Graduate Information
For more information contact: Dodi.Reesman@oregonstate.edu
QUALITY
Because of the strength of its faculty and research programs, Oregon State University is an ideal place for graduate study in Animal Sciences. OSU's Department of Animal Sciences offers graduate degrees in Animal Science and Poultry Science. The scientific emphasis of the programs is becoming increasingly specialized, ranging from intact animals to cellular and molecular levels.
In Animal Science, students may pursue a Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy degree in animal genetics, reproductive physiology, embryo physiology, nutrition, growth and development, molecular biology, endocrinology, biochemistry, livestock management (M.S. only) or dairy production (M.S. only). Graduate students in Poultry Science may pursue an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in the disciplines of poultry genetics, management (M.S. only), nutrition, or reproductive physiology. Graduate programs within the department are intended to be flexible in addressing the needs and goals of students and may be designated to integrate interests in more than one discipline. Alternatively, students interested in a multidisciplinary Master's degree may choose the Master of Agriculture (M.Ag.) program, which is a non-thesis degree (the student specializes in three areas of course work) and is considered to be a terminal degree (does not lead to a Ph.D. program.)
CURRENT RESEARCH As a graduate student, you're part of OSU's Animal Sciences team. Your faculty adviser and other faculty members are committed to helping you achieve your academic and professional goals. Your research work is important, not only to your program, but to the department and, through it, the university.
If your objectives match the department's program objectives, Oregon State University is the place for you.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Animal Genetics Animal genetics research is conducted with sheep and poultry. Sheep genetic studies are focused on reproduction, growth and carcass merit with the goal of increasing both efficiency of production and quality of product. Basic research looks at genetic variation in embryo mortality while more applied aspects involve crossbreeding with newly available breeds for incorporation of genes for increased milk production and lamb survival. Poultry genetic research investigates the mode of inheritance and expression of individual genes associated with embryonic development which are of importance in the poultry industry.
Reproductive Physiology
The ultimate objective of research in reproductive physiology is to improve reproductive efficiency in domestic animals. Research investigating the physiological, cellular, and molecular aspects of embryo development and reproductive hormones is conducted at the main campus. Application of basic research results is frequently extended to the branch stations or farms and ranches of commercial producers. Current research utilizes dairy and beef cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, and poultry.
Animal Growth and Development Research in the area of growth biology includes skeletal muscle growth, adipogenesis and endocrinology. Research in both skeletal muscle and adipose tissue comprises molecular studies to determine fundamental control systems involved in both differentiation and accretion. Techniques in use include cell culture, molecular genetics (including transgenics), immunology and protein chemistry. Graduates of the programs have gone on to productive faculty and post-doctoral positions at prestigious universities and research centers. Research is supported by USDA-National Research Initiatives and is state-of-the-art.
Nutrition The ruminant nutrition program emphasizes applied research in the use of crop residues and agricultural by-products in feeding systems for beef and dairy cattle and sheep. The non-ruminant nutrition program deals primarily with poultry. In addition, the dairy research program explores feeding and management practices that can improve the health and performance of the early postpartum cow.
Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Management Research areas include animal waste management, dairy milking systems, facilities and how they affect animal comfort and performance, animal health (including internal and external parasite control), and range and pasture grazing management.
FACILITIES Graduate and research programs are supported by modern laboratories, field stations, and centralized farm services.
The Department of Animal Sciences has extensive livestock and poultry facilities within two miles of campus, including a high-producing 150-cow dairy herd, two beef barns with a capacity for 125 head, a small confinement swine unit, horse research barns, and poultry flocks. Our sheep center, with a flock of more than 300 ewes, is five miles from campus. We also have two beef ranches (cow-calf), located about 20 minutes from campus.
A modern physiology lab has surgical facilities for cattle, sheep, and swine. A meat processing laboratory also is available on campus.
In addition, graduate students have access to off-campus facilities of the Agricultural Experiment Station in the rangelands of Eastern Oregon.
Other support services include the Center for Gene Research and Biotechnology, Laboratory Animal Resources, Radiation Center, libraries, and University Computing Services. The English Language Institute provides international students with the language, academic, and cultural skills necessary for study at an American university.
LOCATION Oregon State University, with an enrollment of 16,000 students on a 400-acre main campus, is located in Corvallis, a city of 50,000, in the heart of the green Willamette Valley. From its beginnings in 1858, OSU has grown into a major university with 11 colleges. Graduate students come from all 50 states and about 90 countries. As the state's Land, Sea, and Space Grant institution, Oregon State offers graduate programs in scientific, technological, agricultural, professional, and liberal arts fields. The University's diverse curriculum leads to more than 70 graduate degrees, most of them with flexible options that allow you to plan the program that's most suited for your academic and career goals.
The climate is moderate; spring, summer, and early fall are particularly warm and sunny. The average rainfall is 42 inches. Some of Oregon's major ski areas are just two hours to the east, while the rugged and beautiful Oregon coast is an hour to the west. Portland, Oregon's largest city, is 85 miles north and Eugene, the second largest city, is 40 miles south. Both have outstanding performing arts centers that draw some of the world's top entertainers.
JOBS OSU graduates are well qualified to compete in the job market. Animal Science degree recipients have been hired at:
- Major research universities throughout the world
- Federal and state experiment stations
- Junior and community colleges
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Human and livestock nutrition companies
- A.I. companies
- Agricultural Extension Service
- Technical Services Management
ADMISSION Applications are accepted at any time, but students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applications are reviewed by the OSU Office of Admission and Orientation and by the Department of Animal Sciences Graduate Committee.
Applicants must be accepted by a specific member of our graduate faculty before being admitted to the department. Therefore, it is to your advantage to correspond directly with the graduate faculty members with whom you may wish to study.
GRE score reports are required by this department (for M.S. and Ph.D. applications), so please provide them if applying.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) are awarded on a competitive basis. Fellowships in dairy, poultry science, and animal sciences are available. Tuition is waived for GRAs. Contact the department for more information.
