Programs of Study

Students undertaking graduate work in poultry science at the University of Georgia have excellent opportunities for strong course background, broad research experience and practical exposure to the dynamic poultry industry. UGA's Department of Poultry Science offers specialized training in physiology, genetics, nutrition, products technology, parasitology, toxicology, microbiology and molecular biology leading to the M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in poultry science.

Our world-renowned faculty have won nearly every major research, teaching and extension faculty award offered by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and by the Poultry Science Association.

The Poultry Science Graduate Student Organization promotes career development and social activities that make the graduate student experience more than just academics and research. Our students enjoy their graduate experience and will look back upon their graduate school days as the most rewarding, stimulating and interesting of their lives.

The Department of Poultry Science at UGA offers three graduate programs:

Masters of Science (MS)
A MS degree requires 30 hours of coursework and a research project that culminates in the submission of a written thesis. The thesis usually incorporates at least two research projects, and our MS students take, on average, 2 years to graduate.

Non-Thesis Experiential Masters of Science
A non-thesis experiential masters degree requires 30 hours of coursework but does not require the production of a thesis. This degree is geared towards learning in real-world situations, including poultry operations, veterinary or medical practices, or other internship type opportunities. Therefore, it includes credit hours that are awarded for internship experiences in these settings. The program is designed to be completed in less than two years.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
A PhD degree requires 30 hours of coursework and a research project that culminates in the submission of a written dissertation. The dissertation usually incorporates at least two research projects, and our PhD students take, on average, 2.5-3.5 years to graduate. Most PhD students have already obtained a MS degree before starting a PhD program here at UGA, however there is a “Direct” PhD opportunity (the pursuit of a PhD without a prior MS) that is available for students who show exemplary potential. Admission to this “direct” PhD program is awarded on a case-by-case basis.

*All programs are in-person and require students to be present for a majority of the degree. We do not currently offer any online degree programs.