Requirements of the Graduate Program in Animal Science

The program offers plans of study leading to the Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.), Master of Science (M.S.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees to selected students meeting the admission requirements established by the Graduate School and by the Program. These plans are designed to provide the knowledge, training, and attitudes expected of holders of these degrees. Insofar as possible, the pattern of coursework and the area of thesis research will be designed to meet the specific interests and needs of the student. These plans of study will be developed within the general procedures and regulations of the Graduate School.

Please be aware of the Academic Dates and Deadlines set by the Fox Graduate School.

Degree Requirements for all Graduate Animal Science Degrees

SARI and CITI

Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI) Program: The SARI@PSU Program and Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) is designed to offer Penn State researchers and scholars comprehensive, multilevel education in the responsible conduct of research, in a way that is tailored to address the issues faced by individual disciplines.

All Animal Science graduate students are required to complete the SARI program by taking core course AN SC 501 (The Ethics of Scientific Scholarship; 2 cr.) during their first year. See Summary of Core Course Requirements for Animal Science Graduate Students for semesters AN SC 501 is offered

The CITI training is online

Teaching Requirement

All graduate degree candidates shall assist in teaching at least one course. This teaching requirement will be met by completing one credit of AN SC 602 (Supervised Experience in College Teaching). Prior to assisting with a course for credit, students are encouraged to attend at least one teaching workshop provided for graduate students by the Instructional Development Program. International students whose native tongue is not English must attend a certification workshop prior to teaching.

Satisfactory Scholarship

Students on an assistantship must maintain a GPA of 3.0 (4.0 basis). In addition, as assessed during their annual performance evaluation, students must make satisfactory progress toward their degree. GCAC-404

Termination of graduate student's support or program due to unsatisfactory scholarship or unsatisfactory progress in scholarship shall be provided to the student in advance by written notice. Furthermore, the written communication shall, in general terms, advise the student of the academic reasons for the termination according to the rules of the Graduate School.

GCAC-803 Procedures for Termination of the Degree Program of a Graduate Student for Unsatisfactory Scholarship (psu.edu)

Unfortunately, as in all sectors of society, occasional instances of misconduct occur within the scientific community. Some cases receive more publicity than others, but all result in negative consequences for the perpetrator. Moreover, supervisors and colleagues, who may have been completely unaware of the particular misdeed, nonetheless suffer in terms of damaged reputations, retraction of published papers, etc. Therefore, all students should review the Academic Integrity section (Policy 49-20) of the University Faculty Senate Policies and Rules for Undergraduate Students to familiarize themselves with the university policy concerning academic integrity. In addition to formal courses, these regulations apply to seminars, public presentations, and research-related endeavors. It is the collective responsibility of students and faculty to report suspected breaches of Policy 49-20 to the appropriate authorities.

Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) Degree

Time Limitation: All requirements for a master's degree, whether satisfied on the University Park Campus or elsewhere, must be met within five years or a period spanning six consecutive summers.

Residence: At least 20 credits must be earned in residence at the University Park Campus.

Minimum Number of Credits: 30

Minimum Grade-Point Average: A minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (4.0 basis) for graduate work done at the University is required for graduation.

Core Course Requirements: While in residency, 2 credits each of AN SC 500 (Current Issues in the Animal Sciences); ANSC 501 (The Ethics of Scientific Scholarship); ANSC 503 (Professional Skills for Graduate Students); and ANSC 504(Communication of Scientific Information); and 1 credit of AN SC 602 (Supervised Experience in College Teaching). See Summary of Core Course Requirements for Animal Science Graduate Students.

The plan of study leading to the M.P.S. degree has an industry orientation and provides opportunities for students to increase their knowledge and competencies in the various fields of agriculture. A student may choose a broad plan of study over a wide spectrum of subject matter, or intensive training in a specialized area, according to their specific interests and needs.

The emphasis of this degree is for students to learn how to apply knowledge as professional practitioners. An appropriate portion of the student's time will be devoted to developing skills in communication, especially technical speaking and writing. However, students will be expected to have completed most of their general education needs as undergraduates.

A minimum of 30 graduate credits is required, of which 18 credits must be at the 500-level and above, with a minimum of 6 credits of formal courses at the 500 level. A maximum of 10 credits may be earned in special problem-type courses, which may include up to 3 credits for the M.P.S. paper.

