Graduate Degrees
Accelerated Bachelor/Master’s
The Poultry Science Accelerated Bachelor/Master’s degree (ABM) program offers academically advanced undergraduate students in the Science Concentration the opportunity to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree within 5 or 5.5 years, depending on the choice of curriculum.
- Double count up to 12 credit hours
- Obtain a non-thesis master’s degree (MOP) within 12 months of completing the bachelor’s degree, or
- Obtain a thesis-based master’s degree (MS) within 18 months of completing the bachelor’s degree.
Admission Requirements
- Completed 75-96 credit hours in their undergraduate programs, including credits earned from advanced placement (AP).
- Transfer students must have completed two semesters as a full-time student at NC State and earned a minimum of 24 credit hours.
- Have a minimum accumulated grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 (out of 4.0) at NC State.
- Students must complete their bachelor’s degree (BS) requirements on time (by the end of the fourth year).
- Students will generally follow the rules shown below for masters students.
Master of Poultry Science
- Minimum of 30 credit hours
- At least 20 credit hours in poultry science
- Remaining credits satisfy student’s interests and requirements of the Graduate Advisory Committee
- Minor not typically included
The Graduate Advisory Committee for a Master of Poultry Science degree consists of a Major Advisor and at least two other Graduate Faculty members, one of whom must be from a department other than Poultry Science. This committee should be formed by the end of the first semester of study. The membership of the committee can be altered if the student’s interests change.
A specific “Plan of Graduate Work” is to be developed by the Major Advisor and the student. This program, which is solely made up of course work, must be approved by the Graduate Advisory Committee, the Director of Graduate Programs, and the Graduate School no later than the end of the first year of study.
Grad Student Spotlight
Master of Science
- Minimum of 30 credit hours
- Most programs exceed the minimum
- At least 20 credit hours in poultry science
- Remaining credits satisfy minor requirements
- Minor options: single field, split between two fields, or interdisciplinary
The Graduate Advisory Committee for a Master of Science degree consists of a Major Advisor and at least two other Graduate Faculty members, one of whom represents the minor area. At least one faculty member must be from a department other than Poultry Science. This Committee should be formed by the end of the first semester of study. The membership of the committee can be altered if the student’s research direction changes.
In the case of a split minor, each of the minor areas must be represented in the Graduate Advisory Committee and these situations may require an additional committee member to represent the second minor area. The interdisciplinary minor normally includes at least three courses from outside the student’s major department or program and courses from two or more areas. The interdisciplinary minor representative must be from outside the major department or program and should be selected on the basis of his/her expertise and Graduate Faculty Membership in the interdisciplinary area.
A specific “Plan of Graduate Work” is to be developed by the Major Advisor and the student. This program of course work, along with a thesis problem, must be approved by the Graduate Advisory Committee, the Director of Graduate Programs, and the Graduate School no later than the end of the first year of study.
Professional Science Master
The Professional Science Master concentration is a non-thesis, applied degree program designed to address the combined business management and technology needs of the poultry industry, agricultural extension service, government and regulatory agencies, and many industries that are allied with the poultry industry.
- Requires 36 credit hours
- At least 15-16 credit hours of courses in poultry science (500-800 level) or feed milling (500-level)
- Up to 6 credit hours as Special Problems (PO 620)
- 9-12 credits required for Professional Development (Plus) courses
- 6 credit hours of science or management electives
- Select courses with an emphasis (breeder and hatchery management, live production, feed milling, or processing)
- May complete a graduate certificate in Feed Science and/or Poultry Science simultaneously
The professional skills component is designed to match student career goals and consists of a variety of relevant courses and activities developed in consultation with prospective employers and faculty mentors. These professional skillsets may be focused on finance and budgeting, leadership and entrepreneurship, project and operations management, sales and marketing, or communications and public relations. These professional skills courses will result in a portfolio of experiences recognized by and involving client employers.
Doctor of Philosophy
A doctoral degree in Animal Science and Poultry Science with a concentration in either Animal Science or Poultry Science is offered. Specific course requirements are flexible and each student’s program is developed in consultation with their Ph.D. advisory committee. The minor is optional but if a minor is included, external faculty representation is required on the advisory committee.
Admission Requirements
Factors considered for admission include: grade point average, scores on the GRE, undergraduate and graduate courses, experiences, statement of interest, and letters of recommendation. In addition, a member of the Prestage Department of Poultry Science Graduate Faculty must be willing to serve as the applicant’s advisor.
Student Financial Support
The Prestage Department of Poultry Science offers a limited number of research and teaching assistantships that are awarded where the students are also supported by research grant funds awarded to faculty members. The total support package includes health insurance, tuition, and a stipend. Students applying for assistantships should apply by January 31 for fall admission.
Other Relevant Information
To provide an opportunity for students to develop their teaching skills, graduate students are required to assist in the departmental teaching program regardless of source of financial support. All graduate students in the Prestage Department of Poultry Science who are mentored by departmental graduate faculty members are required to teach a minimum of one semester during their Ph.D. program.
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