Biological Sciences (M.S.) - Veterinary Medicine Specialization

Program Coordinator/Contact

Jane Christopher-Hennings, Department Head
Gary Gackstetter, Professor/Director of the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine
Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory 1105, Box 2175
605-688-5171

Program Information

SDSU, in partnership with the University of Minnesota (U of MN), is offering a collaborative Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine leading to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Students must first complete all their pre-veterinary requirements and then can apply to the new professional program. Students admitted to the professional program will be allowed to dual-enroll in the Biological Sciences (M.S.) - Veterinary Medicine Specialization, thus having the opportunity to simultaneously earn an M.S. degree while completing the PPVM coursework needed for transitioning to the University of Minnesota to complete the final two years of the DVM degree. For more information visit the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS).

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

Demonstrate understanding of central biological principles and mechanisms that underlie animal health and disease from the molecular to histologic to gross levels.
Demonstrate knowledge of normal function and behavior, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and management or control of important domestic and foreign animal diseases.
Demonstrate understanding of food safety, zoonotic disease, and public health issues.
Retrieve and integrate information from the veterinary literature.
Ability to understand and interpret research related to mechanisms of disease, diagnostic technology, and treatments.

Course Delivery Format

Courses are delivered through lecture, laboratory, and hands-on, field-based experiences.

Facilities and Services

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science	Option A - Thesis	30 Credit Hours
	Option B - Research/Design Paper	32 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

VET 606 - Critical Scientific Reading Credits: 1
VET 645 - Clinical Epidemiology Credits: 2
VET 646 - Public Health Credits: 2

Select from the following

Option A - Thesis

BIOS 798 - Thesis (COM) Credits: 1-10 (5-10 credits required)
VET Electives Credits: 15-20

Option B - Research/Design Paper

VET 788 - Master’s Research Problems/Projects (COM) Credits: 1-3 (3 credits required)
VET Electives Credits: 24

Total Required Credits: 30 (Option A), 32 (Option B)

Additional Academic Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Required score of 525 paper-based, 71 Internet-based
IELTS: 6.0
Duolingo: 100

An electronic application for admission must be submitted through VMCAS.
Official copies of all transcripts must be sent directly to VMCAS.
Three electronic Letters of Reference must be submitted as part of the VMCAS application on behalf of the applicant. It is strongly recommended that at least one letter is written by a DVM.
Specific prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to enrollment. Prerequisite courses must be equivalent to the SDSU courses indicated in this planner: Approved Preveterinary Coursework. Students from other universities will be directed to follow the comprehensive area college prerequisite guides developed by the University of Minnesota for a list of approved prerequisites.

General Requirements

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

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .