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Program details
The Animal Science (PhD) is a three-year program consisting of coursework and a substantial research component.
Doctor of Philosophy (Animal Science)
Expected duration: 3 years
Tuition and fees: Tuition fees are charged for terms one and two and terms four and five. A continuing fee is paid for term three, term six and each subsequent term. (Refer to Graduate tuition and fees.)
Students admitted directly from MSc:
Students must complete 6 credit hours of courses at the 7000 level in addition to ANSC 7390: Advanced Animal Science Seminar (3 credit hours).
Students must pass a candidacy exam, submit an acceptable thesis and pass a thesis oral examination.
Students admitted directly from Honours Bachelor or transfer from MSc:
Students must complete 12 credit hours of courses at the 7000 level in addition to ANSC 7390: Advanced Animal Science Seminar (3 credit hours).
Students must pass a candidacy exam, submit an acceptable thesis and pass a thesis oral examination.
Sample course offerings:
- ANSC 7550: Special Topics in Animal Behaviour and Welfare
- ANSC 7530: Special Topics in Animal Physiology
- 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
For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar
Admission requirements
The following are minimum requirements to be considered for entry into the Animal Science (PhD) program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Candidates must normally complete an MSc degree before entering the PhD program, however exceptional applicants with an honours Bachelor’s degree or equivalent may be permitted to enter PhD study. In both instances a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
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 (PhD) 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
- Statement of intent
- Two letters of recommendation (must be requested from within the application)
- 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