Animal science

The M.S. in animal science is a 30-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

View the program handbook

Explore program details in the University Catalog

Learning objectives

• Gain a deep understanding of core disciplines including animal physiology, genetics, reproduction and nutrition.
• Evaluate how environmental and economic factors impact animal management.
• Become proficient in cutting-edge scientific techniques.
• Develop, design and execute independent research projects.

Hands-on learning

• Research and teaching assistantships available
• Learn at on-campus animal centers and off-campus at the Nancy M. Cummings Research, Extension and Education Center or the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment, the nation’s largest research dairy
• Complete research with the Northwest Equine Reproduction Laboratory
• Participate in the Annual Student Research Expo

Related clubs and organizations

• Graduate and Professional Student Association
• AVFS Grad Student Association

University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities, and other forms of academic support.

Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.
• View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
• Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.
• Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.
• Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.

If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.

View financial aid resources

Recognized STEM Program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance on curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.

Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences contact:
Brenda Murdoch
208-885-2088
bmurdoch@uidaho.edu

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:

Graduate Admissions contact:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001

Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.

Find Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences faculty advisors

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

Program availability

• Concentration: Thesis
• Semester intake: Fall or Spring
  • Eligible for out-of-state tuition waiver through the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) for qualifying applicants
  • Open to international applicants, including those requiring F-1 visa status
• Deadlines: General application deadlines
  • Funding consideration deadlines: January 15 for Fall, September 1 for Spring
• Start dates:
  • View the academic calendar to see start and end dates

University requirements:

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.  
• GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
• GRE: Not required
• Letters of recommendation: Three
• Resume  
• Statement of Purpose  
• Other requirements:  Students are encouraged to secure a commitment from a faculty for admission to the program
• Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
• English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).  
  • Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.  
• Application Fee: $50

Application and admission process:

Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.

Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.

Applicants seeking admission to a thesis concentration are encouraged to identify and contact a potential faculty advisor or major professor during the application process. Early identification of an advisor can help ensure that a faculty member in the applicant’s area of interest has capacity to supervise the student and appropriate research opportunities are available. Applicants should consult the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences website to identify faculty whose research aligns with their academic and research interests.

Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.

International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.