Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment

Veterinary Science - Graduate

30

credit hours

master of science degree

36

credit hours

doctoral degree

29

Faculty members

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The overall mission of the Veterinary Science graduate program is to provide opportunities for students to become talented scientists who are creative, critical and independent thinkers with the contemporary skills and knowledge to perform independent research and to effectively communicate their results.  A primary goal of the research is to improve our understanding of the biology of Equidae. Emphasis is placed on investigating the causes and mechanisms that affect the production and performance of horses, regardless of breed.

Teaching the next generation of scientists and researchers is part of the Department of Veterinary Science's core mission.

The department offers a pre-veterinary medicine advising program that prepares students to meet requirements for veterinary schools in the United States. The department offers graduate degrees in a master of science and doctor of philosophy. The department also hosts several postdoctoral scholars and visiting scientists from various countries each year.

Application Requirements - MS

  1. Personal Statement
    • The applicant should describe their research interests and explain why they wish to pursue a graduate degree in Veterinary Science.
  2. The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
  3. Three letters of recommendation

Applicants must meet the Graduate School admission requirements.

Application Deadlines

Fall: February 1

Application Requirements for Doctoral Program

  1. Personal Statement
    • The applicant should describe their research interests and explain why they wish to pursue a graduate degree in Veterinary Science.
  2. The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
  3. Three letters of recommendation

Applicants must meet the Graduate School admission requirements.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Fall: February 1

Our Students' Work...

To better understand the interests and areas of study available within the Veterinary Science Department, browse these recent dissertations and theses from our graduates:  

Structural Adaptation of Equine Proximal Sesamoid Bones to High-Speed Exercise
Kathryn Mary Babiarz. 2021

An Assessment of the Carrier State and Novel Marker of Leptospira and Abortion in Central Kentucky Horses
Gloria Louise Gellin. 2021

Maturation of Equine Proximal Sesamoid Bones in Thoroughbred Horses

Angela Maria Mangine. 2021


Our Research Areas

Choosing from the many specializations of our professors, students will find a variety of hands-on experiences to suit their interests. Faculty and researchers in the Veterinary Science Department manage laboratories focused on: 

Students interested in learning more about these research operations are encouraged to email the associated contact listed above. 


Highlighted Courses

  • VS 500 Advanced Equine Reproduction: A study of reproductive anatomy and physiology of the horse with emphasis on normal and abnormal reproductive function in this species. Normal reproductive management and diseases affecting the reproductive system will be considered in detail. 
  • VS 575 Literature in Veterinary Parasitology: Advanced study of current topics in veterinary parasitology. The course is comprised of student-led discussions based upon readings taken from current literature in the discipline. Emphasis will be placed on the critical analysis and understanding of the experimental basis for current concepts in veterinary parasitology. 
  • VS 650 Cellular & Histotoxicol: systematic review of morphological responses to body trauma with special reference to toxic agents. The course is planned to consist of formal presentations and of discussion sessions (primarily interpretation of microscopic preparations). 
  • VS 690 Practical Analytical Toxicants: Identification, and quantitation of drugs, pesticides, and other toxicants in biological samples. Concepts and theory will be presented in the lecture portion, while the laboratory will be devoted to actual sample analysis by the students. Lecture, 1 hour; laboratory, six hours.