A candidate's Student Advisory Committee (SAC) shall consist of an adviser, who shall be a member of the graduate faculty, and at least two additional members of the graduate faculty. Approval of the committee shall be by the Head of the Graduate Program in Animal Science, after consultation with the student and appropriate faculty members. If a minor is selected, a faculty member representing the minor field shall serve on the SAC. The SAC is responsible for approving the candidate's program and for administering the final oral examination.

The candidate shall prepare a paper on a selected problem related to their profession as part of the program. Up to three graduate credits may be awarded for the paper. Whether required as part of a course or independent of coursework, the nature and extent of the paper, and when its development is to be undertaken, shall be determined by the SAC. The paper shall contain an appropriate Literature Cited section. Two hard-bound copies of the paper, one for the adviser and one for the Animal Science Graduate Program, shall be prepared at the candidate's expense and will be available to the public. The paper will be in a technical and grammatical form that is acceptable to the SAC; as such, the SAC may require the candidate to employ the services of a technical editor (at the candidate's expense) to aid the candidate to bring the paper into an acceptable form.

The student shall submit the completed paper to the SAC at least two weeks prior to the scheduled final oral examination, which shall cover both coursework and the content of the paper. The SAC may or may not request a presentation during the final exam. A favorable vote of two-thirds majority of the SAC is required for passing. After successfully passing the oral exam, the M.P.S. candidate will present a public seminar on the work. A report of the completed M.P.S. paper and public seminar will be filed with the Animal Science Graduate Program Office. If the candidate fails the final exam, it is the responsibility of the SAC to determine whether another examination may be taken at a future date.

All requirements for the M.P.S. must be met within 8 years of the beginning of the first semester of enrollment in the graduate degree program.

Because the M.P.S. is a non-research degree, it is considered to be a "terminal degree"; therefore, completion of this degree usually does not provide adequate preparation for pursuing a Ph.D. degree. Such preparation is typically provided by completing a thesis-based M.S. degree program. 

Master of Science (M.S.) Degree

Time Limitation: All requirements for a master's degree, whether satisfied on the University Park Campus or elsewhere, must be met within five years or a period spanning six consecutive summers.

Residence: At least 20 credits must be earned in residence at the University Park Campus.

Minimum Number of Credits: 30

Minimum Grade-Point Average: A minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (4.0 basis) for graduate work done at the University is required for graduation.

Core Course Requirements: While in residency, 2 credits each of AN SC 500 (Current Issues in the Animal Sciences); ANSC 501 (The Ethics of Scientific Scholarship); ANSC 503 (Professional Skills for Graduate Students); and ANSC 504(Communication of Scientific Information); and 1 credit of AN SC 602 (Supervised Experience in College Teaching). See Summary of Core Course Requirements for Animal Science Graduate Students.

The Master of Science degree is oriented toward research and requires the successful completion of a research study and thesis. A student devoting half-time to graduate studies typically requires two years (six semesters) of coursework and research to complete the M.S. degree.

A minimum of 30 graduate credits is required, of which 18 credits must be at the 500- or 600-level. Of the 30 credits, at least 12 credits must be taken as formal courses in the animal agriculture/biological science area, statistics, or other subjects relevant to the student's program, with at least 6 of these credits at the 500-level or above. The 30 graduate credits must also include a minimum of 6 credits of thesis research (AN SC 600 or AN SC 610) and the Animal Science core courses. No thesis research credits (600) may be assigned a quality letter grade.

The SAC shall consist of an adviser, who shall be a member of the graduate faculty, and at least two additional members of the graduate faculty. At times, it may be desirable to have two faculty serve as co-advisers. If a minor is selected, a faculty member representing the minor field will serve on the SAC. Selection of the SAC shall be by the Head of Graduate Program in Animal Science after consultation with the student and appropriate faculty members.

The SAC shall be appointed during the first semester of enrollment. The adviser, in consultation with the SAC, shall be responsible for selection and direction of the course of study to be followed by the student and for selection and supervision of thesis research. A plan of the proposed thesis research is to be submitted by the student to the SAC by the end of the first year. The SAC will subsequently meet with the student to provide feedback.

