Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/

0000-0002-9630-9875

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Wells, Jessica B.

Committee Member

Walker, Ryan M.

Committee Member

Wamsley, Kelley G.S.

Date of Degree

5-13-2022

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Agriculture

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Poultry Science

Abstract

With only six poultry degree granting universities, producing a slim number of graduates each year, poses a challenge for the industry. There may be potential areas for internal recruitment within Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). In study 1, an evaluation of Mississippi State University’s CALS retention trends determined that Biochemistry (BCH) and Animal Science (AS) have the lowest retention rates. Study 2 compared all six poultry degree granting universities’ CALS retention rates, with AS continuously having one of the lowest retention rates. Lastly, Study 3 surveyed undergraduates, advisors, and faculty showing students having an interest in poultry while advisors and faculty were hesitant in exposing students to opportunities within poultry. Results from these studies unveiled a new population of students for departments within CALS to recruit from, specifically poultry, to potentially increase CALS and university retention rates, thus possibly providing the poultry industry with more qualified employees.

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