Douglas Freeman, Interim DEAN
In 1907, recognizing that animal agriculture was a significant part of a healthy state economy, the Michigan legislature authorized a course of study leading to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. This program, inaugurated in 1910, was the beginning of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Since that time, society has come to value animals in additional roles beyond their role in agriculture. Pets are a source of companionship and comfort for people of all ages. And the pleasure that the general public enjoys from zoos and from nature depends in large part on the well being of the animals that are found there.
The present–day College of Veterinary Medicine is the only veterinary college in the state of Michigan and one of 30 nationally. It is organized in six departments — Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Physiology, and Small Animal Clinical Sciences — and includes the Veterinary Medical Center and the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
The college offers the programs that are listed below:— a preveterinary program— a professional program leading to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree— a certificate program in veterinary nursing— a Bachelor of Science degree program in veterinary nursing— graduate programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees— a graduate certificate in food safety— intern and residency training programs in various clinical specialties
Taylor Epp, Director
Veterinary nurses are compassionate, highly motivated paraprofessionals dedicated to animal health care. As integral members of the veterinary health care team, they are entrusted with diverse medical responsibilities that include animal nursing care, laboratory specimen analysis, surgical assistance, anesthesia, radiographic imaging (x-ray), nutritional management, dental prophylaxis, physical therapy, and client education. These varied duties afford the veterinary paraprofessional a profound impact on every aspect of animal care. Their involvement enables veterinary hospitals and animal care and research facilities to offer expanded services efficiently and effectively.The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recognizes two levels of training for the veterinary paraprofessional: a two-year certification and a four-year bachelor's degree. The Certificate of Completion at Michigan State University is a two-year training program. After completion of the pre-clinical courses, students complete clinical clerkship training at the Michigan State University Veterinary Medical Center. Through the clinical clerkships, the students develop and apply their knowledge and problem-solving skills in a functional hospital setting. The two-year level of training is most appropriate for individuals who seek employment in privately owned veterinary clinical practices.The Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Nursing requires four years of academic training. In addition to the core curriculum of the Certificate of Completion, the students complete the general education requirements of Michigan State University and elective courses. The elective courses allow the students to focus on potential career paths within the veterinary profession such as production animal medicine, equine and companion animal medicine, pathology, biomedical research, and practice management. Their training offers exposure to clinical specialty areas such as emergency medicine, cardiology, ophthalmology, equine anesthesia, and necropsy. The four-year bachelor's degree level of training is linked with employment in research facilities, vivaria, industry, educational institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and large-group or specialty practices.The state of Michigan requires that any person practicing as a veterinary professional must be licensed and registered with the state. Regulation of veterinary professionals is the responsibility of the Veterinary Board of Examiners in the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulation. The credentialing examination is only available to qualified graduates of accredited training programs. The Veterinary Nursing Program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and graduates of the Certificate of Completion or Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing are eligible to take the National Board Examinations for licensure.Enrollment in the Veterinary Technology Program’s academic certificate and degree options is limited. Students are admitted for fall semester only. Applications for admission are accepted through early February of the year that admission is sought. For additional information, contact the Veterinary Nursing Program, Veterinary Medical Center, 736 Wilson Road, Room A-22, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1316 or visit https://cvm.msu.edu/future-students/veterinary-nursing-program.The Certificate of Completion articulates with an Associate in Applied Sciences degree from Lansing Community College. For specific degree requirements for the Associate in Applied Science, contact Lansing Community College at http://www.lcc.edu.
Bachelor of Science
Admission
The number of students who can be admitted to the Bachelor of Science degree program in veterinary technology is limited. All persons who are interested in applying for admission to the bachelor's degree program in veterinary nursing must complete an application which can be found, along with the application process instructions, by visiting https://cvm.msu.edu/future-students/veterinary-nursing-program.Applications for admission to the bachelor's degree program in veterinary nursing are accepted through early February of the year that admission is sought.
