Master's Degree in Animal and Food Sciences
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A master's degree in Animal and Food Sciences is ideal for individuals passionate about advancing their knowledge in animal nutrition, food safety, and agricultural innovation, preparing for careers in research, production, or quality assurance. This program is also valuable for those pursuing roles as livestock specialists, food technologists, or policy advisors focused on improving animal health, sustainable practices, and food security.
Program Overview
Our program prepares animal and food science professionals for advanced positions in many private and public organizations. Graduates of our program work for pharmaceutical companies, veterinary consultants, universities, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and many top food and agricultural companies.
Our Research Areas
Choosing from the many specializations of our professors, students will find a variety of hands-on experiences to suit their interests. Faculty and researchers in the Animal and Food Science Department manage laboratories focused on:
- Equine Nutrition
- Food Microbiology
- Food Protein
- Meat Color
- Mammalian Reproduction
- Poultry Nutrition
- Ruminant Nutrition
- Swine Nutrition
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Program Specific Requirements
Applicants to the Animal and Food Science Master’s program must have completed a four-year degree at an accredited institution of higher education with at least a 3.0 GPA for all undergraduate courses.
Additionally, they must submit scores from the verbal, quantitative, and analytical portions of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
Previous coursework requirements also include the successful completion of:
- one semester calculus or physics
- three semesters biology/physiology
- three semesters chemistry (including one semester of organic chemistry or biochemistry)
- courses in physiology, cell biology, microbiology, and anatomy are encouraged, but not required
Other Required Application Materials:
- CV or Resume
- Personal Statement describing applicant's interests, motivation, and goals as they relate to the program
- GRE Scores
- Three Letters of Recommendation
Application Deadlines
Domestic
-
Fall
- 07/25/2025
-
Spring
- 12/12/2025
International
-
Fall
- 04/15/2025
-
Spring
- 09/15/2025
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Get More Information
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Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
