Animal Science students are required to pass a written comprehensive examination, an oral comprehensive examination, or both, in their field of specialization. The student's studies committee decides the format of this exam (time and page limits, open or closed book, etc.). All comprehensive examinations are taken on the University of Vermont campus in Burlington. One re-examination only is permitted for any failed comprehensive examination. The comprehensive examination is not the same as the oral thesis defense, and must be passed satisfactorily before defending the thesis. Usually the comprehensive exam process is completed at least 2 months prior to the thesis defense.

Master's degrees require a minimum of thirty credits; some programs require more. A minimum grade point average of 3.00 must be achieved. A minimum of fifteen graded credits used in compilation of the graduate GPA must be taken in residence at UVM following matriculation into the master's program. This program requirements: An acceptable undergraduate major in animal science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Satisfactory scores on the general (aptitude) Graduate Record Examination must be presented. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit proof of English proficiency. Applicants must submit official scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).