Students who are enrolled in colleges and universities other than Michigan State University should contact Michigan State University's Office of Admissions and the College of Veterinary Medicine regarding admission to the bachelor's degree program in veterinary nursing as transfer students.
To be considered for admission, an applicant must have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.75 and a minimum of a 2.5 grade-point average of the last 12 credits completed and a minimum of a 2.0 grade in all math and science courses:
The final selection of students to be admitted to the baccalaureate degree program in veterinary nursing is based on the cumulative grade-point average of all courses taken, the grade-point average calculated on all courses in mathematics and the physical and biological sciences, and the grade-point average of the last 12 credits. The selection process also includes submission of a personal statement, letters of recommendation and documentation of 80 hours of veterinary related experience.
Students who complete the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Nursing will be qualified to take the National Board Examinations for licensure as veterinary-technicians.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Veterinary Nursing
Students who meet the requirements for admission to the university as freshmen and sophomores, as shown in the Undergraduate Education section of the catalog, may select the preveterinary program in the College of Veterinary Medicine as their major preference. A strong high school preparation in science, including chemistry, biology, and physics, is highly desirable. Students who are enrolled in the preveterinary program are enrolled in the Neighborhood Student Success Collaborative, but receive academic advising in the College of Veterinary Medicine Preveterinary Advising Center.
The courses in mathematics and natural science required for admission to the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine are included in the requirements for the preveterinary program. Students who are enrolled in the preveterinary program should complete the university requirements for bachelor's degrees. Courses that are used to satisfy University requirements may also be used to satisfy certain requirements for admission to the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine.
University regulations require that a student who has arrived at junior standing must select a major leading to a baccalaureate degree. The College of Veterinary Medicine does not offer a bachelor's degree program for preveterinary students. Therefore, upon reaching junior standing, students who have been enrolled in the preveterinary program and who have not been admitted to the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine must be admitted to a major in another college in order to complete the requirements for a bachelor's degree. Students interested in the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine are not required to complete a baccalaureate degree to be considered for admission.Enrollments in the preveterinary program are not limited. However, because of the limitation on the number of students admitted each year to the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine, completion of the preveterinary program does not assure admission to the professional program.
Because admission to the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine is competitive and the majority of successful applicants have completed at least three years of a bachelor's degree program, students who are enrolled in the preveterinary program are encouraged to plan toward a baccalaureate degree in a major consistent with their interests and alternative educational and career goals. Students in any major may apply for admission to the Professional Program. For additional information, refer to the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine statement.
Requirements for the Preveterinary Program
This pathway has been established by the College of Veterinary Medicine in cooperation with the Honors College at Michigan State University in order to provide an admission avenue for students who wish to complete a bachelor's degree consisting of advanced, scholarly studies in concert with their entry to the four–year professional veterinary medical degree program. All Michigan State University preveterinary students who are members of the Honors College may choose to participate in this program. Up to ten MSU students may be chosen each year to be granted admission to the veterinary medical program contingent upon completion of a bachelor's degree in a major of the students choice.
The following components will be considered in selecting candidates for this admission pathway:
Students who wish to enter the professional veterinary medical program before earning a bachelor's degree may apply through the regular veterinary admission process.
The College of Veterinary Medicine's Committee on Student Admissions selects the candidates for this pathway and reserves the right to modify the criteria and process. Applications not meeting the above criteria will be dismissed.
Academic Standards
Once admitted to the Veterinary Scholars Pathway, students must maintain a 3.5 cumulative and preveterinary science grade-point average during completion of the Honors College degree.
Additional Information
For additional information concerning admission to the professional program, contact the Admissions Office, College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medical Center-South Building, 784 Wilson Road, Room F-104 Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824–1314. Note: Prospective applicants should maintain contact with the College's Admissions Office for current information.
