Interdepartmental Program
No
Graduate studies in the Animal Physiology Program cover a broad range of physiological systems. Students may choose to major in general Animal Physiology, or to supplement their major with a formal specialization in various areas such as: reproductive physiology, muscle biology, and animal ethology.
Graduate studies in the Animal Physiology Program cover a broad range of physiological systems. Students may choose to major in general Animal Physiology, or to supplement their major with a formal specialization in various areas such as: reproductive physiology, muscle biology, and animal ethology. Study in reproductive physiology concentrates on improving the reproductive performance of pigs, cattle, sheep, and horses. The area of muscle biology focuses on the fundamental properties of muscle proteins and their roles in developing muscles and yielding muscle products. Research conducted in the ethology program aims to provide scientific answers to farm animal behavior and welfare in conventional and alternative production systems. Areas of interest for which formal specializations do not exist, may include neuroendocrinology, immunobiology, and perinatal development.
Research in the area of Animal Physiology utilizes state-of-the-art techniques in biochemistry, molecular biology, and light and electron microscopy in laboratories housed in Kildee Hall and the Molecular Biology Building. In addition to top quality laboratories, these buildings house animal rooms, surgery facilities, and analytical support labs. The research program in Animal Physiology is supported by access to the research herds located on the Department's outlying farms.
Examples of research of note conducted by physiology faculty and graduate students includes:
- discovery of a new mechanism by which endocrine cells release hormones
- discovery of key cytoskeletal proteins: actin, desmin, paranemin, synemin, talin, and vinculin
- development of a synthetic skin that is applied to the teats of dairy cattle to prevent mastitis
Degrees Offered:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Master of Science (M.S.)
Area(s) of Specialization: (may appear on ISU transcripts after graduation)
- Ethology (M.S., Ph.D.)
- Muscle Biology (M.S., Ph.D.)
- Reproductive Physiology (M.S., Ph.D.)
How long does it take to earn a degree?
- Median time to earn the doctorate: No data
- Median time to earn the master’s: 2.7 years (Methods)
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.
515-294-2160
Rose Mary Ross
rmross@iastate.edu
Department of Animal Science
Graduate Coordinator, 1221 Kildee Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-3150
Program Homepage
Program Handbook
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
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 2026) |
115 |
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
ngabler@iastate.edu
Program Staff
coryjw@iastate.edu
rmross@iastate.edu
