Doctor of Philosophy in Animal and Rangeland Science

The Animal and Rangeland Sciences PhD Program will prepare students for successful research, academic, and other demanding careers in fundamental and applied sciences, agriculture, rangeland management. Graduates will be prepared to address critical regional and worldwide needs to sustainably feed people, care for animals and agricultural enterprises, and manage 40% of both the U.S. and Earth's terrestrial surface for multiple uses and values. Students may focus on various sub-disciplines related to animal science including: animal nutrition, physiology, genetics, health, reproduction, welfare, livestock production, meat industry and food safety. Specific areas of study within the rangeland ecology and management specialty include: riparian ecosystems, ecology, hydrology, restoration, landscape ecology, soil-plant relations, rangeland animal and wildlife interactions, grazing and habitat management, planning, management, monitoring, invasive species, and remote sensing. Graduates are needed to meet the needs of the agriculture profession including industry and agency research, administration, consulting, and land-grant and other colleges and universities.

Students who seek admission to the program should have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0, a TOEFL score of 600 (paper version), 250 (computer version), or 100 (internet version) for international students). The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is not required for entry into this graduate program. However, should a student have GRE scores, they will be complementary to the other items in their entry portfolio. Each student must have an advisor among the ARS faculty before they are accepted into the Program.
Students must meet a set of coursework requirements consistent with career objectives in either animal science or rangeland ecology and management. Required undergraduate classes must be taken prior to admittance or while in their graduate program.
Students emphasizing animal science must complete course work in physical sciences (6 credits), university mathematics including calculus (6 credits), organic chemistry or biochemistry (6 credits), and biology, agriculture, or natural resources (24 credits, including genetics, anatomy, physiology, soils, hydrology, ecology or plant or animal science).
Students emphasizing rangeland ecology and management, must have completed an undergraduate degree or complete coursework that qualifies them under the US Office of Personnel Management GS-454 series (Rangeland Management Specialist).