Statement on Advanced Status
Rarely will students be considered for admission to the program with advanced standing.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree
Health Requirements for Students in the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine
Completion of the following 157-credit, four-year professional program with a grade-point average of at least 2.0. Completion of the college's core competencies during the four-year professional program. Students must successfully complete all pre-clinical core competencies before matriculating to the clinical phase of the curriculum.
Student Performance
The Committee on Student Performance monitors student performance in accordance with established College standards and offers assistance to students experiencing difficulties in the professional curriculum. An important function of this committee is to determine the reasons for student difficulties and recommend study schedules, counseling, and other means of helping the student perform in a satisfactory manner. The Committee on Student Performance may take appropriate academic disciplinary action consistent with the academic standards of the College and the Medical Student Rights and Responsibilities document.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Refer to the statement on Student Rights and Responsibilities in the General Information, Policies, Procedures and Regulations section of this catalog.
The College of Veterinary Medicine offers graduate programs in each of six departments: Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Physiology, and Small Animal Clinical Sciences. These departments participate in the training of the master's degree programs. Doctor of Philosophy degree programs are offered in all departments except Small Animal Clinical Sciences. In addition, there are two college-based graduate programs: Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology (CMIB) (Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy) and Food Safety (Master of Science). Trainees in the CMIB program work on a diverse diseases and biological processes with foci ranging from the molecular, cellular, and organismal and population level. CMIB alumni are employed in academia, industry and government positions. In addition, the college is home to the online Food Safety Professional Master of Science program, highly valued by the food industry.Post-D.V.M. training in various recognized clinical specialties are available including those in Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology, Ophthalmology, Small Animal Internal Medicine, Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery, Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery, Large Animal Surgery, and Large Animal Internal Medicine.Several colleges and departments offer Ph.D. programs with admission through The BioMolecular Science Gateway. These include graduate programs in: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Physiology. The BioMolecular Science Gateway is administered through the College of Natural Science. For additional information, refer to the statement on the doctoral programs in the College of Natural Science section of this catalog.The College of Veterinary Medicine, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the College of Engineering, and the College of Natural Science administer the graduate specialization in environmental toxicology. The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is the primary administrative unit. For additional information, refer to the Graduate Specialization in Environmental Toxicology statement in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources section of this catalog.
Several colleges and departments within Michigan State University cooperate in offering interdepartmental Doctor of Philosophy degree programs with majors in cell and molecular biology, genetics, and neuroscience, which are administered by the College of Natural Science. For additional information, refer to the statement on the doctoral programs in the College of Natural Science section of this catalog.
Students who are enrolled in master’s and doctoral degree programs in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the College of Natural Science, and the College of Veterinary Medicine may elect the Graduate Specialization in Fish and Wildlife Disease Ecology and Conservation Medicine. For additional information, refer to the statement on Graduate Specialization in Fish and Wildlife Disease Ecology and Conservation Medicine in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources section of this catalog.
For the master's degree, departments of the College of Veterinary Medicine recommend Plan A with thesis unless otherwise specified.
In addition to meeting the requirements of the university as described in the Graduate Education section of this catalog, students must meet the requirements specified below.
A bachelor's degree is required of all applicants for graduate study. Admission must be approved by the department in which the applicant proposes to do the major work. Scholastic record, experience, personal qualifications, and area of subject–matter interest are considered by the department in determining the applicant's acceptability.
Upon admission, the master's student is classified in one of two categories:
Requirements for the Master of Science Degree
Up to 10 credits may be allowed for thesis research (course number 899). The distribution of credits among major and minor areas is determined by the student's major department.
Residence
A minimum of 9 credits must be earned in residence on campus unless a department specifies more than 9 credits.
Time Limit
For the master's degree, the student must complete all requirements within six calendar years from the beginning of the first semester in which credit was earned toward the degree.
Doctor of Philosophy degree programs are offered in anatomy, large animal clinical sciences, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and physiology.
Admission to a doctoral program requires the approval of the department in which the applicant's major work is to be done.
The doctoral student is classified in one of two categories:
Students who are enrolled in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program may be granted approval to pursue simultaneously either a research–focused Master of Science degree or a Doctor of Philosophy degree. For additional information, interested students should refer to the Requirements for a Joint Master's Degree and Medical Degree or Special Programs statements in the Graduate Education section of this catalog. They should also contact the Associate Dean for Academic Programs and the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in the College.
The Dual Degree Medical Scientist Training Program is a special program for students who want to earn both a professional veterinary doctoral degree (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) and a graduate research doctoral degree (Doctor of Philosophy). The program seeks to meet a national need for veterinarians who are proficient in research as well as in veterinary medicine, and who will pursue careers as faculty members in veterinary medical school and research institutions.
The program is designed to select, educate, and train highly motivated students having outstanding research and academic qualifications. Trainees pursue veterinary medical and graduate studies in parallel, meet regularly with peers in seminars, and engage in veterinary medical-level and graduate-level courses and clerkships, as well as in research with highly qualified mentors.
A student who is interested in this program should contact the Office of the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
For additional information, refer to the statement on Special Programs in the Graduate Education section of this catalog.
Internships. The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences offers 13–month rotating internships designed to provide general clinical training for the post–D.V.M. student and a basis for further education in a specialty area.
Residencies. Residencies designed to meet the training requirement for board certification are offered in a variety of clinical specialties by the departments of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, and Pathology. Concurrent work toward an advanced degree is possible.
Nationwide, there is a need for scientists who understand modern molecular biology in the context of integrated systems and can apply this understanding to human and animal health. Addressing this national need with an interdepartmental graduate program in Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology will offer graduates the understanding of how molecular and cellular events integrate into whole-animal systems, knowledge of how appropriate animal models can be used to study human and animal disease, and understanding of how species differences and similarities can be used to investigate basic biology and disease.
Graduates of the master’s and/or the doctoral program in comparative medicine and integrative biology will find employment in academia, governmental research and regulatory agencies, and in pharmaceutical industry research. They will become leaders in discovery and problem-solving research in medical science and will play an instrumental role in the translation of new knowledge to address current issues in human and animal health and well-being. The overall program is designed to develop an integrative approach to research in clinical, cellular, and molecular problems in comparative medicine and integrative biology. It emphasizes development of a firm scientific background in clinical and basic biomedical sciences and the conduct of original research.
To be considered for admission, applicants must hold a bachelor’s or higher degree in life sciences or related fields and have achieved a grade-point average of at least 3.0. As biological sciences interface more and more with disciplines such as bioinformatics, mathematics, and engineering, it is possible that students holding degrees in fields other than life sciences may contribute to and benefit from training in comparative medicine and integrative biology. The admissions committee may recommend that degree holders in other fields be admitted if their background is deemed appropriate to a particular research area in the college. The committee is chaired by the associate dean for research and graduate studies of the College of Veterinary Medicine and has representatives from each department, as appointed by the chair of each department. An applicant’s acceptance will be based on the academic record including grade-point average, quality of previous training, performance on standard tests such as the GRE, and proficiency in English as demonstrated by standard tests such as the TOEFL or equivalents; statement of professional goals, three letters of reference, and availability of appropriate mentors.
Upon admission to the program, the admissions committee will appoint a temporary advisor. Within six months after entrance into the program, a major advisor will be selected by mutual agreement between the student and the proposed major advisor, after consultation with the associate dean for research and graduate studies and the department chair from the home department of the proposed major advisor.
The major advisor will be required to submit a student’s progress report to the admissions committee by December 30 of each year. The committee will conduct an individual interview with each graduate student annually to assess progress in the program. Assessment of the student’s progress will be reported to the major advisor, chairperson of the advisor’s department, and the Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies.
