The Department of Animal Sciences thrives on the contributions of our graduate student community. In short, our science advances thanks to your curiosity, hard work, and drive to solve real-world problems. Come share your unique talents and background, and help us improve the lives of animals and people around the world.

Your faculty advisor will help you customize a curriculum that aligns with your goals. Graduates are equipped for careers in foundational and applied animal sciences at universities and colleges, with government agencies, and in agricultural and biotechnology industries.

Grad Student Handbooks

Please see both the departmental and university graduate student handbooks 

Animal Science Graduate Student Handbook Graduate College Handbook

Incoming Graduate Student Information

Annual Review of Graduate Students

Annual Surveys

Please complete one of the following anonymous annual surveys by September 1, 2022:

  1. Entry Survey: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/5976496 (For new students and students in the program less than one year
  2. Midpoint Survey: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/9505837 (For continuing students that are at least a year into their program)
  3. End Survey: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/6291379 (For students within 6 months of expected graduation)

Mentoring Graduate Students

Preparing and Scheduling Exams

MS Thesis Exam Request Form
Qualifying Exam Request Form
Preliminary Exam Form
PhD Final Exam Request Form

Graduate Student Exit Information

Graduate Exit Form

Animal Sciences End of Graduate Program Inquiry

Graduate News Submission

Submit your graduate student news

Career Development Resources

Information on career options, development of a career plan, understanding the job search process, creating application materials, and preparation for job interviews and negotiation can be found on the Graduate College Career Development page

Career Services

Students are encouraged to visit Handshake to identify employment opportunities.

Handshake is the platform for searching the online job board with job and internship postings for all students.  It is also how students schedule career advising appointments with the Graduate College. 

Diversity and Inclusivity Resources

Graduate Student Orientation Materials 

Research Integrity

University of Illinois students, faculty, and staff are expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards. Graduate students are encouraged to inform themselves on research ethics and responsible conduct of research. Resources include campus courses, seminars, training resources, and online modules. The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research offers a website on research integrity including information on training resources and the CITI online module. This information can be found on the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Research website.