Animal Science

Overview

About the program

Prepare your own course of study with the close assistance of faculty mentors who will guide you on the path you set for yourself. You’ll gain a solid base of research methodology, instrumentation methods, animal care, physiology and nutrition, emphasizing your chosen research area.

The top-of-the-line academic Animal Science program at Southern Illinois University covers the various disciplines of animal science and nutrition, reproductive physiology, biotechnology and growth and development with emphasis on beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, swine and fish. Other animal or cell culture systems are sometimes used as research models.

Students experience quality, hands-on learning both in the classroom and in the daily care, feeding, management and supervision of animals.

Students can choose between a thesis or non-thesis option. Students planning on pursuing a PhD. should follow the thesis option. Our rigorous coursework and directed study lay a solid foundation for your doctoral degree. The non-thesis option has a higher concentration of classes and is more structured, helping those wishing to enter the industry right after graduation, advance in the workplace.

Our accomplished faculty guide graduate students in cutting-edge research and analyses of the biology and management of domestic animals. Students and faculty collaborate on fitting research to practical applications in agricultural industries.

Of course our students have the advantage of access to our advanced courses and top-notch facilities, but SIU is also an important resource for the region. Students will become part of that resource even while they benefit from it.