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Program details
The Animal Science (MSc) program offers courses of study and research in several disciplines including behaviour, genetics, nutrition or physiology of farm animals.
You can choose to take a thesis-based or course-based route.
Thesis-based route
Expected duration: 2 years
Tuition and fees: Program fees are assessed in the first two terms of study, followed by a continuing fee in the third and any subsequent terms. (refer to Graduate tuition and fees)
The Animal Science (MSc) thesis-based program consists of 12 credit hours of coursework and a thesis requirement.
The coursework is comprised of a minimum of 6 credit hours in the major subject, a minimum of 3 credit hours in an ancillary subject plus ANSC 7140 (3 credit hours). Students must submit an acceptable thesis and pass a thesis oral examination.
Course-based route
Expected duration: 2 years
Tuition and fees: Program fees are assessed in the first two terms of study, followed by a continuing fee in the third and any subsequent terms. (refer to Graduate tuition and fees)
The Animal Science MSc course-based program consists of 33 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive examination.
The coursework is comprised of a minimum of 12-18 credit hours in the major subject, 6-12 credit hours in an ancillary subject plus ANSC 7140 (3 credit hours). The remaining required credit hours are to be made up of electives determined in consultation with the Advisory Committee. The program concludes with a comprehensive examination.
Sample course offerings
- ANSC 7140: Animal Science Seminar
- ANSC 7220: Genetic Principles of Animal Improvement
- ANSC 7380: Endocrine Control of Animal Metabolism
- ANSC 7400: Quantitative Genetics in Animal Science
- ANSC 7440: Protein Nutrition and Metabolism
- ANSC 7480: Mineral and Trace Element Nutrition and Metabolism
- ANSC 7500: Methodology in Agricultural and Food Sciences
- ANSC 7530: Special Topics in Animal Physiology
- ANSC 7550: Special Topics in Animal Behaviour and Welfare
- ANSC 7560: Mathematical Modeling of Agricultural Systems
For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar.
Admission requirements
The following are minimum requirements to be considered for entry into the Master of Science (Animal Science) program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
To qualify for the Animal Science (MSc) program, you must have a minimum of:
- A Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree with a major in Animal Science.
Students with other degrees (bachelor of science honours or general) may be accepted. In these instances, students may be required to complete a pre-master’s program or to register for courses additional to those normally required in the master’s program.
A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in the last two full years of undergraduate study is required. The master programs require a minimum one year of study and research.
Before submitting a formal application through the Faculty of Graduate Studies, potential graduate students are required to take the following steps:
Choose a current graduate student position or identify a professor who is working in an area of your interest. Contact the professor directly to discuss the possibility of joining our graduate program. Please provide your Curriculum Vitae, copies of your transcripts and a statement of research interests. Your referees may be contacted by the professor.
Once the professor agrees and you have secured two years of stipend funding either from a scholarship or from the professor's research grants, only then should you apply formally through the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Please keep the professor informed, especially regarding possible start dates, visa requirements, or any logistical issues.
Applications submitted without a confirmed supervisor will not be successful.
In addition to the admission requirements described here, all applicants must meet the minimum admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
How to apply
The Animal Science (MSc) program has three application deadlines per year. Applications must be completed online and include several parts:
- Application fee (non-refundable)
- Unofficial copies of transcripts
- Curriculum vitae/resume
- Two letters of recommendation (must be requested from within the application)
- Statement of intent
- Proof of English language proficiency, if required
Please note: Effective Summer 2025 entry, students must enter the name of their preferred advisor at time of application.
Please contact the Department of Animal Science before submitting an application for admission. Applications without the support of a research supervisor are likely to be rejected.
Please read the Faculty of Graduate Studies online application instructions before beginning your application.
Application deadlines
Applications open up to 18 months prior to start term.
| Term | Annual application deadlines |
|---|---|
| Fall (September) | June 1 |
| Winter (January) | October 1 |
| Summer (May) | February 1 |
| Term | Annual application deadlines |
|---|---|
| Fall (September) | February 1 |
| Winter (January) | June 1 |
| Summer (May) | October 1 |
Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated.
Learn more
Contact us
Admission and application inquiries
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Room 500 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
graduate.admissions@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-9377
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Program inquiries
Department of Animal Science
Room 201 Animal Science/Entomology Building
12 Dafoe Road
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry Campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
animal.science@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-9383
Fax: 204-474-7628