Animal Science

The program offers a wide scope coursework covering various subjects including animal physiology, nutrition, immunity and management. Research is mostly applied to domestic livestock such as small ruminants and cattle with the possibility to include other species in coordination with the advisor.

Students following a thesis program are required to take a minimum of 21 graduate level course credits plus a thesis (equivalent to 9 credits) and a minimum of 24 graduate level course credits plus a thesis (equivalent to 6 credits) in the case of Ecosystem Management and Rural Community Development. The thesis program may include a maximum of 3 tutorial course credits. Core regular courses should constitute a minimum of 12 credits excluding seminars and tutorials, with graduate elective courses to be determined with the adviser. A student following a non-thesis program is required to take a minimum of 33 graduate level course credits and a minimum of 30 graduate level course credits in the case of Ecosystem Management. The program should include a minimum of 3 credits and a maximum of 6 tutorial credits with at least 12 credits being from core courses in the major.

Core Courses for the MS Degree in Animal Science*

AGSC 301 Statistical Methods in Agriculture 2.3; 3 cr.

An investigation of the statistical techniques needed to design experiments and analyze and interpret agricultural research data. Prerequisites: STAT 210 or EDUC 227 and CMPS 209. Fall and spring.

AVSC 304 Preventive Immunology and Patterns of Animal Diseases3.0; 3 cr.

Basic aspects of specific and non-specific body defense mechanisms and the role of vaccination in population protection; study of the patterns of diseases. Prerequisite: BIOL 224 or AVSC 224.

AVSC 306 Diseases of Livestock 3.0; 3 cr.

Etiology, clinical characteristics, identification, and control of some selected infectious and metabolic diseases of economic impact on animal production.

AVSC 330 Advanced Livestock Production 3.0; 3 cr.

Recent advances in livestock production practices as related to interactions between animal and milieu with reference to the specific nutritional and climatic conditions of the Middle East.

AVSC 336 Ruminant Nutrition 3.0; 3 cr.

Recent advances in the nutrition of cattle, sheep and goats with reference to microbiological aspects of digestion and its relation to practical feeding.

AVSC 388 Animal Production and Environmental Management 3,0; 3 cr.

Characterizes the impact of extensive and intensive livestock systems on the environmental sustainability of the two systems in terms of technical constraints and feasible corrective environmental management strategies.

AVSC 395 Graduate Seminar in Animal Science 1.0; 1 cr.

AVSC 396/396A Comprehensive Exam 0 cr.

 AVSC 399 MS Thesis

  *Students should choose 4 of the core courses in addition to AGSC 301, AVSC 395, 396 and 399.

Requirements for graduate admissions to AUB are as follows:

1- Official university transcript(s) – All levels 

2- Graduate Application (apply online)

3- 2 recommendation letters 

4- English Language Proficiency Requirements: Upon admission, the applicant must show a level of  proficiency in the English language by obtaining a minimum  score of 530 on the English Entrance Examination (EEE), OR 583 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), OR 250 on the computer-based TOEFL OR 97 on the Internet-based TOEFL OR 7.0 on IELTS OR 147 on the GRE Verbal part OR 25 on the GMAT Verbal part.

The University provides fellowships covering partial or full tuition and a small stipend for students at the graduate level in return for a specified number of work hours per week in an academic department. Recipients are selected on the basis of their academic record and departmental needs.

The Bachelor of Science in Animal Science at the American University of Beirut (AUB) is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the biological, environmental, and managerial aspects of animal production and health. The curriculum integrates core biological sciences such as biology, chemistry, and genetics with specialized courses in animal physiology, nutrition, reproduction, and welfare. Students have the opportunity to learn about a variety of animal species, including livestock, poultry, and companion animals, preparing them for careers in agriculture, research, management, and policy-making.

The program emphasizes practical skills through laboratory work, field studies, and internships, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in animal handling, health assessment, and farm management practices. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects that address issues relevant to regional and global animal industries, such as sustainable agriculture, disease control, and food security. The faculty includes experts in animal biology, veterinary sciences, and environmental sustainability, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to animal science education.

Graduates of the program are equipped to pursue careers in animal husbandry, veterinary technology, agricultural consultancy, and academia. They are also prepared to engage in further education or research in related fields. The program aligns with regional needs for skilled professionals in animal production and welfare, reflecting AUB’s commitment to contributing to the development of sustainable and efficient animal industries in Lebanon and the broader Middle East. With state-of-the-art facilities and a curriculum constantly updated to incorporate the latest scientific advances, the Animal Science program at AUB aims to produce well-rounded graduates who can make meaningful contributions to the scientific community and society at large.