The Animal Sciences Graduate Program

Admissions Requirements for International Applicants

The requirements of the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) are identified in on the OGSPS website. It contains essential information about admission requirements, curricula, course descriptions, University requirements for various degrees, financial aid, and information on other aspects of graduate education. Minimum requirements for admission to the Department of Animal Sciences are:

  • Previous Academic Record: The applicant must be a graduate of an approved institution and show promise of ability to pursue advanced study and research. An undergraduate scholastic index of 3.0 (B) or its equivalent is considered minimal for regular admission.
  • International Students: Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit official test results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language System (IELTS) Score, or the Duolingo English Test. International non-native speakers of English must achieve a TOEFL score of 80 on the Internet-Based Test (IBT), with the following minimum section scores: Reading (19); Listening (14); Speaking (18); Writing (18). Alternatively, for the TOEFL Paper-Delivered Test, students must have the following minimum section scores: Reading (19); Listening (14); Writing (18). Alternatively, students may utilize the IELTS Academic Module and have a minimum overall score of 6.5, with the following minimum section scores: Reading (6.5); Listening (6.0); Speaking (6.0); Writing (5.5). Minimum Duolingo English Test score required by the OGSPS for admission is a total score of 115 and 115 on each subcourse. If your English proficiency scores are below these minimums, additional study of English should be completed and the test repeated before making an application. The OGSPS requires that the scores must be documented by an official report from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and must be no more than 24 months old at the time the application credentials are reviewed by the OGSPS.

Applications for the Department of Animal Sciences are taken by the Electronic Web Application. It's FAST and EASY! Entry dates are: August, January, and June. International students should apply at least six months before the beginning of the session for which admission is sought. In general, the application requires:

  • Official transcripts from each college or university attended. For students who attend institutions where the official transcripts are not printed in English, the official original language transcript must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
  • Recommendation letters from three persons who have had an opportunity to evaluate the applicant's academic and research potential. At least one of the letters should be from a professor in the specific subject or field in which the applicant wishes to major.
  • Your Academic Statement of Purpose is 300-500 words stating your purpose for undertaking or continuing graduate study, your reasons for wanting to study at Purdue, and your professional plans, career goals, and research interests. You also may explain any irregularities or special circumstances applicable to your background.
  • Your Personal History Statement provides insight into you as a whole person and as a prospective graduate student. You may include relevant experiences such as community service, leadership roles, participation in diverse teams, and any significant barriers you have overcome in pursuing graduate education.
  • A current resume is required and should include your educational background, work experience, research experience, honors and awards, publications (if applicable), and any relevant skills or certifications.

Upon receipt of all material, applicants will be evaluated by the Graduate Committee. Acceptance by the department will not be granted unless the applicant can be assured of a major adviser and adequate research support and facilities. Please be certain to list on the application, in rank order, your research interests and the professors with whom you would like to study. Only the OGSPS is authorized to offer formal admission.