Skip to main content

Image for Animal Science (Ph.D.)

Animal Science (Ph.D.)

Secondary Navigation

  • Location IconBrookings Main Campus

Leading scientific discoveries in animal science.

Innovations in animal science contribute to improved management, growth, efficiency, health and performance of livestock. Discovering new knowledge in animal nutrition, reproduction and growth, as well as meat science requires a strong background in the sciences. With our multi-disciplinary approaches towards production efficiency, product enhancement and natural resources management, our graduate students gain strong skill sets. Faculty and graduate students are actively involved in basic and/or applied research in the fields of nutrition, reproductive physiology, muscle biology, animal breeding, meat science and animal production. Graduates of our program see career options unfold in a diverse and growing range of employment areas, from animal-related industries to biotechnology and  food product development. Many graduate students devise their own research, or partner with faculty in our many facilities and laboratories, to solve the challenges of 21st century animal agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Is it for you?

This program will be a good fit if you:

  • Have an undergraduate or master's degree in animal science or related field.
  • Want to conduct research.
  • Have a desire to positively advance animal agriculture.
  • Have strong research and critical-thinking skills.

Career Opportunities

  • Professor
  • Industry consultant
  • Research scientist
  • Nutritionist
  • Geneticist
  • Reproductive physiologist