Graduate degrees (as indicated in parentheses) are offered by the School of Veterinary Medicine in its three departments. These include: the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences (M.S., Ph.D.), the Department of Pathobiological Sciences (M.S., Ph.D.), and the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences (M.S., Ph.D.).

Graduate training in this department offers graduate students the opportunity to specialize in one or more disciplines. These disciplines include cell and molecular biology; cancer cell biology; toxicology, including inhalation toxicology; environmental health science and ecological chemistry; physiology; anatomy; and pharmacology. Faculty research interests and expertise include mechanisms of metastasis in cancer; gene therapy (including electroporation) in cancer; cell and molecular biology of tooth eruption; pharmacology and toxicology of aquatic species; environmental and ecological toxicology; cellular ultrastructure; environmental risk assessment; analytical pharmacology and toxicology; diagnostic neurophysiology; pharmacology of pain and inflammation; exercise physiology; xenobiotic metabolism and disposition; neurochemistry; pulmonary pharmacology; cardiovascular disease; and cetacean morphology.

This graduate education program attracts candidates with D.V.M. or equivalent degrees and students with bachelor’s or master’s degrees in microbiological, immunological, zoological, and biomolecular sciences. The emphasis is on developing intellectual abilities and research skills through investigations of infectious diseases of food-producing, companion, and aquatic animals, as well as animal models for human disease. The interdisciplinary faculty — with expertise in molecular biology of infectious diseases, parasitology, and immunology—as well as well- equipped laboratories, provide a stimulating environment for graduate training. Depending on individual interest, graduate students may choose courses with an emphasis in immunology and molecular virology, bacterial or viral pathogenesis, or parasitology and parasite-induced diseases. Communication skills are fostered through active research discussion groups, interdisciplinary seminars, oral examinations, presentation of papers at scientific meetings, and publication of research findings.

This academic and scientific program develops uniquely trained scientists who are able to contribute to the improved health of food-producing, companion, and aquatic animals through vaccine development and modulation of the immune response. Graduates possess the ability to investigate the pathogenesis and disease mechanisms of existing and newly emerging animal and human pathogens to advance animal and human health through research. Graduates may qualify for examination by the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists and for assuming responsibilities of academic, industrial, and governmental positions.

The graduate professional programs in the department emphasize post-D.V.M. education that leads to the Ph.D. degree. An M.S. degree is also available. The program offers an in-depth educational experience in classical morphological, clinical pathology, or laboratory animal medicine. Completion of the residency program partially satisfies the requirements of eligibility for the board examination of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) or the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM). Research opportunities encompass the research programs of the entire School of Veterinary Medicine.

This department offers graduate students with a fundamental background in clinical sciences the opportunity to study disease problems in small, large, and exotic animals. Faculty of the department hold concurrent appointments in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital & Clinics where they provide in-depth clinical training to professional students while serving the animal health needs of the hospital’s clientele. The hospital program is supported by a large and diverse staff that includes veterinary interns and residents, medical technologists, radiologic technologists, and pharmacists.

Advanced training in clinical sciences prepares graduate students for careers in clinical research and teaching and administration of clinical trials in the private and governmental sectors. Faculty research interests and areas of expertise range from basic research in immunogenetics to applied studies of surgical and medical problems. Collaborative research with other departments in the School of Veterinary Medicine, the University, and extramural agencies is encouraged and fostered. Opportunities are available in a variety of disciplines for graduate students to acquire teaching experience.

You must be a veterinarian or have a baccalaureate or M.S. degree from an accredited institution. Further, you must meet standards for admission established by the Graduate School, including grade-point average and GRE scores. If you are an international student (except those from certain English-speaking countries), you must score at least 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination.

If you are admitted on probation, you will remain in this status until the completion of nine hours of graduate-level, graded courses attaining a grade-point average of at least 3.00. If you are admitted on probation, you may not hold an assistantship or fellowship.

The Department of Pathobiological Sciences provides residency training in morphological and clinical pathology and also laboratory animal medicine through the Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine. Residency training programs are designed to prepare you to meet the requirements for certification in the corresponding veterinary specialty. Residents in this program generally complete an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in veterinary medical sciences.

As a graduate student, you must assume full responsibility for knowledge of rules and regulations of the Graduate School and departmental requirements concerning your individual degree program. Since requirements and programs are subject to change, you should at all times be aware of current regulations.