Meat Science

slabs of meat
Our program offers rigorous academic training and hands-on research opportunities in the specialized field of Meat Science. Students engage in cutting-edge research that spans from meat quality assessment to sustainable meat production practices.
Program Homepage Program Handbook

Research in Meat Science includes both basic and applied studies of the science of meat and meat products. The program includes research on animal physiology and fresh meat quality, pre- and post-mortem muscle physiology and biochemistry, meat processing technology encompassing use of novel ingredients and equipment as well as new preservation and packaging concepts. Microbiology and food safety are important components of both fresh meat and processed meat research programs. Meat Science has well-equipped chemistry and microbiology laboratories including a Biosafety Level 2 laboratory for work with pathogenic microorganisms in addition to extensive animal harvest, fabrication, processing and preservation facilities.

These facilities provide the capacity for research on meat quality as a result of animal genetics, nutrition and environment as well as impacts of animal transport, handling, harvest and immediate post-harvest conditions. Fresh meat quality and safety during subsequent storage and shelf life assessments are an integral part of the program. Facilities available for meat processing research provide capacity to produce virtually all types of processed meat products for study of novel ingredients, equipment and processing technologies, including such things and natural and organic processing and high hydrostatic pressure processing.


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)

 

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 3.8 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.5 years (Methods)

Rose Mary Ross

rmross@iastate.edu
515-294-2160
Department of Animal Science
Graduate Coordinator, 1221 Kildee Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-3150

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in Animal Sciences and related disciplines.
  • Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to Animal Sciences and related disciplines.
  • Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative research via appropriate acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data and information.
  • Interpret research results appropriately, integrating them into the existing knowledge in the discipline.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate research findings using written, oral, visual, and electronic means of communication.
  • Conduct scholarship, in teams or with independence, in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

  • Statement of Purpose (Goals) (if not sent electronically with application): Include major program desired, species of interest, preferred faculty advisor(s), research interests
  • Resume/CV
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Any prospective student can apply though we encourage students to reach out to our graduate faculty members prior to application. The application will only be fully reviewed at the request of a faculty member. Successful admission into this thesis-seeking program will require a major professor. An application fee would be due upon admittance.
  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 80
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2025) 105

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

There is no deadline for applications. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year (upon the request of a faculty member) for either a Spring, Summer or Fall semester start.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions