How do I obtain an assistantship for graduate school in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
It is very important to contact a faculty member working in your area of interest. All funding for assistantships lies with the faculty. The Department does not fund graduate students separately from faculty members. Please note that not all faculty members in the Department have a graduate program. For a listing of our graduate faculty, please see the following pages.
For MS students: Animal Science (MS) | Office of Graduate Studies | Nebraska.
For PhD students: Animal Science (PHD) | Office of Graduate Studies | Nebraska.
What support does an assistantship provide?
An assistantship provides a monthly stipend, tuition costs (up to 12 credits per semester), and optional basic individual health insurance coverage at a reduced cost to the student. The student is responsible for the associated fees. Summer credits may be possible depending on the student program.
Additional information regarding assistantships can be found at: Assistantships | Office of Graduate Studies | Nebraska
Does the Department allow graduate students who are not on an assistantship?
While most graduate students in the department receive an assistantship, it is possible for a graduate student to be admitted without an assistantship. The student is responsible for the full cost of tuition, must be accepted by the department and have an advisor who has a graduate program available.
While it is not common, some students do attend with outside assistance via Fulbright Scholarship, government sponsorship (J1 or other type visas), company sponsorship, etc.)
Can the Department of Animal Science waive the application fee due to financial need?
The department is not able to waive the application fee on behalf of the University.
Does the Department of Animal Science have a minimum GRE requirement?
The department does not require the GRE. You can inquire with an individual faculty member if they would like you to provide a GRE score. You have the option of providing a GRE score with your application if you choose to do so.
What are the English proficiency requirements to attend graduate school at Nebraska?
English proficiency is required for non-native speakers. The requirements for English proficiency can be found at: English Proficiency | Office of Graduate Studies.
When should I apply for admission?
The department has a rolling admission requirement, meaning there is no specific admission deadline. It is recommended that you contact faculty at least 6 months before you want to start your graduate program.
When you are ready to apply, you can apply below.
Are resident tuition rates available for non-Nebraska graduate students?
Students who are not on an assistantship must pay tuition based on their resident status. For more information regarding tuition costs and fees, please visit: Graduate Tuition and Fees 2024-2025 | Student Accounts | Nebraska.
Will non-University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate coursework transfer to my graduate program?
Course requirements are set by the student’s evaluating committee and the relevance of any previous graduate credits are evaluated by the committee. It is common for incoming Ph.D. students to transfer a portion of or all their M.S. credits to their Ph.D. program. Incoming M.S. students who have graduate credits should discuss those credits with their potential advisor. Undergraduate coursework will not count toward a graduate degree.
What is the process for determining admission?
Applications are initially screened by the Office of Graduate Studies. They are then sent to the department and are screened by graduate faculty. It is important that the application identify faculty members that the student is interested in working with so that it can be routed correctly. Additionally, the department will not evaluate applications without letters of recommendation, so it is important to ask for references to submit their letter.
If I am interested in working with multiple faculty members, do I need to submit a different application for each potential advisor?
No. You only need to submit one application, but it is important to list the faculty members you have an interest in working with.
How will I be notified regarding the outcome of my application?
Official notification regarding admission status will be provided by Graduate Studies. If you are in communication with a potential graduate advisor, you may inquire with them about the status of your application.
Are remote options available for graduate school?
Traditional M.S. and Ph.D. programs are not designed for distance education. Many graduate courses do not have distance options and many research projects require students to be at the research site. There may be some circumstances where remote options exist for a portion of a graduate program, but this is not the norm.
The University of Nebraska does offer remote graduate options in the Masters of Applied Science (MAS) program. Specifically, the MAS program offers a master’s in Animal Science with a specialization in Beef Cattle Production. In general, graduate assistantships are not offered to students pursuing a distance MAS program. For more information regarding the MAS specialization in beef cattle production, please visit: Beef Cattle Production | College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources | Nebraska