Course variations

Course summary

This program, which emphasizes training for independent research, is aimed at development of competent scientists who have mastered one subject, have adequate knowledge of related subjects, and have demonstrated their ability to plan, undertake, complete, and interpret research. Most graduates of this program assume positions in universities, industry, or government. Some of the study requirements of the Ph.D. program follow: supervised by special committee of four professors selected by the candidate, at least one of whom must not be a member of the department of animal science; requires one major and two minor subjects; requires minimum residence of six full terms. Transfer of residence credit may be allowed, but the candidate must spend at least two of the last four terms (ordinarily the last two) in consecutive session at Cornell. Most students who begin with baccalaureate degree take five to six years to complete requirements for the PhDs; research thesis must be approved by all members of the special committee; examinations vary somewhat among fields but in all cases include oral Admission to Candidacy and final (thesis) examinations; candidate is expected, as part of training, to assist in teaching undergraduate courses.

Entry requirement for international students

Students seeking admission must have completed a bachelors’ degree. International students must take the GRE exam. Students whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL and have the official score reported to Cornell from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Educational Testing Service provided a new Internet-based Test (iBT) version of the TOEFL. This new version will test all four language skills important for effective communication: writing, listening, reading, and speaking. Each section has its own score, and the Graduate School has set the following minimum scores for admissions: Writing: 20; Listening: 15; Reading: 20; Speaking: 22. Students will continue to accept scores for computer based (cBT) (213 minimum) and paper based (550 minimum) versions of the TOEFL that were taken within two years of the date.

Qualification

Doctoral

Awarding body

Cornell University

Department name

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Animal Science