MS in Animal Health & Industry (Non-Thesis)
The Master of Science in Animal Health & Industry is the first of its kind to be established to fill the niche between a bachelor's degree and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). The degree program's objective is to provide students with knowledge and skillsets to design strategies to mitigate the detrimental impacts of health issues in the livestock industry. This includes the identification of major health issues in animal industries, analysis, and interpretation of epidemiological data, and communication with stakeholders.
Designed for Flexibility
The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options and can be completed in-person, online, or through a hybrid format, allowing students from across the United States to complete the degree program. The flexibility of this degree program provides students with options to meet their individual learning objectives.
The non-thesis option is an interdisciplinary pathway that can be completed in as little as one calendar year with just 30 course hours. To broaden your expertise, 6 of the required 30 hours must come from courses in communications, leadership, or business. This option is ideal for students looking for a streamlined, practical approach to enhancing their career opportunities in animal health and related industries.
Building a Range of Skills
The Master of Science in Animal Health and Industry required courses will provide students with a practical knowledge base to prevent, identify and interpret data collected in the workplace setting and develop strategic plans to implement in the care of livestock animals. Designed for students passionate about advancing their knowledge and skills in animal care and health, this program emphasizes coursework, research proficiency, and essential soft skills. The prescribed elective courses will offer students the opportunity to learn the communication and business analysis skills necessary to work in the industry at the local and international marketplace level while allowing the flexibility to tailor their degree program to meet the individual needs of each student and their career goals.
Non-Thesis Coursework (30 credit hours)
Core Required Courses | (18 hours total) |
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Required | (6 hours) |
VSCI 5100 (1st semester) VSCI 5100 (2nd semester) VSCI 5403 - Biometry |
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Must complete 4 of 6 courses | (12 hours) |
VSCI 5320 - Endocrinology VSCI 5313 - Biochemistry VSCI 5301 - Epidemiology VSCI 5302 - Animal Diseases VSCI 5304 - Immunology VSCI 5001 - Special Problems |
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Prescribed Interdisciplinary Electives | (6 hours total) |
Must complete 2 courses | |
ACOM 5304 - Risk and Crisis Communications in Agriculture and Natural Resources ACOM 5305 - Public Opinion in Agriculture and Natural Resources ACOM 5306 - Foundations of Agricultural Communications AAEC 5310 - Advanced Market Analysis AAEC 5312 - Applied Economic Analysis for Agribusiness AAEC 5318 - Finance and Agribusiness Sector AAEC 5319 - Advanced Agribusiness Enterprise Management AAEC 5320 - Agribusiness Law AAEC 5325 - Applied Regression and Least Squares Analysis for Agricultural Sciences AGLS 5304 - Theoretical Foundations of Leadership AGLS 5305 - Developing Leadership in Rural Communities AGLS 5306 - Contemporary Issues in Agricultural Leadership AGLS 5307 - Evaluating Leadership in Agricultural Organizations AGED 5301 - Special Problems |
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Additional Electives / Internship | (6 hours total) |
VSCI 5000 or Two Extra Electives - A combination of both is permitted in special circumstances with prior approval. Occasionally, a professor will work with a student to complete a capstone project for these hours. International students should NOT plan to take the internship in their final semester of coursework. |
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Comprehensive exam upon completion of coursework |
Course Semester Rotations TTU Academic Catalog
Admission Requirements
- Acceptance and approval of the Graduate School
- A four-year undergraduate degree in an area that will provide an adequate background to successfully undertake graduate studies in Animal Health and Industry.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 80 or above is required for international applicants.
- A one-to-two-page personal narrative statement reflecting the applicants background, career goals, and how the program will help to achieve those goals
- Official Transcripts
- At least two letters of recommendation
- Interview with program representatives
- Program may be started any semester
- Completion of an official Degree Plan by the end of the students first semester of coursework
Photos provided by Dr. Oscar Benitez.
Department of Veterinary Sciences
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Address
TTU Food Technology Building, 2802 15th St, Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
806.834.6513 -
Email
Michael.Ballou@ttu.edu