New graduate program announced

[DEC. 4, 2006]  URBANA -- The University of Illinois Department of Animal Sciences and a leading Illinois swine management business are creating a new master's degree program at the U of I College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.

The degree -- The Maschhoffs Inc.-sponsored Master of Science in Animal Sciences-Swine Production Management -- is designed for high-caliber students with a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences or an associated discipline.

"This program is aimed at students planning a career in production management within the swine industry," explained Michael Ellis, a professor in the Department of Animal Sciences and head of the new degree program. "In the future, these individuals will need an increasingly broader range of technical and business management skills and practical experience if they are to be successful.

"Our program will combine the academic rigors of a master's degree at the U of I with extensive practical experience and involvement in applied research studies carried out within The Maschhoffs Inc."

The Maschhoffs is headquartered in Carlyle and over the past decade has partnered with the U of I on numerous progressive research projects in swine production science, ranging from nutrition to health to transportation and engineering.

"This program gives students a unique experience," said Bradley Wolter, a U of I Ph.D. in animal sciences and director of production technology with The Maschhoffs. "In return, our company gets the opportunity to work with the bright minds who will become tomorrow's swine industry leaders."

Students will spend three semesters doing class work and being involved in a wide range of applied swine research. During the final semester of the program, students will work within The Maschhoffs system carrying out an applied research project, which will form the basis of the thesis component of their degree.

Applications for the program, which begins in fall semester 2007, should be submitted by Jan. 31, 2007. Further information can be obtained by contacting Ellis at 1207 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801.

[University of Illinois Extension news release]