Michigan State University MSU Animal Science MS/PhD - Dairy
By Michigan State University
Last reviewed: December 2025
Complete guide to Michigan State's graduate programs in animal science with dairy focus. Learn about MS/PhD degrees, research facilities, and Midwest dairy...
Michigan State University's Department of Animal Science offers Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees with dairy cattle research options. As a premier land-grant institution, MSU emphasizes applied research with real-world dairy industry impact.
Graduate students work with faculty mentors on research projects in dairy cattle nutrition, management, and production. MSU Extension connections ensure research addresses practical industry needs. The Institute of Agricultural Technology provides additional outreach opportunities.
MS students complete thesis-based degrees in approximately 2 years. PhD students require 4-5 years for dissertation research. Coursework, seminars, and professional development complement research training.
Most students receive assistantships providing stipend and tuition. Research assistantships support faculty projects while teaching assistantships involve undergraduate instruction. MSU's competitive packages attract students from across the country and internationally.
Michigan's diverse dairy industry—including robotic dairies, grazing operations, and conventional farms—provides varied research contexts. MSU Extension dairy educators connect research to producers statewide.
Key Features
- MS in Animal Science: 2-year thesis-based master's degree. Dairy research options. Industry or PhD preparation.
- PhD in Animal Science: 4-5 year doctoral degree. Original dissertation research. Faculty or research preparation.
- Research Assistantships: Stipend plus tuition. Faculty research project involvement.
- Applied Research Focus: Land-grant mission emphasizes practical outcomes. Industry relevance.
- MSU Extension Connections: Research connected to Extension outreach. Applied industry impact.
- Dairy Farm Network: Michigan's diverse dairy industry for research. Robot to grazing operations.
Advanced Features
- Dairy Research Facilities: MSU dairy research barns for nutrition and management studies.
- Nutrition Research: Practical feeding management research with industry application.
- Robotic Dairy Research: Research on AMS management and technology integration.
- Teaching Opportunities: TA positions for academic career preparation.
- Extension Career Preparation: Strong pathway to Extension specialist positions.
- Industry Partnerships: Collaborative research with Michigan dairy industry.
Ideal For
Farm Types: Research-focused professionals, Extension career seekers, Applied researchers
Competitive Advantages
What sets MSU Animal Science MS/PhD - Dairy apart from alternatives:
- Strong applied research mission
- MSU Extension dairy connections
- Michigan's diverse dairy industry access
- Robotic dairy research opportunities
- Competitive assistantship funding
- Land-grant practical focus
- Extension career pathway
- Quality faculty mentorship
- Midwest dairy industry proximity
- Strong industry placement
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for MSU Animal Science MS/PhD - Dairy:
Most students receive assistantships covering tuition and providing stipend. Competitive packages available.
Pricing Model: Assistantship-funded education
Contact faculty mentors about funding. Most admitted students are funded.
Pros & Considerations
- Strong dairy nutrition focus
- Quality faculty and research
- Good industry connections
- Land-grant university resources
- Midwest dairy relevance
- Competitive admission
- Graduate commitment required
- Academic orientation
- Research focus priorities
Implementation & Setup
How to implement MSU Animal Science MS/PhD - Dairy on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: MS: 2 years. PhD: 4-5 years. Applications reviewed on rolling basis.
Training & Support
Training and support options available for MSU Animal Science MS/PhD - Dairy:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating MSU Animal Science MS/PhD - Dairy:
- Am I interested in applied dairy research?
- Is Extension career a potential path?
- Which MSU faculty aligns with my interests?
- Would Midwest dairy focus benefit my career?
- Do I want hands-on industry connection?