A thesis reporting the results of the student's research shall be prepared in accordance with the regulations of the Graduate School and the Animal Science Graduate Program. The thesis will be in a technical and grammatical form that is acceptable to the SAC. The SAC may require the candidate to employ the services of a technical editor (at the candidate's expense) to aid the candidate bringing the thesis into conformity. At least two hard-bound copies of the thesis must be prepared. If additional copies are required (e.g., for a granting agency or cooperator), they will be paid for by the committee chair's academic department. Good quality copies on paper equal to that required by the Graduate School are acceptable. One bound copy will be placed in the Animal Science Graduate Program collection; the second will be provided to the SAC Chair. In cases where there are co-chairs or a separate chair and thesis research adviser, copies shall be prepared for both faculty members. Electronic thesis submission is required. The thesis must be made available to the public as an official University record through inclusion in the University Libraries.

Upon completion of the thesis, the student shall be required to pass an oral examination given by the SAC. This examination shall cover both coursework and the thesis defense. The student will submit the completed thesis to their SAC at least two weeks prior to the scheduled final oral exam. The SAC may or may not request a presentation during the oral exam. A favorable vote of a two-thirds majority of the SAC is required for passing. Alternatively, if a candidate fails the oral exam, it is the responsibility of the SAC to determine whether another exam may be taken at a later date. Only one re-examination shall be offered.

Within two weeks after the successful passage of the oral exam, the M.S. candidate will present a scheduled public seminar on the work. Upon completion of the public seminar, the SAC will sign the appropriate forms (Thesis/Graduate School) for completion of the M.S. Degree.

The student shall be required to prepare at least one manuscript based on the thesis research results in a form suitable for publication in an appropriate refereed scientific journal.

All requirements for a research master's degree, including acceptance of the culminating experience, must be met within eight years of the beginning of the first semester of enrollment in the graduate degree program.

GCAC-632 Time Limitation - Research Master's

Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements

Time Limitation: All requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy degree, whether satisfied on the University Park Campus or elsewhere, must be met within five years or a period spanning six consecutive summers.

Time Required to Earn Degree: A student devoting half-time to study for the degree normally will require 10 semesters beyond the Master's degree, or 15 semesters if entering the program without an M.S. degree.

However, much will depend upon the nature of the thesis research problem. In most cases, a student will not take more than 5 years to complete the program from the date of admission to candidacy 

Residence: Within some 12-month period between admission to candidacy and a Ph.D. completion, the candidate must spend at least two semesters in residence at the University Park Campus.

Minimum Number of Credits: 30 beyond a baccalaureate degree from an accredited school.

Minimum Grade-Point Average: A minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (4.0 basis) for graduate work done at the University is required for graduation.

Core Course Requirements: While in residency, 2 credits each of AN SC 500 (Current Issues in the Animal Sciences); ANSC 501 (The  Ethics of Scientific Scholarship); ANSC 502 (Grantsmanship); ANSC 503 (Professional Skills for Graduate Students); and ANSC 504 (Communication of Scientific Information); and 1 credit of AN SC 602 (Supervised Experience in College Teaching). See Summary of Core Course Requirements for Animal Science Graduate Students. Students who completed any of the above required courses as part of an M.S. degree program in Animal Science are not required to take these classes again.

Student Dissertation Committee

See policy GCAC-602 - Ph.D. Committee Formation, Composition, and Review- Research Doctorate

Dissertation Committee

Each Ph.D. student shall have an appointed Dissertation Committee to guide their research training.

Dissertation Committee Appointment

A student's Dissertation Committee shall be nominated to the Graduate School by the student's major Graduate Program Head as soon as possible after the student has secured an adviser, but in no event later than one calendar year following the date of the student's successful completion of the Qualifying Examination, unless an alternative timing is approved through the Graduate Council's curricular review process.

  • The guiding principle for members of the Dissertation Committee is the success of the student.
  • While it is expected that the Graduate Program Head will consult with the student, the s Program Head is responsible for nominating members of the Dissertation Committee to the Graduate School, designating Dissertation Committee member roles, and ensuring appropriate Dissertation Committee composition that is in the best interests of the student and the completion of their Dissertation Committees must be approved by the Dean of the Graduate School.
  • The Dean of the Graduate School may appoint one or more members to the Dissertation Committee in addition to those recommended by the Graduate Program Head.

Minimum Dissertation Committee Membership

A student's Dissertation Committee shall consist at minimum of four members of the Graduate Faculty, each of whom shall be in a position to contribute substantially to the student's education. At least two of these four members shall be from the student's major graduate program.

Dissertation Committee Member Roles

Each Committee shall have a Dissertation Committee Chair, Outside Field Member, Outside Unit Member, and include the student's Dissertation Adviser. The Dissertation Committee Chair and Dissertation Adviser may be one in the For students pursuing a graduate minor, the Dissertation Committee shall include a Minor Field Program Member representing each graduate minor. Dissertation Committees may also include other participants who are not members of the Graduate Faculty but are otherwise qualified and have particular expertise in the student's research area. All Dissertation Committee Members are expected to participate fully in the affairs of the Dissertation Committee.

  • Dissertation Committee Chair: The Dissertation Committee Chair shall be a member of the Graduate Faculty and the student's major Graduate Program. The Dissertation Committee Chair is responsible for arranging and conducting all Dissertation Committee meetings, ensuring that all Graduate Program, Graduate Council, and Graduate School standards and requirements relative to the doctoral degree are met, and that any conditions set by the Dissertation Committee are fulfilled.
    • For students pursuing dual-title degrees, either the Dissertation Committee Chair or a co-Chair must be a Graduate Faculty member of the dual-title
  • Dissertation Adviser: Each Committee shall include the student's Dissertation. The Dissertation Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day guidance of the student's dissertation research and academic and professional development.
    • Where day-to-day guidance is shared by two members of the Graduate Faculty, both may be appointed to the Dissertation Committee as co-Advisers. Co-advisers are jointly responsible for the day-to-day guidance of the student's dissertation research and academic and professional development. ..A dissertation Adviser may also serve as the Dissertation Committee Chair (or Co-Chair)
  • Outside Field Member: Each Dissertation Committee shall have appointed at least one Outside Field Member. The Outside Field Member must have a disciplinary expertise different from the student's primary field of study, and is responsible for broadening the disciplinary perspective available to the student and the Dissertation. The Outside Field Member may be from student's graduate program, but may not also serve as a major program member. In cases where the candidate is also pursuing a dual-title program, any dual-title Graduate Faculty member of the Dissertation Committee may serve as the Outside Field Member.
  • Outside Unit Member(s): Each Dissertation Committee shall have appointed at least one Outside Unit Member. The Outside Unit Member is responsible for bringing to the attention of the student and the Dissertation Committee non-academic issues (including, for example, conflicts of interest) that may impact a student's progress. Outside Unit Members must have their primary academic appointment in an administrative unit different than the Dissertation Committee Chair(s) and Dissertation Adviser(s).
  • Minor Program Member(s): Dissertation Committees assigned to students pursuing graduate minors shall include at least one Minor Program Member for each graduate minor. Each graduate minor pursued by a student shall be represented by at least one Minor Program Member who is a member of the Graduate Faculty and a member of that minor graduate program. Minor Program Members are responsible for providing the students and the Dissertation Committee with information, advice, and perspective on student progress in fulfilling the graduate minor requirements in the graduate program they represent.
  • Special Members: Dissertation Committees may include Special Members who are not members of the Graduate Faculty but are otherwise qualified and have particular expertise in the student's research area. Special members do not have to be affiliated with Penn State.

Annual Review of Dissertation Committee Membership

It is crucial that all committee members remain actively engaged in the guidance of the student through the completion of their program. The Graduate Program Head of the student's major program shall review annually each student's Dissertation Committee to ensure that all Dissertation Committee members continue to qualify for service in their designated roles. The Graduate Program Head is responsible for promptly making any necessary changes and informing the Graduate School.

When Dissertation Committee Members Retire or become Emeritus

  • Dissertation Committee Members who retire or become emeritus may continue to serve for the duration of the student's program if they were appointed to the Dissertation Committee in this role prior to retirement, and they have the continuing approval of the student's Graduate Program Head and the Graduate School. (In the case of students pursuing a dual-title degree, the dual-title Graduate Program Head must also approve.)
  • As specified in Annual Review of Dissertation Committee Membership above, it is the responsibility of the Graduate Program Head to ensure that all Dissertation Committee members continue to qualify for service in their designated roles. The Graduate Program Head will review the committee membership whenever any committee member retires to ensure that students receive expert faculty guidance through their dissertation project.

When Dissertation Committee Members Leave the University

Dissertation Committee Members in any role who leave Penn State for reasons other than retiring or becoming emeritus may maintain their committee appointment for up to one year with the approval of the student's Graduate Program Head and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Other Changes in Dissertation Committee Membership

If the need for Dissertation Committee membership change is required, whether at the time of an annual review or otherwise, the student's major Graduate Program Head will promptly make the necessary changes and notify the director of Graduate Enrollment Services.

Off-Campus and Transfer Credits

In accordance with guidelines set forth by the Graduate School, the following types of off-campus and transfer credits may be applied toward requirements for the doctorate GCAC-309:

  • A maximum of 10 credits of high-quality graduate work (credits must be equivalent to 400-level or higher at Penn State) transferred from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a recognized degree-granting international institution may be applied toward the requirements of a graduate degree. However, credits earned to complete a previous degree, whether at Penn State or elsewhere, may not be applied to a graduate degree program at Penn State, except for those students who are approved to double-count credits as part of an approved concurrent or integrated undergraduate-graduate degree or those students approved by the Graduate School to receive a master's degree along the way to a doctorate.
  • A student may register for research to be performed away from the University Park Campus, provided it is approved by the adviser and the Head of the Animal Science Graduate Program.

Qualifying Examination

The purpose of the Qualifying Examination is "to provide an early assessment of whether the student has the potential to develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes" to be successful in the program, including "evidence of critical thinking skills, necessary for a successful researcher in the disciplinary field." GCAC-604.  The qualifications to pursue a doctoral degree and any course deficiencies will be considered. The examination can be given after at least 18 credits have been earned in graduate courses eligible to be counted toward the graduate degree (these may be graduate credits earned previously at other recognized institutions from which transfer credits would be accepted); however, it must be taken within three semesters (excluding summer sessions) of entry into the doctoral program.  The student must have a 3.0 GPA, have no deferred or incomplete grades, and be in good academic standing. The Qualifying Examination Committee will consist of three Animal Science Graduate Faculty members appointed by the Graduate Program Head (i.e., the Animal Science Department Head) in consultation with the Graduate Program Committee Chair. If the student is a "dual title" graduate program, the student should consult with the programs to determine if a single qualifying exam will be administered or if separate qualifying exams are required.  The Qualifying Examination Committee shall assess the student's English competency and administer the Qualifying Examination. The student's faculty advisor may be present during the examination as a non-voting member. Examinations will be administered two times per year. The qualifying exam is waived for students who successfully defended an MS in Animal Science at Penn State if a majority of the committee agreed the student should be allowed to continue in a PhD program on the defense evaluation form.  For students without an MS degree, the student will be assigned a peer-reviewed paper at least 10 days prior to the exam.  The student will prepare a one-page executive summary and critique of the paper and submit that to the committee 3 days before the exam.  For the in-person exam, the student will present a 15- to 20-minute summary of the paper, including a critique of limitations.  This will be followed by approximately 20 minutes of oral questions from the committee.  Artificial intelligence programs shall not be used in preparing the paper or slides, as the Qualifying examination serves as a means to evaluate the student's English competency. Students with an MS from any other institution will have the option to take the qualifying exam based on an assigned paper or based on their thesis. In the "thesis" option, the student will provide a one-page summary of their MS research, including a statement of their specific contribution to the research (e.g., experimental design, sample collection, laboratory and statistical analysis, and writing).  For the in-person exam, the student will present a 15 to 20 minute summary of their thesis, followed by approximately 20 minutes of questions from the committee. In both the "paper" and "thesis" options of the exam, the decision to pass, fail, or re-examine (only one re-examination shall be offered) will be decided by a majority vote of the Qualifying Examination Committee. At the conclusion of the Qualifying Examination, the chair of the Qualifying Examination Committee will notify the student and the Animal Science Graduate Program Coordinator as to whether the student has been accepted as a doctoral candidate. A Qualifying Examination Report will be filed with the Animal Science Graduate Program and the Graduate School.