The College of Veterinary Medicine offers a master of science program in comparative medicine and integrative biology to develop an understanding of major concepts in comparative medicine and integrative biology as well as to acquire comprehensive knowledge of a major field and related subjects. Plan A consists of prescribed course work, original research of an important problem in human and animal health or biology, a thesis, and a final oral examination. Plan B consists of prescribed course work and a final research paper.
In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Veterinary Medicine, students must meet the requirements specified below.
Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology
The student must complete a total of 30 credits for the degree under Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis), with at least 12 of those non-research credits in courses at the 800-900 level. Student’s who lack sufficient background in certain areas may be asked to take collateral courses at the 400-500 level. These collateral courses are not counted toward degree requirements. The student’s program of study must be approved by the student’s major advisor and must meet the requirements specified below:
Additional Requirements for Plan A:
Additional Requirements for Plan B:
The College also offers the Doctor of Philosophy degree focused on depth of understanding across disciplines, acquisition of research skills and the conducting of original research.The objective of the first two years of the program is to acquire and/or document a high degree of competence in fundamental and basic biomedical sciences and to develop research skills. This objective is achieved through specific course requirements and laboratory research.Students may elect to take their comprehensive exam after completion of at least 12 credit hours of course work. The comprehensive examination consists of the submission of a written research proposal, and an oral presentation of the dissertation proposal to the student's guidance committee. In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Veterinary Medicine, students must meet the requirements specified below.
Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology
The student must complete a minimum of 18 credits of non-research courses, with at least 12 credits in courses at the 800 level and above.
In rare cases, a student may lack sufficient background in certain areas and may be asked to complete collateral courses at the 400 or 500 level. Credits earned in such collateral courses are not counted towards the degree.
The Master of Science in Food Safety is an online program designed for students who want to enhance their study of food safety.
The Master of Science is offered by the College of Veterinary Medicine. This integrated multidisciplinary program is designed for students with various disciplinary interests and experiences. It is particularly relevant for students whose professional careers are at the interface of research, regulatory affairs, production, marketing, finance, and management.
Applicants will be accepted after review by an admissions committee of faculty. An academic specialist will serve as the student’s academic advisor and will assist the student in planning a program of study that is related to the student’s interests and professional goals and that fulfills college and university requirements.
Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited and recognized college or university with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The applicant must have completed at least 6 credits of college-level course work in biological sciences, including 3 credits in microbiology. A 300-level course or higher is recommended. The applicant must prove or demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English and submit a personal statement and three letters of recommendation. Experience in the workplace is weighed heavily in meeting requirements for admission.
Applicants who do not meet all of the requirements listed above may be admitted provisionally and permitted to enroll for collateral course work, not to count toward the degree. This course work must be approved beforehand by the program director.
Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Food Safety
The student must complete 30 credits under Plan B (without thesis). The specific program of study must be approved by the student’s academic advisor.
Annette O'Connor, Chairperson
The Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences offers courses designed to meet the needs of the professional program in veterinary medicine and post-D.V.M. clinical training programs that provide the basis for specialty board certification in large animal medicine and surgery.
Many members of the faculty participate in graduate training at the master's and doctoral level through the interdepartmental program in Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology.
The principal objectives of the Master of Science program are to introduce candidates to research and to prepare them for positions requiring advanced education. Opportunities are available in veterinary and medical colleges, animal and veterinary science departments, industrial research and development, U. S. Public Health Service, U. S. Food and Drug Administration, U. S. Department of Agriculture, and private business organizations or practices.
The master's degree student is usually required to develop a course of study which requires writing a thesis based upon original research (Plan A). In rare instances, a student may be permitted to elect a non–thesis (Plan B) course of study upon recommendation of the guidance committee and the approval of the department's faculty.
The candidate must possess a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or an equivalent degree and be accepted by the graduate faculty of the department.
Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Large Animal Clinical Sciences
The student must complete 30 credits under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). Students majoring in large animal clinical sciences may elect to support the major field with courses in two or three additional areas. Supporting and minor courses may be in anatomy, pathology, physiology, pharmacology, bacteriology, virology, immunology, mycology, parasitology, nutrition, animal science, statistics, chemistry, genetics, or education.
A second semester of grades averaging below 3.00 constitutes cause for withdrawal from the program.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree program is designed to provide veterinary medical graduates the experience and training necessary to develop an integrative approach to animal disease research. The program emphasizes the development of a firm scientific background in fundamental and basic biomedical sciences, in–depth knowledge in an area of veterinary science, and the conduct of in–depth original research.
Applicants for admission must hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or another medical degree and have a grade–point average of at least 3.00 in two previous years of graduate or professional study. At least one year of clinical experience is recommended. A Master of Science degree is not required.
Applicants must submit an autobiographical sketch, a statement of interest and objectives, and three letters of recommendation from individuals capable of judging their academic capabilities and accomplishments. The department's Graduate Postgraduate Training Committee reviews applications for admission and recommends persons for admission to the department chairperson. The admissions decision is based upon the applicant's academic record and professional goals, the letters of recommendation, and space and faculty availability.
Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Large Animal Clinical Sciences
The doctoral program is divided into three phases: Phase I culminating with a qualifying examination, Phase II culminating with a comprehensive examination, and Phase III culminating with the completion and defense of the dissertation. There is no foreign language requirement.
Phase I consists of fundamental and basic biomedical sciences courses in which the student must demonstrate a high degree of competence. The student must complete 15 credits of inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physiologic chemistry. No fewer than 3 credits must be in biochemistry. The student must also complete no fewer than 3 credits of statistics and no fewer than 6 credits in courses emphasizing mechanisms of animal disease. In order to continue in the doctoral program, the student must pass a qualifying examination formulated and conducted by the qualifying examination committee.
Phase II consists of at least 13 credits in an area of veterinary science chosen by the student. The 13 credits must be in courses at the 400 level or above. At least 8 of the 13 credits must be in courses at the 800 level or above, and it is recommended that these credits be from one of the following departments: anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and toxicology, microbiology, pathology, statistics and probability, or community health science. With the agreement of the department that administers the courses, the 8 credits may contribute to a minor from that department, but a minor is not required for the program.
The comprehensive examination is given by the student's guidance committee toward the end of Phase II when the student has completed most of the required courses. The examination consists of two parts: an oral examination and the presentation of a dissertation proposal. The oral examination is designed to evaluate the student's depth of knowledge in their chosen area of veterinary science and includes, but is not limited to, material from the required courses. The student must pass the oral examination before he or she may present the dissertation proposal. The proposal must be presented no earlier than 15 days, and no later than 45 days, after the student has passed the oral examination.
Phase III consists of conducting animal disease research, completing the dissertation, and defending the dissertation.
A candidate may not receive more than three grades below 3.0 in courses required for the degree.
Victor J. DiRita, Chairperson
GRADUATE STUDY
The Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology is administered jointly by the colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Human Medicine, Natural Science, and Osteopathic Medicine. All four of these colleges offer a Master of Science degree in microbiology and molecular genetics and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in microbiology and molecular genetics. For additional information about the department and its graduate degree programs, refer to the statement on the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology in the College of Natural Science section of this catalog.
Students are encouraged to apply for admission to the Ph.D. program through the BioMolecular Science Gateway – First Year, where students choose a doctoral major from any of six Ph.D. programs: biochemistry and molecular biology, cell and molecular biology, genetics and genome sciences, microbiology and molecular genetics, pharmacology and toxicology, or physiology. For additional information refer to the College of Natural Science section of this catalog.
Dalen W. Agnew, Chairperson
The Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation offers courses for students in the professional program in Veterinary Medicine. The department offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs. Residency training in diagnostic veterinary anatomic or clinical pathology is also available.
