Master of Science in Animal & Veterinary Sciences
The Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences
The Master of Science in Animal and Veterinary Sciences allows maximum flexibility in courses and research problems/topics. Research in farm/food animals forms the basis for most studies. A comparative approach is emphasized with a desired balance of both basic and applied projects. Any of the following areas may be emphasized: breeding, food sciences, nutrition, physiology and reproduction, or production management.
Graduates from this program are well prepared for careers in which individuals with knowledge and skill in animal health, nutrition, husbandry, and research methods are needed. Students in this program have the unique opportunity to participate in cutting edge research in the field, and acquire hand-on experience through working with animals on the various Davis College farms around the state. Many graduates find work in government agencies such as the USDA or WVDA, in pharmaceutical companies, research laboratories, large farms, extension, entrepreneurships in production agriculture, or may enter a professional school. Because maximum flexibility is allowed within the program, students can tailor their learning experiences to meet individual educational goals. A thesis is required in partial fulfillment of the Master of Science Degree.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Paul Lewis, Division Director
(304) 293-2231 ext. 4413
The Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences
The
Davis College is WVU’s oldest academic unit. The West Virginia Agricultural and
Forestry Experiment Station, established in 1888, has an annual research budget
of more than $9 million of research each year. Outstanding faculty and
extensive facilities offer students a wide variety of opportunities and hand-on
experiences. Students gain knowledge and skills outside the classroom using
3,425 acres of farmland, beef and dairy cattle, sheep, poultry, and aquaculture
production, and 8,134 acres of forest for teaching and research. Nationally
respected faculty members are honored for their efforts in teaching, research,
and service. Recent awards have included Benedum Distinguished Professorships
and a Heebink award for service.
The Division of Animal & Veterinary Sciences
The majority of classrooms and laboratories in the Division are housed in the Agricultural Sciences Building on the Evansdale campus. The Division also operates teaching and research farms/units at the WVU Animal Science Farm in Morgantown, and at farms in Reedsville and Wardensville. Faculty members in the Division of Animal and Veterinary Sciences are nationally recognized in their fields, and work with the students to match their interests and talents with the variety of courses available for study.
Admission
Admission requirements are those of WVU’s graduate admissions. There must be a faculty member within the Division who will agree to be the student’s major professor. This usually means that there is an opening in that professor’s laboratory group and the student is willing to work in an area of interest of the faculty. The student should also have a competitive grade point average. The Division will accept most B.S. degrees in the biological sciences. The student must have prerequisite courses in biology, physics, genetics, nutrition, and chemistry through biochemistry. Students from other disciplines may have to take courses to make up for the deficiencies, as determined by their graduate committee.
Curriculum
Students seeking a Master’s degree in Animal
& Veterinary Sciences will work with their major professor and committee
members to tailor a program of study to meet the student’s individual educational
goals. Students may emphasize breeding, biochemistry, food sciences, nutrition,
physiology, reproduction or production management. A thesis of original
research is required for completion of the Master’s degree.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are qualified to
work in state and federal government agencies such as the USDA, EPA, and state
departments of agriculture. The diversity within the program prepares students
for careers as researchers, pharmaceutical sales representatives, nutrition/
breeding consultants, extension personnel, forage consultants, farm managers,
food inspectors, researchers in marketing and development, and entry into
various doctoral and professional programs.
Accreditation
West Virginia University is fully accredited
by the
North Central Association of Colleges and
Schools.