Ph.D. IN AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, CONCENTRATION: SUSTAINABLE ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND HEALTH

Program Overview

The Sustainable Animal Production and Health focus area is designed to give doctoral candidates an in-depth look at the challenges facing the animal industry and equip them with the appropriate tools to answer and research questions related to the fields of sustainable animal production and animal health.

This program offers guidance in conducting interdisciplinary research including but not limited to genetics, nutrition, and physiology, and access to a diverse array of animal species.  The goal of the program is to assist future professionals and scientists develop capabilities in assessing and conducting valid scientific research and practices that facilitate sustainable food production and promote preventative animal health through an in-depth understanding of agriculture and environmental systems use of interdisciplinary approaches.

Program Outcomes

The program will prepare graduates to:

• Apply their critical thinking skills to solve complex issues impacting agriculture.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills through project and dissertation work and conference presentations.
• Conduct research or undertake advanced projects in an area of sustainable animal production and health. 
• Be active and effective leaders in their professional societies that demonstrate and model disciplinary expertise.

Scholarly Engagement

Students and faculty have published in the following top-tier journals in the field of Animal Science:

• Journal of Dairy Science
• Journal of Animal Science
• Poultry Science Journal
• Animals
• Livestock Science

In addition, faculty serve as editors and reviewers for these academic journals.

• Journal of Dairy Science 
• Avian Diseases
• Animals
• Animal Biotechnology
• Am. J. of Animal & Vet. Sciences

Students and faculty are active members of professional organizations and present at various local, national, and international academic conferences, including:

• Am. Society of Animal Sciences
• Am. Assoc. of Vet. Immunology
• American Poultry Science Society
• Am. Dairy Science Association
• Am. Assoc. of Immunologists
• Am. Society of Microbiology
• Poultry Science Association

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of the program have opportunities in:

• Animal industry
• Biotechnology companies
• Corporate training and development
• Biomedical organization
• Biosecurity
• Governmental & nongovernmental agencies
• Workforce development
• Veterinary medicine
• Institutions of higher education/Academia
• Cooperative extension

For more information