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Program Overview

The Animal Health concentration is focused on the theory and the tools necessary to prevent, monitor, and control disease in agricultural animals and/or companion animals, and prepares individuals to work in the area of animal health and/or welfare.

Students in the MPS program will learn the necessary skills, both through courses and applied, hands-on experience covering a wide range of areas including animal nutrition, genetics, and physiology. With access to world-renowned faculty, cutting-edge techniques, laboratories, and additional coursework in strategic thinking, communications, and leadership, students expand their knowledge and prepare themselves for today’s data-informed workplace. The skillset developed can be applied to numerous emerging applications and careers, such as:

  • Technical Service Consultant
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
  • Some students continue their education, such as:
    • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
    • Additional research degrees: MS, PhD

The MPS is a New York State accredited, one-year, course-based master’s degree program located in Cornell University’s Ithaca, NY campus. The specialized, course-based instruction broadens expertise and expands versatility and has two main components:

  1. Coursework: Students work with a faculty advisor to customize their course of study based on their area(s) of interest.  While the majority of the courses (20 of the required 30 credits) will be in CALS, students have the flexibility to take electives across Cornell.
  2. MPS team project: With the guidance of a faculty advisor, students work on solving a real-world problem, building project management, and team leadership skills sought by employers.

MPS students are part of a cohort of CALS professional master’s students specializing in diverse fields of study. The program is fast-paced and rigorous. Professional master’s students have a dedicated support organization, offering career guidance and professional skill development.

Degree at a Glance

30

credit hours of coursework

Problem-solving project

Completion and submission of a problem-solving project

For further details about degree requirements

Sample Curriculum

Working with a faculty advisor, students design a plan of study based on interests and career goals. To learn more about these courses,  visit the Courses of Study website.

 

Sample curriculum

Fall semester

  • ANSC 6270: Fundamentals of Endocrinology
  • ANSC 6880: The Global Food, Energy, and Water Nexus
  • VETPMD 6121: Food Systems and Health
  • VETPMD 6640: Introduction to Epidemiology
  • ALS 5900: Master of Professional Studies Project Development 
  • ALS 5210: Career Readiness: Engaged Learning for CALS Professional Master's Students
  • ANSC 6100: Animal Science MPS Seminar

Spring semester

  • ANSC 5410: Biology of the Mammary Gland in Health and Disease
  • ANSC 5920: Mechanisms of Animal Growth and Development
  • ANSC 5980: Animals in Biomedical Research
  • ANSC 5700: Immunology in Animal Health and Disease
  • VTPMD 6650: Study Designs
  • ALS 5910: Master of Professional Studies Project Completion
  • ANSC 6100: Animal Science MPS Seminar 

Admission Requirements  

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion for working with animals, competency in undergraduate science coursework, and interest in applying knowledge gained in a professional career. Admission requirements include:

  • Complete an application through Cornell Graduate School
  • Bachelor’s degree in scientific field, such as animal science, microbiology, chemistry, biology
  • For non-science background, at least 15 credits of introductory college-level science courses, including general chemistry, general biology, and corresponding labs
  • Current résumé
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • TOEFL/IELTS for international applicants, per Graduate School guidelines

For More Information 

calsprofprograms [at] cornell.edu (subject: More%20information%20about%20Animal%20Health%20specialization%20admissions) (Email us to discuss the admissions process)