Policy for English Competency Assessment and Rectifying Deficiencies

A candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is required to demonstrate high- level competence in the use of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking, as part of the language and communications requirements for the Ph.D. (International students should note that passage of the minimal TOEFL or IELTS requirement does not necessarily demonstrate the minimal level of competence expected of a Ph.D. candidate at Penn State). GCAC-605

Assessment of English Competency

In conjunction with the qualifying examination, the Qualifying Examination Committee will conduct the Assessment of English Competency as described above.

Improving English Competency of Students Having Deficiencies

If the Qualifying Examination Committee deems a student to be deficient in English Competency skills, the Committee will develop a remediation plan based on the student's deficiencies. Examples of such a plan may include, but not be limited to, taking remedial English courses, working with a tutor, assigning discussion partners, or specific writing projects with their lab group, mentor, or tutor.

Reassessment of English Competency for Students Having Deficiencies

After the student has completed their remediation plan and ANSC 504 (Communication of Scientific Information) with a grade of at least a ‘B', the student will be re-examined by the Qualifying Examination Committee. The re-examination could focus on a writing assignment, an oral presentation and scientific discussion, or a complete exam, based on the deficiencies of the individual student. Reassessment of English competency must be made before the Comprehensive Examination can be scheduled. Failure to demonstrate English competency to the satisfaction of the Qualifying Examination Committee at this reassessment will result in termination of the student from the Graduate Program in Animal Science.

Residency Requirements

Within some 12-month period between admission to candidacy and completion of the Ph.D., the candidate must spend at least two semesters (which may include the semester in which the qualifying examination is taken) as a registered, full-time student engaged in academic work on the University Park Campus. Full-time University employees must be certified by the department as devoting half-time or more to graduate studies and (or) thesis research to meet the degree requirements. GCAC-601

Grades

No missing or deferred grades may appear on a student's transcript at the time either the oral comprehensive examination or final oral examination is scheduled. Students must have at least a 3.0 (4.0 basis) grade point average to schedule an oral comprehensive examination or final oral examination and to graduate.

Time Limitation

A Ph.D. student is required to complete the program, including acceptance of the doctoral dissertation, within eight years after the date of successful completion of the qualifying examination, not including approved leaves of absence as outlined in GSAD-906.   

Comprehensive Examination

This examination may be taken only after the candidate has demonstrated English competency and after the candidate has completed a substantial amount of their required coursework by the third year of their program. Candidates are required to have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 basis) for graduate courses completed at this University at the time the comprehensive examination is taken.

The examination is officially scheduled and announced by the Dean of the Graduate School upon recommendation of the Doctoral Committee. It will include both written and oral components and will be administered by the candidate's Doctoral Committee.

The written component, which should be completed within one week, will consist of questions prepared by each member of the Doctoral Committee. In order to prepare for the exam, the candidate should meet well in advance with each committee member individually in order to seek broad guidance regarding potential areas of study. Committee members should then submit their specific exam questions to the Chair (candidate's Thesis Adviser), who will distribute them to the candidate on the days of the exam. The Candidate is to be allowed approximately one-half day to answer each committee member's questions.

The oral component will have two parts: one consisting of a departmental seminar, and the second part will be an oral examination given by the Doctoral Committee. The candidate will be expected to demonstrate a high degree of competence in their specialty, in related areas, and in the solution of research problems.

Comprehensive Examination Mode

  • Fully in-person: the entire committee and the student are physically in the same room.
  • Fully remote: the entire committee and the student participate via University-licensed interactive audio-video technology.
  • Hybrid: individual members of the committee and/or the student may participate in person or via University-licensed interactive audio-video technology.
  • Individuals taking part in the Comprehensive Examination in person must participate at the campus location of the graduate center offering the program to ensure the technological reliability, confidentiality, and safety of all participants.
  • Those participating via distance must use University-licensed interactive audiovisual technology. If unable to connect with video, audio-only participation is allowed.

A favorable vote of at least two-thirds of the members of the Doctoral Committee is required for passing. Based on the candidate's performance in the examination, the committee may recommend to the Dean of the Graduate School one of the following actions:

  • The candidate is passed, either with no reservations or subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions.
  • The candidate will be re-examined at a later date.
  • The candidate is disapproved unconditionally for the degree.

