The graduate program in endocrinology-reproductive physiology is focused on understanding the physiology underlying the many reproductive problems presented by livestock, primates and laboratory animals and mitigating those problems through development of improved reproductive management strategies. The graduate program spans basic and applied areas of reproduction, endocrine physiology, interactions between nutrition and reproduction, and development of hormonal synchronization protocols to improve reproductive performance. These studies include mechanism of gene action, physiological genetics, in vitro maturation, fertilization, embryo development, cloning and gene transfer, neuro-endocrinology and the environmental and genetic control of puberty and postpartum anestrus. Courses are available through the departments of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the Medical School, School of Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine through the Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program.
Graduate students in this program earn their degree through Animal and Dairy Sciences or the Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology (ERP) program. Students completing the MS program in reproductive physiology are qualified to compete for jobs in the dairy industry including AI organizations, nutrition companies, and as county extension agents. Students completing a Ph.D. in reproductive physiology are qualified to pursue careers in research, teaching, or extension at academic institutions, government agencies, and private industry.