Master of Science in Reproductive Physiology
The Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences
The Master of Science
Degree in Reproductive Physiology
The Reproductive
Physiology program in the Davis College differs from most graduate programs at
WVU. The Master’s program is an interdisciplinary program that is considered
integral to the Ph.D. program in Reproductive Physiology. Students may enter the program with an M.S.
from another institution or with a B.S. degree and complete the M.S. en route
to the Ph.D. The emphasis of the program is to provide high quality
apprenticeship research in reproductive biology. In the past many of the
doctoral graduates have gone directly into academic positions or research roles
in government or private industry. Demand for graduates of this program remains
high, in part due to the program’s
distinction as a national and international program of excellence. Faculty in
this department are called upon regularly for presentations at international
symposia, invited speakers,
roles in scientific societies, and as peer reviewers. Faculty members are
located in the Division of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, and the
Departments of Biology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Physiology and Pharmacology.
For more information, contact:
The Chair of the Faculty of Reproductive Physiology,
Dr. Keith Inskeep, (304)293-2406 x-4422)
The Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry, & Consumer Sciences
The
Davis College is WVU’s oldest academic unit. The West Virginia Agricultural and
Forestry Experiment Station, established in 1888, conducts 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 ad
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, a WVU Award
for Outstanding Teaching, 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. Here students in the Division gain knowledge of the theories behind the animal sciences and can gain experience by taking classes and working in the dairy plant or meats laboratory. The Division also operates teaching and research farms 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
Entrance requirements
include two semesters each of organic chemistry and physics, and courses in
calculus, genetics, and embryology. Applicants are expected to request letters
from three references and present a statement of their long-term goals and
objectives. Results of the Graduate Record Exam are considered.
Curriculum
The student, the major professor, and committee members work together to tailor a program of study to meet the individual student’s research and career goals. Students may take courses in animal and veterinary sciences, biology, physiology, histology, pharmacology, genetics, biochemistry, and statistics. The chosen curriculum will prepare the student to enter a doctoral program.
Research
Research topics include studies of factors affecting embryonic and fetal growth and survival, function and regression or the corpus luteum, aging of the oocyte, control of postpartum reproductive performance, environmental factors in reproduction, control of steroidogenesis in the ovary, control of estrus and ovulation, ovarian follicular development, endocrine functions of polypeptides, neuroendocrine control of gonadotropic hormone secretion, and roles of prostaglandins in reproduction. Most work is in livestock species.
Accreditation
West Virginia University is fully accredited
by the
North Central Association of Colleges and
Schools.
The reproductive physiology program has been recognized as a program of excellence by the WVU Graduate Council.