Poultry Science — MAg, MS, PhD

Degree Programs

• Poultry Science — ABM
• Poultry Science — MAg
• Poultry Science — MS
• Poultry Science — PhD
   

The Department of Poultry Science offers graduate programs in Poultry Science, leading to Master of Agriculture, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. These degrees are designed to prepare outstanding students for careers in the commercial poultry industry, allied industries, government, and academia. Research training and experience can be acquired in the specialized areas of poultry management, poultry nutrition, poultry health (parasitology, pathology, virology), poultry physiology, processing and product technology, and food safety.

Applicants must indicate which graduate degree they wish to pursue in Poultry Science. All applications are reviewed by the departmental Graduate Committee. Application materials include: official copies of all college transcripts, TOEFL scores (for international students), 3 letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose. Transcripts and test scores are sent directly to the Graduate School. The letters of recommendation may either be submitted online (preferred) or mailed to the graduate program officer. The resume and statement of purpose are sent to the graduate program officer at the departmental address or via email attachment. The GRE is not required. For graduate studies leading to MS or MAg degrees, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in poultry science, animal science, or the biological sciences from a recognized institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0. To be considered for the PhD program, applicants must have a MS degree with thesis in an appropriate field. The course of study, developed by the student and the advisory committee, may include additional courses to address specific needs or course work deficiencies.

Additional information about the departmental requirements, policies and availability of financial support can be obtained by contacting the graduate program officer, Dr. Wilmer Pacheco (wjp0010@auburn.edu).

MS/MAg Degree Requirements

1. The Master of Science (MS degree) requires a research project with a formal written thesis while the Master of Agriculture (MAg) requires a research project with a written report. The MS degree requires a minimum of 30 semester credit hours while the MAg requires a minimum of 33 semester credit hours. Both degrees require a comprehensive final oral examination.
2. Curriculum – Courses are selected in conjunction with the major professor and advisory committee to address the area of emphasis. All students are required to take 2 credits of POUL 7950, a course in statistics, and 4 credits of POUL 7990 or POUL 7980.

PhD Degree Requirements

1. For the PhD degree, a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate coursework beyond the MS (60 hours beyond the bachelor’s degree) is required.
2. Curriculum – Courses are selected in conjunction with the major professor and advisory committee to address the area of emphasis. All students are required to take 3 credits of POUL 7950, a minimum of one course in statistics, and at least 10 credits of POUL 8990.
3. Examinations – Upon completion of course work, students must pass general written examinations administered by the advisory committee, followed by a comprehensive preliminary oral examination. After satisfactory completion of these exams, the student advances to candidacy. A dissertation based on an independent research project is required to earn a PhD degree. After completion of the dissertation, the student must pass a final Doctoral oral examination defending the dissertation.