Texas Tech University

MS in Animal Health & Industry (Non-Thesis)

Department of Veterinary Sciences

 

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.

How to Apply  Apply now

 

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)
Required (6 hours)
VSCI 5100 (1st semester)
VSCI 5100 (2nd semester)
VSCI 5403 - Biometry
 
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
 
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
 
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.

 
   
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 applicant’s 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

How to Apply  Apply now

 


Photos provided by Dr. Oscar Benitez.