch at the University of Idaho Sheep Center documenting her award of a IGEM grant for advanced sheep genetic research.

Advance the animal agriculture industry

Innovations in animal science advance animal care, breeding, meat and dairy quality and production, and other important areas of the animal agriculture industry.

This program will prepare you to make your own contribution to the ever-changing field. You will build research skills and develop specialized knowledge in areas like animal nutrition, reproductive physiology, meats, animal breeding, and muscle biology and growth.

You will also conduct independent research on a topic that interests you in the form of a thesis. Much of your experience will take place in the on-campus meat-science labs and animal centers, home to purebred cows, breeding Suffolk ewes, and milking Holstein cows.

Overview
Duration:
2 years, 30 credits
Locations:
Moscow, Coeur d'Alene

Related Topics

AgricultureAnimal ScienceHealth

Innovate animal science

Degree fit

This program could be a good fit if you:

  • Hold an undergraduate degree in animal or health sciences.
  • Want to conduct research in the field.
  • Have a desire to positively advance animal agriculture.
  • Have strong research and critical-thinking skills.
Career outcomes

Current job openings

1,542 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HI

Potential careers and starting salaries

  • Agricultural Managers
    $15,736
  • Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
    $28,975
  • Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
    $56,842
  • Animal Breeders
    $25,700
  • Animal Scientists
    $45,375
Career Services

* Career data provided by Lightcast.

Financial aid and scholarship opportunities

Financial aid

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.

For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.

Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.

Clubs and involvement opportunities

Hands-on learning

  • Research and teaching assistantships
  • Nancy M. Cummings Research, Extension and Education Center
  • Northwest Equine Reproduction Laboratory
  • Annual Student Research Expo

Clubs

  • Graduate and Professional Student Association
Application information

Applicants for the M.S. in animal science program must meet the following admission requirements:

  • Education level: Bachelor’s
  • GPA: 3.0
  • GRE: No
  • TOEFL/IELTS: 79/6.5
  • Number of references: Three
  • Other requirements: Students are encouraged to secure a commitment from a faculty for admission to the program. 

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application. 

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