Graduate students at the UMD Animal Science Department have the unique opportunity to learn from, teach with, and work alongside some of academia’s brightest minds. Our students choose from a variety of animal science, statistics, and biomolecular courses to serve as the foundation of their advanced education. Those with teaching assistantships play a leading role in instructing and assessing undergraduate-level animal science courses each semester. In their time here, all students work closely with their advisor on projects within their research specialty.
Graduate Courses
The animal science department offers a variety of advanced courses for its graduate students, including topics such as immunology, animal welfare, biotechnology, and infectious diseases.
Research Opportunities
Students will work closely with their faculty mentor during their graduate studies. Applicants should look for a research lab that matches their own interests. The ANSC department currently has openings available in the following labs:
Genetics & Cell Biology:
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Genomics & Bioinformatics: Dr. Li Ma
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Patterning of the early embryo with a focus on neural crest and placode cells: Dr. Lisa Taneyhill
Nutrient Utilization & Metabolism:
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Genetics of nutritional iron metabolism and anemia: Dr. Iqbal Hamza
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Metal transporters in growth, development and disease: Dr. Byung-Eun Kim
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Apical junctional complex in gastrointestinal homeostasis and disease: Dr. Younggeon Jin
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Omics approaches to enhance muscle growth and aquaculture production: Dr. Mohamed Salem
Pathobiology & Infectious Diseases:
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Immune response to pathogens in animals: Dr. Zhengguo Xiao
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Research opportunities in the Weimer chicken behavior and welfare laboratory include using computer techniques to code video for behavior and to develop novel methods to measure digital and thermal images, as well as live chicken research experiments where students will gain experience in animal care and handling, data collection, and sample analysis: Dr. Shawna Weimer
Reproduction & Development:
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Behavioral neurophysiology and better understanding the mechanisms of neural plasticity and the impacts behavior: Dr. Rachel Dennis
Admissions
The animal science department offers a variety of advanced courses for its graduate students, including topics such as immunology, animal welfare, biotechnology, and infectious diseases.
Admission Requirements
Baseline Requirements:
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Minimum Undergraduate GPA: 3.0
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Combined GRE score: 300
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Minimum TOEFL score (for international applicants): 100
Please note: For complete details on UMD English Proficiency requirements, please visit the Graduate School requirements page.
Applicants with scores lower than the baseline in any one category may be considered if other components of their application are strong.
Application Deadlines
Fall:
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Best consideration for an assistantship: January 15th
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International final deadline: March 11th
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Domestic final deadline: May 13th
Spring:
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Best consideration for an assistantship: September 25th
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International final deadline: September 25th
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Domestic final deadline: December 17th
Tips for Success
ANSC Tips for Applicant Acceptance:
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Finding an Advisor: We recommend that prior to applying you contact one or more faculty members whose research interests mesh with yours. Identifying an advisor first can be helpful to determine whether the faculty member and their research is a good fit for the applicant and whether the faculty member is taking new graduate students into their lab (see Research Opportunities section above).
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Review our guide on how to write a Statement of Research Interests and Career Goals
Application Checklist
ANSC Graduate Application Checklist:
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☐ Review our Tips for Success tab
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☐ Online Application
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☐ Academic Transcripts
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☐ Statement of Research Interests and Career Goals
Review our guide -
☐ 3 Letters of Recommendation
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☐ Official GRE Scores
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☐ Official TOEFL scores (international students)
