Animal Nutritional Health

M.S. in Animal Science with an emphasis in Nutritional Health

Advance research and product development for the nutrition and health of food and companion animals.

The nutritional health area of specialization provides graduate students with an integrated understanding of animal nutrition, physiology and health across species. Emphasis is placed on applying nutritional biochemistry and physiological principles to support animal performance, health outcomes and product development within the animal health and feed industries. Coursework focuses on nutrient metabolism, mechanisms of action of feed additives and regulatory frameworks governing animal nutrition and health products.

The program bridges traditional disciplinary boundaries, preparing students to address interdisciplinary challenges and translate scientific knowledge into practical applications. Students complete either a thesis or report option, gaining experience in research design, data analysis and communication of scientific findings.

Graduates are prepared for careers in research and development, technical services, regulatory affairs, product innovation and consulting in the animal health and nutrition sectors.

$479.16 per credit hour*

30 credit hours

Thesis and report options

*This estimate is for illustrative purposes only. This number is for in-person courses at the K-State Olathe campus and does not include any course, department or college fees; online fees; and also my vary depending on your transfer hours, course choices and your academic progress. See fees and other tuition expenses.

Graduate Research Assistant Openings at Olathe Campus
There are currently no GRA positions available at this time.

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Program Features

Careers

Curriculum and Tracks

With the thesis and non-thesis options and a variety of electives, you can design an advanced degree that best fits your interests and professional goals. Content is framed within an interdisciplinary approach to enhance problem-solving skills.

Thesis (Research) Track - This track allocates a portion of the 30-credit hour load to an original research project conducted with committee supervision and technical writing. This track is ideal for those who conduct hands-on research. Students interested in this track are encouraged to speak with their supervisor and K-State Olathe faculty to identify if the identified funded project would be a fit for K-State Thesis Track requirements.
Non-Thesis (Professional) Track - This track allocates a portion of the 30-credit hour load to a written report aimed to demonstrate your ability to analyze published research on a topic of your choice and present your findings in technical writing. This track is ideal for those who wish to advance their current or future employment opportunities, but may not have the time or opportunity to identify a funded research project that satisfies K-State Thesis Track requirements.

Courses are taught by both Olathe and Manhattan-based faculty, many of whom have an industry background and consult with industry professionals on their course content to ensure what you learn remains applicable to your career.

See the full list of courses for this master's degree program.

Core courses:

AAI 795 - Regulations Associated with Animal Nutrition (3 credits)
ASI 826 - Nutritional Physiology (3 credits)
AAI 861 - Research Strategies to drive product development in animal health (2 credits)
AAI 870 - Applied Statistics for Animal Science Industries (1 credit)
ASI 890 - Graduate Seminar in Animal Sciences and Industry (1 credit)
ASI 902 - Nutritional Biochemistry (3 credits)

Electives:
Students are able to select elective courses from various discipline areas and are not limited to one designated grouping of courses. Please reach out to Student Services if interested to discuss options for customizing your coursework selection to fit your interests.

Nutritional-based courses:

ASI 675 - Monogastic Nutrition (1 credit)
ASI 677 - Companion Animal Nutrition (1 credit)
ASI 678 - Equine Nutrition (1 credit)
ASI 680 - Ruminant Nutrition (1 credit)
ASI 920 - Energy Utilization in Domestic Livestock (2 credits) (not online)
ASI 921 - Protein and Amino Acid Utilization in domestic livestock (2 credits) (not online)
DMP/ASI 820 - Rumen Metabolism (3 credits)
DMP/ASI 925 - Rumen Microbiology (3 credits)
GRSC 645 - Pet Food Processing (3 credits)

Regulatory-based courses:

AAI 840 - Regulatory Aspects of Drug and Vaccine Development in the Animal Health Industry (2 credits)
AAI 841 - Strategies in Preclinical and Clinical Research for Regulatory Affairs in Animal Health (2 credits)
AAI 842 - Strategies in the Stewardship of Licensed Pharmaceuticals and Biologics in Animal Health (2 credits)
AAI 843 - Regulatory Development of Animal Pharmaceuticals — FDA (2 credits)
AAI 844 - Regulatory Development of Animal Pesticides — EPA (2 credits)
AAI 845 - Regulatory Development of Animal Biologicals and Diagnostics — USDA (2 credits)
AAI 846 - Special Topics: Regulatory Affairs in Animal Health (1 credit)

Statistically-based courses:

STAT 705 - Regression and Analysis of Variance (3 credits)
STAT 720 - Design of Experiments (3 credits)
STAT 722 - Statistical Designs for Product Development and Process Improvement (3 credits)
STAT 725 - Introduction to SAS Computing (1 credit)
STAT 726 - Introduction to R Computing (1 credit)
AAI 860 - Introduction to Systems and Data in Animal Health (2 credits)
AAI 862 - Applied Data Analytics in Animal Health (3 credits)
AAI 863 - Special Topics: Data Analytics and Insights in Animal Health (1 credit)
AAI 864 - Introduction to Computing for Animal Health (3 credits)

Other applicable courses: