Graduate Program Overview

Programs of Study

  • The University of Kentucky Graduate Program in Animal and Food Sciences provides opportunities for advanced study in the discipline of animal sciences.  The aim of the Program in Animal Sciences is to develop animal science specialists who are able to function in a variety of sophisticated academic, industrial and professional settings.  Specific degree requirements are determined through individual consultation with a faculty advisor (M.S.) or an advisor and a special committee (Ph.D.).  Research work in the broad areas of nutrition and management, and reproductive physiology may be conducted with beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, poultry, sheep, swine and companion animal species.  Students with interests in foods may specialize in meats, dairy products, food microbiology, muscle biology, or food chemistry.

Research Facilities

  • Facilities for training and research include Coldstream, Spindletop, Maine Chance and Woodford County Farms.  These offer the opportunity to work with quality livestock in a most agreeable setting.  Extensive office, laboratory, animal care, meats and food processing facilities are available on campus.  Basic research laboratory facilities are available for conducting cell culture and animal studies using state-of-the-art trace mineral, vitamin, lipid, amino acid, hormone, enzyme, stable and radioactive isotope analyses.

Financial Aid

  • The Department of Animal and Food Sciences awards a large number of research assistantships annually.  Current minimum stipends are $10,000 for M.S. candidates and $12,000 for Ph.D. candidates plus paid tuition and health insurance.  These base stipends can be supplemented by faculty advisors and qualified students may also be eligible for university fellowships.  Enrollment as a full-time student (9 credit hours) is required.  Application for admission and completion of the departmental Personal Data Record serve as the application for these assistantships.  The University of Kentucky Office of Student Financial Aid, 128 Funkhouser Bldg., University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0054 (phone:859/257-3172), assists students in procuring financial aid.  Consult the Graduate School home page (http://gradschool.uky.edu) for fellowship information.

Tuition

  • Tuition and fees for full-time graduate study at the University of Kentucky are available through the registrar's office at https://registrar.uky.edu/ 

Living & Housing Costs

  • Living & Housing Costs University housing is available for single and married graduate students at monthly rates that start at approximately $500.  Rent for private apartments starts at approximately $600 per month.  Inquiries concerning graduate and married student housing should be directed to the Apartment Housing Office, 700 Woodland, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40508-3400 (phone:   859/257-3721).  Yearly cost for International Students are estimated at $28,500 per year of study (figures subject to change).

Enrollment

  • Enrollment Approximately 32,000 students of which 5,800 are graduate students, attend the University of Kentucky in Lexington each year.

Location

  • The University is located in the city of Lexington, in the central Kentucky Bluegrass Region.  The city has a population of approximately 250,000.

The University

  • The University of Kentucky is a land-grant university consisting of seventeen colleges and schools.  It provides a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, including 96 masters and over 60 doctoral programs.

Correspondence & Information

Dr. David L. Harmon, Director Graduate Studies
Department of Animal & Food Sciences
814 W. P. Garrigus Building
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY  40546-0215

Phone:  (859)257-7516
Fax:  (859)257-3412
Email:  david.harmon@uky.edu