Continuous Registration

Students must be registered continuously each semester (excluding summers) beginning with the semester following the passing of the comprehensive examination and continuing each semester until the final oral examination is passed. However, students must be registered the semester of both the oral comprehensive examination and the final oral examination ─ even if it is taken during Summer Session.

Students must be registered, credit or noncredit (Thesis Preparation 601 or 611), continuously each semester (excluding summers) beginning with the semester following the passing of the comprehensive examination and continuing each semester until the final oral examination is passed. However, students must be registered during the semester of both their oral comprehensive examination and their final oral examination, even if it is to be taken during Summer Session. GCAC-515

Dissertation

The dissertation shall be written in a form that: (1) meets the editorial standards of the Graduate School, so that it constitutes a suitable archival document for inclusion in the University Libraries; and (2) is in a form that is technically and grammatically acceptable to the student's Doctoral Committee. The committee may require the candidate to employ the services of a technical editor (at the candidate's expense) to aid the candidate in bringing the dissertation into conformity.

The dissertation shall present data, results, and conclusions forthcoming from a research problem selected in consultation with the candidate's Doctoral Committee. Upon completion of the dissertation, the candidate shall present a public seminar on the research. The dissertation shall be in a final and polished form prior to the oral examination, and it shall be defended in a final oral examination conducted by the Doctoral Committee. Acceptance of the dissertation is indicated by the signatures on the doctoral signatory page of at least two-thirds of the Doctoral Committee and the Head of the Animal Science Graduate Program. In addition, the dissertation must be accepted as meeting the editorial standards of the Graduate School.

The dissertation notation and reference procedures, where not otherwise specified by the Graduate School, shall be in the form and style of a recognized scientific journal. One acceptable copy of the thesis shall be submitted electronically to the Graduate School as required. Sufficient hard-bound copies shall be prepared to provide one copy each to the Animal Science Graduate Program and to the student's adviser and co-adviser (if applicable). Good quality photocopies are acceptable. These copies shall be produced at the candidate's expense. If an additional copy is required for a granting agency, the Animal Science Department will pay for the binding.

The dissertation must be made available to the public through inclusion in the University Libraries.

Manuscript

The candidate shall prepare one or more manuscripts based on their dissertation research in a form suitable for publication in an appropriate refereed scientific journal. The manuscript(s) shall be prepared and submitted according to guidelines established by the Graduate Program in Animal Science.

Final Oral Examination

A doctoral candidate who has satisfied all other requirements for the degree will be scheduled by the Dean of the Graduate School, on the recommendation of the Doctoral Committee, to take a final examination. The final examination must be scheduled with the Graduate School at least two weeks before the examination is to be held. The final examination may not be scheduled within three months of the comprehensive examination unless the Dean of the Graduate School grants permission. The final oral examination must be held within six years of the date the comprehensive examination was passed. If more than six years have passed, a second comprehensive examination must be given before the final oral examination may be scheduled. The deadline for holding the examination prior to Commencement is listed in the Graduate School calendar.

It is the responsibility of the doctoral candidate and the committee Chair/Dissertation Advisor to provide a copy of the dissertation to each member of the Doctoral Committee at least two weeks before the date of the scheduled final oral examination. The dissertation should be complete and in its final draft (i.e., correct and polished content and style, appropriate bibliography, tables, figures, etc.) at the time it is distributed to the committee members.

The oral examination shall cover both coursework and the dissertation defense. The Doctoral Committee may or may not request a presentation during this exam. A favorable vote of a two-thirds majority of the members of the committee is required for passing. The results of the examination are reported on a form provided by the Dean of the Graduate School and will be entered into the candidate's official record. If a candidate fails, it is the responsibility of the Doctoral Committee to determine whether another examination may be taken at a later date. The deadline for holding the examination prior to commencement is listed in the Graduate School calendar.

