M.S. & Ph.D. in
Poultry Science

Developing healthier sources of food

The Department of Poultry Science offers the Master of Agriculture, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in poultry science. These degrees are designed to prepare outstanding students for careers in the commercial poultry industry, allied industries, government, and academia.

Research training and experience can be acquired in the specialized areas of poultry management, poultry nutrition, poultry health (parasitology, pathology, virology), poultry physiology, processing and product technology, and food safety. 

Master’s & Doctoral Programs

The information below is a brief description of master and doctoral degrees in poultry science offered by our department.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Current Level Assistantship

  • GRA M.S.: $18,000 and Ph.D.: $21,000 per year.
  • GRA receives a full tuition waiver. 
  • The exact amount is at the department’s discretion and is subject to change by the college and Auburn University.
  • Salaries are paid in accordance with the budget policies and payroll procedures of the university.

Recommended Application Deadlines

  • International students: At least 4-5 months prior to the start of the intended semester.
  • Domestic students: At least 2-3 months prior to the start of the intended semester.
  • Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis and the availability of positions with individual faculty.

GRE Requirements

  • Submission of GRE score is not required for admission.

Departmental Preference

  • We do NOT require students to contact a potential professor prior to applying.

  • In case the student gets admitted to the program and wishes to attend Auburn University, they will have to demonstrate financial backing to support their education.

  • However, we recommend prospective students contact faculty with similar research interests to determine if they have a GRA position or funding for a graduate student, which will ensure the student has the financial support to attend Auburn University.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PH.D.)

The graduate program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in poultry science provides advanced education and technical training in preparation for careers in public and private sectors related to poultry science, safety, production, technology and more. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Graduates with a Ph.D. in poultry science from Auburn University will: 

  • Effectively communicate research findings to a broad audience in written or oral formats. 
  • Demonstrate poultry knowledge commensurate with the doctoral level. 
  • Possess an understanding of the scientific process, solve poultry-related problems, conduct a literature review on a poultry-related topic, independently conduct scientific experiments that address questions in poultry, demonstrate an understanding of experimental design, and statistically analyze and interpret data as well as draw valid conclusions. 
  • Effectively prepare and deliver lecture and/or laboratory material to undergraduate students. 

CURRICULUM & REQUIREMENTS

For the Ph.D., a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate coursework beyond the M.S. — 60 hours beyond the bachelor’s degree — is required. Courses are selected in conjunction with the major professor and advisory committee to address the area of emphasis.  

Upon completion of course work, students must pass general written examinations administered by the advisory committee, followed by a comprehensive preliminary oral examination. After satisfactory completion of these exams, the student advances to candidacy. A dissertation based on an independent research project is required to earn a Ph.D. After completion of the dissertation, the student must pass a final doctoral oral examination defending the dissertation. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM CURRICULUM 

Master of Science (M.S.)

The Master of Science in poultry science offered by our department provides advanced education and technical training in preparation for careers in public and private sectors related to the poultry industry as well as preparation to advance to a Ph.D. program in the subject area. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Graduates with a Master of Science in poultry science from Auburn University will: 

  • Articulate research findings to a broad audience in written or oral formats. 
  • Demonstrate poultry knowledge commensurate with the master’s level. 
  • Possess an understanding of the scientific process and how to find answers to poultry-related problems. 
  • Conduct a literature review on a poultry-related topic. 
  • Be able to use the scientific method to conduct scientific experiments that address questions in poultry. 
  • Interpret data and draw valid conclusions. 

CURRICULUM & REQUIREMENTS

The Master of Science (M.S.) requires a research project and comprehensive final oral examination with a formal written thesis and 30 semester credit hours.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM CURRICULUM

Master of Agriculture (M.Ag.)

The Master of Agriculture (M.Ag.) program in poultry science is a non-thesis program that prepares students for careers in secondary education and areas of poultry science, processing, management and more. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Graduates with a Master of Agriculture in poultry science from Auburn University will: 

  • Articulate research findings to a broad audience in written or oral formats. 
  • Demonstrate poultry knowledge commensurate with the master’s level. 
  • Possess an understanding of the scientific process and how to find answers to poultry-related problems. 
  • Conduct a literature review on a poultry-related topic 
  • Be able to interpret data and draw valid conclusions. 

CURRICULUM & REQUIREMENTS

The Master of Agriculture (M.Ag.) requires a research project with a written report, a comprehensive final oral examination, and a minimum of 33 semester credit hours. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM CURRICULUM

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Contact

301D Poultry Science Building
Auburn Univ, AL 36849