Enquire to study in the UK 
There is no end to learning, even for professionals in Animal Science. This is especially so when the Department of Animal Science at NC State University offers highly ranked graduate programmes, each with a track record of taking existing careers to new heights. The university is ranked #9 in the US and #14 globally (Edurank). For master’s degrees and PhDs respectively, the university is ranked #2 and #7 (College Factual, 2024). Its Lake Wheeler Road Field Lab is one of the most diverse university farms in the country, with over 20 research units and diversity that mirrors North Carolina’s multibillion-dollar agriculture industry.
Here, faculty and students pioneer solutions for the industry’s challenges. These include some of the most cited works in the Journal of Animal Science and doctoral research that have gained recognition from the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS). 2024 ASAS Young Scholar Award Hyunjun Choi’s PhD research investigates dietary interventions that can enhance nursery pig growth performance. Last year, Vitor Moita — whose PhD looked into the functional roles of feed enzymes and their impact on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs — won the same award.
The same success awaits those who join the college’s graduate programmes: PhD in Animal Science and master’s degrees such as the Master of Science or the Master of Animal Science. There is also the Interdepartmental Nutrition Programme, where students reside and conduct research under an advisor’s direction. Whichever programme you choose, you’ll work across multiple departments, developing research skills and exploring interests before entering or returning to the professional world.
For those with existing commitments, the Master of Animal Science Online is ideal. The only one of its kind, the programme can be taken entirely online and in a part-time or full-time format. This format maximises flexibility for anyone who needs to balance life and work with an exploration of the ins and outs of sub-disciplines like nutrition, physiology, genetics, biotechnology and animal management. For those looking to graduate early, the Accelerated Programme guarantees a BSc and MSc in only five years.
Regardless of your choice, you’re set to jumpstart a successful career in academia, research, and agri-business, to name a few — just like these graduates did:
Dr. Petra Chang hails from Brazil, with an AG Engineering degree. Source: NC State University
Dr. Petra Chang
Dr. Petra Chang’s interest in Animal Science began when she came to the US for an internship with Smithfield Foods at a sow farm. Eager to learn more about pigs and nutrition, she applied to join the Master of Science in Animal Science at NC State.
“I had good exposure to the commercial production of pigs through various industry connections from my advisors and could run my research in many commercial facilities of industry partners,” she says. “That helped prepare me for a job in the industry after graduating, and led me to gain more real-life experience in the field.”
She’s had a productive career ever since. After graduating in 2016, she became a technical consultant at Elanco, an animal health organisation dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to farm animals and pets. Here, she conducts field research, presents her scientific findings on industry-related topics, and meets with customers to present technical information. Part of her job scope includes staying connected and involved with universities like NC State to stay informed on current research topics and develop partnerships as well.
“The interdisciplinary nature of the Animal Science programme has been instrumental in my development as a professional, and has prepared me for a job in the industry,” she says.
With the vast network he built at NC State, Emmanuel Lozada-Soto took his research global, collaboration with the likes of University of Guelph and the University of Florence. Source: NC State University
Emmanuel Lozada-Soto
Before Emmanuel Lozada-Soto attended NC State for his Master’s and PhD in Animal Science, he majored in Agricultural Science, specialising in Animal Science, at the University of Puerto Rico. It was here that he became interested in livestock genetics, something he got to turn into a career at NC State. “During my master’s, I worked on new traits for monitoring udder infections in dairy cattle,” he says. “The courses and research experience at NCSU paved the way for my career as a livestock geneticist.”
During his time here, he took advanced classes in genetics and breeding, and collaborated with external institutions and partners to enhance his research skills. He also won the prestigious NC State Kenneth R. Keller Award, presented annually to outstanding doctoral dissertations in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
“My graduate education certainly led to my current career path,” says Lozada-Soto. He is now an animal scientist with the US Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service’s (USDA-ARS) National Animal Germplasm Programme. “I use the knowledge and skills acquired at NC State daily. Much of the research I currently perform parallels what I did for my doctoral programme, and my experience at NC State allowed me to start my role with a leg up.”
Dr. Yanbin Shen’s PhD research focused on the use of functional amino acids to enhance the health of food animals, a project key to his current senior leadership role in many ways. Source: NC State University
Dr. Yanbin Shen
Rigorous, immersive, and empowering. These features define Dr. Yanbin Shen’s experience with NC State’s doctoral programmes in Animal Nutrition and Human Nutrition. During his time here, Shen created new knowledge on the use of functional amino acids to enhance the health of animals.
“The coursework and learning experiences in the classroom expanded my intellectual horizons,” says Shen. He is now the Director of Technical Services and North America R&D Director at APC, an organisation helping animals and plants thrive through the use of innovative functional proteins. “Understanding fundamental principles refined my critical thinking and communication skills, enhancing my ability to convey complex ideas effectively,” he says.
This year, almost 11 years after graduating, Shen returned to NC State. He was appointed as an Adjunct Professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Animal Science. He now visits the campus regularly, participating in scientific conferences and working with graduate students via seminars and collaborative research projects.
“My role at NC State bridges academia and industry, benefiting students and researchers by aligning academic research with real-world needs. This collaboration will enrich academic experiences and offer students valuable opportunities to develop their skills for professional endeavours.”
Follow NC State’s Department of Animal Science on Facebook. Learn more about graduate admissions, assistantships, or apply today.
