Program: Biological Sciences (Ph.D.) - Veterinary Microbiology Specialization - South Dakota State University

2020-2021 Graduate Catalog

Apr 05, 2025

Program Coordinator/Contact

Jane Christopher-Hennings, Department Head
Christopher Chase, Professor/Graduate Coordinator
Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory 1105, Box 2175
605-688-5171

Program Information

Graduate education in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Science is focused on the one health concept, with major emphasis in infectious diseases of food-producing domestic species and zoonotic diseases. Research projects range from basic (mechanistic) to applied science. The interaction of service, discovery, and education that takes place within the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences results in new knowledge, timely information, and students prepared for careers that make a difference for animals and people alike.

The Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences offers degrees in both Masters of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. The Ph.D. program is offered as a Doctorate in Biological Sciences and requires either 90 credits beyond a B.S. degree, or 60 credits beyond an M.S. from either a Canadian or American University.

Student Learning Outcomes

Knowledge of program: Exhibit knowledge concerning biological and/or microbiological systems/sciences at a level appropriate to a Ph.D. holder.
Communication skills: Express their scientific views effectively in both oral and written form.
Understand scientific method: Understand the scientific methods and techniques for solving research problems and analyze scientific data using the appropriate statistics.
Use statistics to analyze data: Be able to use statistics to analyze scientific data.
Publish research: Be able to conduct and publish scholarly research. (Option A)
Professional development: Demonstrate professional development and competence so that they may enter the work force in academia or industry. (Transferable Skill: Career Preparedness)

Accreditation, Licensure, and Certification

American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians Accreditation

Course Delivery Format

Biological Sciences courses are delivered face-to-face and enhanced with web-based instruction. Online delivery may be offered for specific courses.

Facilities and Services

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy	60 Credit Plan
	90 Credit Plan

Core Requirements

For details see specific programs: Biological Sciences (Ph.D.) .

The student, major advisor and Advisory Committee select the discipline specific emphasis area of the biological sciences. The courses will be identified on the student’s Plan of Study no later than the end of the first year of study.

XXX 790 or 890 Seminar Credit: 1 - Selected with advisory committee approval
GSR 601 - Research Regulations Compliance Credits: 1
Minimum of 3 credits of STAT courses numbered 500-level or higher
XXX 898D Dissertation Credits: 30-40 - Students are required to present a seminar on their dissertation
Electives as needed to reach 60 or 90 credits

Research in pursuit of the dissertation requirement is expected to address a question of fundamental scientific importance and is expected to generate data of publication quality.

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Department requirement of 525 paper-based, 71 Internet-based
IELTS: 5.5

Admission to the program is dependent upon admission to the SDSU Graduate School and identification of a suitable mentor. Applicants are not accepted into the program unless an assistantship can be provided. Funding for assistantships comes from a variety of sources including the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, federal granting agencies, and the animal health product industry. Those interested are encouraged to contact the Department to identify opportunities.

General Requirements

Graduate students must consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework.

For additional information refer to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements .