Pennsylvania Penn State Animal Science MS/PhD - Dairy
By Pennsylvania State University
Last reviewed: December 2025
Complete guide to Penn State's graduate programs in animal science with dairy focus. Learn about MS/PhD degrees, research facilities, and Pennsylvania dairy...
Pennsylvania State University's Department of Animal Science offers Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees with dairy cattle research specializations. As a premier land-grant institution, Penn State combines research excellence with practical Extension application.
Graduate students work with faculty mentors on original research projects. Department strengths include dairy cattle nutrition and metabolism, reproductive biology, and production management. Penn State Extension ensures research has practical industry impact.
MS students typically complete thesis-based degrees in 2 years. PhD students require 4-5 years for dissertation research. Coursework, seminars, and teaching experience complement research training. The department maintains strong faculty-to-student ratios for quality mentorship.
Most students receive assistantships providing stipend and tuition. Research assistantships support faculty projects while teaching assistantships involve undergraduate instruction. Competitive funding packages attract talented students nationally and internationally.
Penn State's dairy research facilities include modern research barns and the Dairy Research Complex. Pennsylvania's diverse dairy industry—from small grazing farms to large conventional operations—provides varied research contexts.
Key Features
- MS in Animal Science: 2-year thesis-based master's degree. Dairy research specialization. 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 coverage. Faculty research project involvement.
- Nutrition Research Excellence: Strong faculty program in dairy cattle nutrition, metabolism, and feeding management.
- Reproduction Research: Fertility, reproductive management, and reproductive biology expertise.
- Extension Connections: Research connected to Penn State Extension. Applied industry impact.
Advanced Features
- Dairy Research Complex: Modern research facilities for nutrition and management studies.
- Applied Nutrition Research: Industry-funded projects addressing practical feeding challenges.
- Reproductive Physiology: Basic and applied research on dairy cattle fertility.
- Teaching Opportunities: TA positions provide teaching experience for academic careers.
- Professional Development: Grant writing, presentation skills, career preparation workshops.
- Industry Partnerships: Collaborative research with feed, genetics, and dairy companies.
Ideal For
Farm Types: Research-focused professionals, Nutrition specialists, Reproduction researchers
Competitive Advantages
What sets Penn State Animal Science MS/PhD - Dairy apart from alternatives:
- Strong dairy nutrition research program
- Reproduction biology excellence
- Penn State Extension industry connections
- Modern dairy research facilities
- Competitive assistantship funding
- Land-grant applied research mission
- Pennsylvania dairy industry access
- Quality faculty mentorship
- Strong academic placement record
- Balanced basic/applied research
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for Penn State Animal Science MS/PhD - Dairy:
Most students receive assistantships covering tuition and providing stipend. Competitive packages available. Self-funded positions uncommon.
Pricing Model: Assistantship-funded education
Contact faculty mentors about funding availability. Most admitted students are funded.
Pros & Considerations
- Strong dairy science program
- Quality faculty and facilities
- Good industry partnerships
- Research opportunities
- Northeast dairy relevance
- Graduate school commitment
- Competitive admission
- Academic focus
- Time and cost investment
Implementation & Setup
How to implement Penn State Animal Science MS/PhD - Dairy on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: MS: 2 years. PhD: 4-5 years. Applications reviewed on rolling basis; Fall start typical.
Training & Support
Training and support options available for Penn State Animal Science MS/PhD - Dairy:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating Penn State Animal Science MS/PhD - Dairy:
- Is nutrition or reproduction my primary research interest?
- Which Penn State faculty aligns with my goals?
- Do I want Extension connection for applied research?
- Would Northeast dairy industry access benefit me?
- Am I pursuing academic or industry career?