The veterinary residency program is designed to provide post–D.V.M. advanced training for proficiency in the practice of pathology. Scheduled rotational assignments are available in the areas of necropsy, clinical pathology, and surgical pathology. Residents also receive experience in teaching and are exposed to the research activities of the department. Residents must identify their area of interest in either clinical pathology or anatomic pathology. Appointments are for a 2 to 4 year period depending on the background and career objectives of the individual resident. Annual evaluations are conducted, and reappointments are contingent on the student's performance.
Students majoring in related fields may elect to take supportive courses in pathology. Such students are expected to have an adequate background in biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, gross anatomy, and histology. Also, due to limited facilities, permission must be obtained from the department chairperson prior to enrollment.
Graduate education and research may be directed to either human or animal pathology. Major areas of research in pathology provide the basis for advanced degree programs. These areas include toxicologic pathology, oncology, neuropathology, hematology in a broad sense, immunopathology, pathology of infectious diseases, reproductive and cardiovascular pathology, and pathology of animal models for human disease. Comparative aspects of disease processes may encompass a variety of species, including humans and domestic or wild mammals and birds, and may emphasize anthropozoonoses dealing with diseases transmissible across species lines. An interdisciplinary approach to problem solving will be applied in all instances where indicated.
In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Veterinary Medicine students must meet the requirements specified below.
With few exceptions, the graduate student majoring in pathobiology will have a professional degree in some branch of medicine. Students holding a bachelor's degree and seeking graduate training in pathology are advised to inquire about possible openings before going through the process of formal application. The doctoral candidate will usually have, in addition, a master's degree in a medical or paramedical science; however, possession of a master's degree does not guarantee admission to a doctoral program.
In all graduate study programs in pathobiology, the student is expected to assume much responsibility. In research, particularly, the qualified student must demonstrate ability to independently plan, initiate, and carry to completion the project which the student undertakes.
Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Pathobiology
The student must complete 30 credits under Plan A (with thesis). The student is required to prepare a manuscript judged by the academic advisor and the director of thesis research as suitable to submit for publication in an appropriate scientific journal.
A minimum of 10 semester credits must be acquired in residence.
Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Pathobiology
The student is required to prepare a manuscript judged by the academic advisor and director of dissertation research as suitable to submit for publication in an appropriate scientific journal.
The minimum number of credits required for the degree depends principally upon the student's educational background and level of scholarly attainment. Those students who are well advanced in training or who have had considerable professional experience in pathology and can submit bona fide evidence of scholarship and attainment may not be required to take as many as the usual 40 credits of course work beyond the master's degree.
Anne McLaren Dorrance, Chairperson
The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology is administered jointly by the colleges of Human Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine. The College of Veterinary Medicine is the primary administrative unit. All three colleges offer a Master of Science degree program in Laboratory Research in Pharmacology and Toxicology, a Doctor of Philosophy degree program in Pharmacology and Toxicology, and a Graduate Certificate in Safety Pharmacology. The College of Osteopathic Medicine offers an online Master of Science degree program in Pharmacology and Toxicology, an online Master of Science degree program in Integrative Pharmacology, and an online Graduate Certificate program in Safety Pharmacology. For additional information about the department and its graduate degree programs, refer to the statement on the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology in the College of Osteopathic Medicine section of this catalog.
The department is responsible for teaching the fundamental and applied aspects of pharmacology and toxicology and offers courses at the undergraduate, professional, and graduate levels. The principal objective of the departmental Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is to prepare students for pharmacology- and toxicology-related careers. A Minor in Pharmacology and Toxicology is available to undergraduates through the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Karl Olson, Chairperson
The Department of Physiology is administered jointly by the colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Human Medicine, Natural Science, and Osteopathic Medicine. All four of these colleges offer a Master of Science degree program in molecular, cellular, and integrative physiology and Doctor of Philosophy degree program in molecular, cellular, and integrative physiology. For additional information about the department and its graduate degree programs, refer to the statement on the Department of Physiology in the College of Natural Science section of this catalog.
Robert Charles Fowkes-Gajan, Chairperson
The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences offers courses designed to meet the needs of the professional program in veterinary medicine and post–D.V.M. clinical training programs that provide the basis for specialty board certification in various areas such as dermatology, diagnostic imaging, emergency and critical care, ophthalmology, internal medicine, cardiology, anesthesiology and surgery.
The department offers advanced studies leading to the Master of Science degree. The program is designed primarily for graduate veterinarians in the residency training program in the department.
Emphasis in the program is placed on clinically oriented research which is well supported by the facilities available and the clinical case volume. Graduates of this program will find opportunities in all areas of practice, teaching, and research.
The candidate must possess a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or its equivalent and have the potential qualifications for graduate study. Licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Michigan is usually required.
Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Small Animal Clinical Sciences
The student must complete 30 credits under Plan A (with thesis).
Supporting courses may be taken in such areas as anatomy, pathology, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, immunology, nutrition, parasitology, statistics, virology, chemistry, and animal genetics.
Three grades below a 3.0 in graduate courses will remove a student from degree candidacy.
Transfer Credits
As many as 9 semester credits of graduate work (excluding research and thesis credits) may be transferred from other institutions, upon approval of the department chairperson, the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, and the student's guidance committee.
These programs are supported by the clinical service activities of a highly specialized faculty utilizing the facilities and support staff of The Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
The department offers thirteen–month rotating internships designed to provide general clinical training for the post—D.V.M. student as well as to provide a basis for further specialty training. Selection of trainees is normally made through the National Internship–Residency Matching Program.
Residencies designed to meet the training requirements for specialty board certification are currently offered in dermatology, internal medicine, and surgery. The dermatology residency is two years in length and the others are three years in length with yearly evaluation of progress and continuance based on trainee performance. Concurrent work toward the Master of Science degree is encouraged. Selection of trainees is normally accomplished through the National Internship Residency Matching Program.
Norbert E. Kaminski, Director
The Institute for Integrative Toxicology was established to facilitate and coordinate the varied programs in departments and colleges across the Michigan State University campus related to toxic substances which include multidisciplinary research, education, and training in toxicology. These programs address almost all aspects of environmental toxicology with particular focus on adverse effects of chemical contaminants on living organisms. Research spans a broad range from studies of biochemical and molecular mechanisms of toxicity to studies on the distribution and fate of chemicals in various environmental media.
The Institute for Integrative Toxicology administers the doctoral Program in Environmental and Integrative Toxicological Sciences providing students with excellent training in a basic science discipline and training and credentials in environmental and integrative toxicological sciences. Students who complete this multidisciplinary course of study earn the Ph.D. degree in a basic science discipline with a dual major in environmental toxicology. In this way and through its colleges, Michigan State University makes study in the area of environmental toxicology available to graduate students.
Rachel Reams, Director
In the more than 30 years since its inception, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Michigan State University has become one of the country’s premier veterinary diagnostic laboratories whose mandate is to protect the public by ensuring the health of animals in Michigan and around the nation.
The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is a full-service laboratory with expertise provided in anatomic pathology, bacteriology, clinical pathology, endocrinology, immunodiagnostics/parasitology, nutrition, toxicology, and virology.
Faculty are appointed in academic departments and participate in teaching, research, diagnostic, and service programs.
It is fully accredited for all species by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians.
Chris Gray, Director
The MSU Veterinary Medical Center provides specialty referral services for animals from across the state of Michigan as well as nationwide, and also offers primary care small animal services to the community. The Center, which treats more than 28,000 patients each year, provides the environment for teaching veterinary and veterinary technology students, as well as interns and residents. It maintains facilities for clinical research activities for graduate and postdoctoral students, residents, and faculty. Board-certified specialists deliver world-class care in anesthesiology, cardiology, dermatology, diagnostic imaging, emergency and critical care, internal medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, neurology, and surgery across all species. The Center is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.