I am excited to be the Chair of the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University.  I took this job because of the opportunities that MSU has in Teaching, Research, Extension and Outreach. As you look through our web pages, you will see lots of exciting opportunities that hopefully meets your needs. 

If you are a prospective student, we have tremendous opportunities in our animal industry, animal biology and pre-veterinary medicine, companion and exotic animal biology, and production animal scholars concentrations, or our Ag Tech options in beef, dairy, horse, and swine.  Our courses provide you with a strong science background and lots of opportunities to work with animals. Take a virtual tour of our on-campus farms and well as our off campus facilities. There are numerous clubs you can join such as the Block and Bridle Club or the Animal Welfare team, and you can participate in international experiences or internships.  So feel free to “look around” our website and then stop by or call us and we can arrange a tour for you.

If you are interested in graduate school or research, we have many opportunities for both applied research or basic biomedical science.   We have researchers working in reproductive and developmental biology, animal health and welfare, nutrient management, genomics, bioinformatics, and bone and joint health in beef cattle, swine, poultry and dairy animals.  For an overview visist our research programs section or click on each of the faculty links to learn more about each of the programs or fill out an application for graduate school.

If you own animals and need our help we have experts in many different areas or can help you find someone to help you.    Our Extension Areas of Expertise teams can help you in many aspects of Animal Management.  If you are under 21, we have lots of animal opportunities for you.

The Department of Animal Science is committed to providing you with a quality experience.  If you have any questions or comments or would like additional information, we would be happy to help you.  Just e-mail us at:  ans@msu.edu

Karen Plaut, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Animal Science
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824