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. See Current Students page for degree requirements.
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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Developmental potential and cell fate decisions during embryonic and early mammary development: Dr. Andrew Schiffmacher
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Genomics selection to improve aquaculture production: Dr. Mohammed Salem
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Role of E-cadherin in the intestinal homeostasis and regeneration: Dr. Younggeon Jin
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Metal transporters in growth, development and disease: Dr. Byung-Eun Kim
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Genomics & Bioinformatics: Dr. Li Ma
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Epigenetics and statistical genomics: Dr. Jiuzhou Song
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Neural crest and placode cell formation, migration and differentiation: Dr. Lisa Taneyhill
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Molecular, cellular, and genetic regulation of animal growth and reproduction by the neuroendocrine system: Dr. Tom Porter
Nutrient Utilization & Metabolism:
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Apical junctional complex in gastrointestinal homeostasis and disease: Dr. Younggeon Jin
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Genetics of nutritional iron metabolism and anemia: Dr. Iqbal Hamza
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Mathematical modeling of rumen fermentation: Dr. Richard Kohn
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Metal transporters in growth, development and disease: Dr. Byung-Eun Kim
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Nutrient metabolism and health in ruminants and other livestock: Dr. Eduardo Rico
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Omics approaches to enhance muscle growth and aquaculture production: Dr. Mohamed Salem
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Molecular, cellular, and genetic regulation of animal growth and reproduction by the neuroendocrine system: Dr. Tom Porter
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Mechanisms regulating the remodeling of Mitochondrial metabolism during various physiological states: Dr. Nishanth Sunny
Pathobiology & Infectious Diseases:
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Understanding the molecular basis underpinning the pathogenesis of avian viruses in order to improve disease control and develop better vaccines: Dr. Andrew Broadbent
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Omics approaches to enhance disease resistance and stress tolerance in fish: Dr. Mohammed Salem
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Immune response to pathogens in animals: Dr. Zhengguo Xiao
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Reduction of the colonization of foodborne pathogens in the intestine of farm animals by using pre-biotics, probiotics or their combination (synbiotics) as well as mitigation of antibiotic resistance by developing natural antimicrobial against enteric bacterial pathogens: Dr. Debabrata Biswas
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Systems biology and one-health: Dr. Jiuzhou Song
Reproduction & Development:
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Developmental potential and cell fate decisions during embryonic and early mammary development: Dr. Andrew Schiffmacher
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Early embryonic patterning: Dr. Lisa Taneyhill
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Molecular, cellular, and genetic regulation of animal growth and reproduction by the neuroendocrine system: Dr. Tom Porter
Animal Behavior & Well-being
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Molecular, cellular, and genetic regulation of animal growth and reproduction by the neuroendocrine system: Dr. Tom Porter
Admissions
The Graduate Program in the Animal Sciences offers graduate study leading to the thesis-based Master of Science (M.S.) and dissertation-based Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. The ANSC graduate program does not offer a non-thesis option for the MS degree.
Fall admission is the preferred option. Students should apply for spring admission only if they have been encouraged to do so by their potential future advisor. Students interested in being considered for a departmental assistantship should submit their application by the best consideration deadline of January 10, 2024 for Fall 2024 Term. Departmental assistantships include both research and teaching responsibilities.
For more information about applying to the University of Maryland's Graduate School, please refer to the Graduate School FAQs.
Admission Requirements
Baseline Requirements:
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Minimum Undergraduate GPA: 3.0
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Combined GRE score (optional): 300
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Minimum TOEFL/IELTS score (for international applicants): Applicants should have a sub-score of 26 or higher on the speaking sub-section of the TOEFL, or a score of 8.0 or higher on the speaking sub-section of the IELTS. Sub-scores in other categories should meet the minimum requirement for Full Enrollment into the Graduate School.
Please note: For complete details on UMD English Proficiency requirements, please visit the Graduate School requirements page.
Application Deadlines
Spring 2024:
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International Final Deadline: Wednesday, September 13, 2023
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Domestic Final Deadline: Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Fall 2024:
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Best Consideration for an Assistantship: Wednesday, January 10, 2024
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International Final Deadline: Wednesday, February 21, 2024
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Domestic Final Deadline: Wednesday, May 8, 2024
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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☐ CV / Resume
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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 (optional)
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☐ Official TOEFL scores (international students)
