Earn a Master of Animal Sciences degree in as little as two semesters!

This exciting program is only for undergraduate students studying animal sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Graduates from the 4 + 1 program have a competitive edge in the job market and secure higher-level jobs and higher salaries because of their advanced knowledge, experience, and skillset. Other graduates strengthen their applications to professional degree programs such as veterinary medicine.

Students can transfer up to 12 credit hours of 400- and 500-level classes from their undergraduate studies to earn a Master of Animal Sciences degree in as little as two semesters. The program requires a total of 32 hours of graduate coursework. This program does not require a thesis, but students will work with a faculty advisor to create a research project in animal sciences.

Undergraduates must apply to the 4 + 1 program before they graduate. Students will receive their bachelor’s and master’s degrees when they compete their graduate coursework.

Complete the 4 + 1 master’s program online or on campus. Here’s how to start the application process.

  1. Find an ANSC faculty member willing to be your advisor. The laboratories page includes a list of animal sciences faculty involved in research.
  2. Notify Alicia Schneider of your intent to pursue the 4 + 1 program before you finish your bachelor’s degree.
  3. Apply to the Graduate College (You will need a 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation, and will need to take the GRE.)
  4. Work with the faculty member to create a research project.
  5. Fill out a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the faculty member.
  6. Send the MOA to Alicia Schneider.
  7. Work with Alicia to ensure you take up to 12 credit hours that will transfer to your graduate program.

Students must pay for the 4 + 1 master’s program. Explore base tuition costs. While students cannot use internal scholarships, financial aid, and assistantships for this program, they may seek employment opportunities as academic hourly employees in the department and find external sources of financial support.

Student tends to a horse on the farm.

Important Note

This degree program is paid for by the student and not eligible for waivers, assistantships, or internal scholarships.