Animal Science M.P.S. (Ithaca)

Field of Study

Animal Science

Program Description

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Animal Science is ideal for career-focused students interested in the thorough study of issues and advancements in animal science. The MPS is a specialized, one-year, non-thesis, course-based master's degree program.

The Animal Science MPS program offers a STEM-certified curriculum that advances technical knowledge, analytical skills, and professional development. 

Though similar to a Master of Science (MS) degree,  the MPS degree differs from a traditional MS degree in its structure and focus. An MS is research-based, with students building a thesis over the course of two or three years. In contrast, the MPS degree is a one-year, course-based program where students study their field's intricacies and in-depth questions. 

The Animal Science MPS program has two main components:

  • Coursework (24-28 credit hours): Students work with a faculty advisor to map out their individualized course of study based on their areas of interest. The majority of courses (20 credits) will be within CALS; however, students have the opportunity to take courses across Cornell.
  • Capstone Project (2-6 credit hours): With the guidance of a faculty advisor, students work on a collaborative project. Review recent examples: https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/55167

Learn More about the Animal Science MPS - https://cals.cornell.edu/education/degrees-programs/graduate-field-animal-science/master-professional-studies-mps-animal-science

While students have the opportunity to customize their own course of study with their faculty advisor, the field offers five concentrations. Each of these concentrations includes a suggested curriculum of core and elective courses that fulfill the requirements of the MPS in Animal Science degree program while placing particular emphasis on an area of concentration.

Contact Information

Website: https://cals.cornell.edu/education/degrees-programs/graduate-field-animal-science/master-professional-studies-mps-animal-science
Email: nlt35@cornell.edu
Phone: 607-255-2862

149 Morrison Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY  14853

Concentrations by Subject

  • animal genetics (M.S., M.S./Ph.D., Ph.D. only)
  • animal genomics (M.S., M.S./Ph.D., Ph.D. only)
  • animal health (M.P.S. only)
  • animal nutrition
  • animal nutrition (M.P.S. only)
  • animal production sustainability (M.P.S. only)
  • animal science (general)
  • dairy business management (M.P.S. only)
  • physiology of reproduction (M.S., M.S./Ph.D., Ph.D. only)

Tuition

Visit the Graduate School's Tuition Rates page.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadlines:

Fall Admission: February 15 (priority deadline), April 15 (general deadline)

Applicants will be notified within two weeks after the deadline about their application status. Excellent applicants for the program will be invited to interview before a final decision is communicated. Not all applicants will be selected for an interview.

Requirements Summary:

  1. Complete Cornell’s Online Graduate School Application. Get started by setting up an ApplyWeb account.  Once you have an account, you can go to the online application to begin the process
  2. Submit unofficial copies of official college and university transcripts
  3. Submit your résumé or CV
  4. Submit a Statement of Purpose
  5. Submit a Personal Statement
  6. 2-3 letters of recommendation
  7. All applicants must meet the Graduate School minimum requirements including the English Language Proficiency Requirement
  8. The GRE general test is not required or accepted

Learning Outcomes

  • Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills
  • Specialized Subject Matter Competence
  • Writing Skills
  • Group Work, Management and Leadership Skills
  • Communication and Presentation Skills