Students who seek admission to the program should have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0, a TOEFL score of 600 (paper version), 250 (computer version), or 100 (internet version) for international students). The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is not required for entry into this graduate program. However, should a student have GRE scores, they will be complementary to the other items in their entry portfolio. Each student must have an advisor among the ARS faculty before they are accepted into the Program.
Students must meet a set of coursework requirements consistent with career objectives in either animal science or rangeland ecology and management. Required undergraduate classes must be taken prior to admittance or while in their graduate program.
Students emphasizing animal science must complete course work in physical sciences (6 credits), university mathematics including calculus (6 credits), organic chemistry or biochemistry (6 credits), and biology, agriculture, or natural resources (24 credits, including genetics, anatomy, physiology, soils, hydrology, ecology or plant or animal science).
Students emphasizing rangeland ecology and management, must have completed an undergraduate degree or complete coursework that qualifies them under the US Office of Personnel Management GS-454 series (Rangeland Management Specialist).