Final Oral Examination Mode

  • Fully in-person: the entire committee and the student are physically in the same room.
  • Fully remote: the entire committee and the student participate via University-licensed interactive audio-video technology.
  • Hybrid: individual members of the committee and/or student may participate in person or via University-licensed interactive audio-visual technology.
  • Individuals taking part in the Final Oral Examination in person must participate at the campus location of the graduate center offering the program to ensure the technological reliability, confidentiality, and safety of all participants.
  • Those participating via distance must use University-licensed interactive audiovisual technology. If unable to connect with video, audio-only participation is allowed.

After successful passage of the oral exam, the Ph.D. candidate will present a public seminar or the dissertation, scheduling in consultation with the adviser and the Doctoral Committee members. Upon completion of the public seminar, the Doctoral Committee will sign the appropriate forms (Thesis/Graduate School) for the completion of the Ph.D. degree.

Minor in a Field of Study

A student pursuing a minor must earn at least 15 graduate credits in that field. If courses other than those offered in the minor field are to be used, a list of those courses must be submitted to the office of the respective graduate program. Students pursuing a minor must have a representative from that field on their Doctoral Committee.

Dual-Title Ph.D. in Animal Science and Microbiome Sciences

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in GCAC-208 Dual-Title Graduate Degree Programs.

Doctoral students with research and educational experiences in Animal Science may apply to the Animal Science - Microbiome Sciences Dual- Title Doctoral Degree Program. The goal of the dual-title Ph.D. degree in Animal Science and Microbiome Sciences is to enable ANSC graduate students to acquire the knowledge and skills of their major area of specialization in ANSC, while at the same time gaining expertise and skills in Microbiome Sciences. Graduate study in this program seeks to provide students with the intellectual foundation for integrated and mechanistic understanding of interactions between animal hosts, microbes, and environmental systems. Interdisciplinary training that includes Microbiome Sciences will prepare students for positions in academia, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector, including agricultural and environmental sciences, energy industries, and the integrated study of the sustainability of biological systems.

Admission Requirements

For admission to the dual-title doctoral degree in Microbiome Sciences, a student must first apply and be admitted to the Animal Science PhD graduate program and The Graduate School, preferably but not necessarily discussing the dual-title interest beforehand with a major adviser. After admission to their primary program, students must apply for admission to and meet the admissions requirements of the Microbiome Sciences dual-title program. Refer to the Admission Requirements section of the Microbiome Sciences Bulletin page.

Doctoral students may be admitted into the dual-title degree program in Microbiome Sciences at any time prior to the end of their fourth semester.

Degree Requirements

To qualify for the dual-title degree, students must satisfy the Animal Science Ph.D. degree requirements. In addition, students pursuing the dual-title Ph.D. in Animal Science and Microbiome Sciences must complete the degree requirements for the dual-title Microbiome Sciences Ph.D., listed on the Microbiome Sciences Bulletin page.

All students must pass the qualifying examination in their major field of study. No additional qualifying exam will be required for the dual-title program.

In addition to the general Graduate Council requirements for Ph.D. committees, the and Microbiome Sciences dual-title doctoral degree student must include at least one member of the Microbiome Sciences Graduate Faculty. Faculty members who hold appointments in both programs may serve in a combined role. If the chair of the Ph.D. committee is not also a member of the Graduate Faculty in Microbiome Sciences, the member of the committee representing Microbiome Sciences must be appointed as co-chair. The Microbiome Sciences representative on the student's Ph.D. committee will develop questions for and participate in the evaluation of the comprehensive examination.

Students enrolled in the dual-title program are required to write and orally defend a dissertation on a topic that reflects their original research and education in Animal Science and Microbiome Sciences. Upon completion of the doctoral dissertation, the candidate must pass a final oral examination (the dissertation defense) to earn the Ph.D. degree. The dissertation must be accepted by the Ph.D. committee, the head of the graduate program, and the Graduate School. (See Graduate Bulletin for Microbiome Sciences.)

Minor in Animal Science

The Minor in the Graduate Program in Animal Science is intended for students enrolled in other graduate programs.

General: Candidates who pursue a minor in the Graduate Program in Animal Science must include at least one Graduate Faculty member from the Graduate Program in Animal Science on their Master's or Doctoral Committee.

At the Master's Level: 6 credits of Animal Science courses are required.

At the Doctoral Level: 15 credits of Animal Science courses are required. At least six of those credits must be at the 500-level.