Veterinary Medical Sciences

Program Information

Chair: C. Risco
Graduate Coordinator (Large Animals): I. Larkin
Graduate Coordinator (Small Animals): D. Lewis

Complete faculty listing by department: Follow this link.

The College of Veterinary Medicine offers graduate study leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in veterinary medical sciences. The College also offers certification and a non-thesis concentration in forensic toxicology via web-based distance education. Minimum requirements for the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are described in the Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.

The program provides extensive training in basic and applied research for qualified students with a baccalaureate degree or a D.V.M. or equivalent degree. Applicants are expected to have a background in the biological sciences, mathematics, chemistry, and physics. Particular attention is paid to the advanced education of veterinarians, those interested solely in research, and those interested in combining their graduate study with residency training in a clinical specialty. The College offers three areas of specialization within the veterinary medical sciences program:

Large and Small Animal Clinical Sciences: Physiology, endocrinology, aquatic animal health, fish diseases, gastroenterology, immunology, vision sciences, perinatology, reproductive biology, pharmacokinetics, veterinary sports medicine, and wildlife and zoological medicine (I. Larkin and D. Lewis Graduate Coordinators).

Physiological Sciences: Comparative anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, neurobiology, nutrition, reproductive biology, and toxicology (R. Johnson, Graduate Coordinator).

Infectious Diseases and Experimental Pathology: Bacteriology, parasitology, virology, immunopathology, molecular mechanisms of disease and host defense, epidemiology, and veterinary public health (M.T. Long, Graduate Coordinator).

The College participates in the interdisciplinary specialization in toxicology, in cooperation with other departments and colleges in both the Health Science Center and the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and with the Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology (see the Toxicology description under Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies).

The following courses in related areas are acceptable for graduate major credit in veterinary medical sciences:

Veterinary medical sciences (phd)

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Students identify, describe, explain and apply the literature, research, and practices relevant to their area of specialization.

SLO 2     Skills     
Students analyze and critically evaluate new information and ideas contained in books and journal articles, as well as information and ideas presented at scientific meetings, seminars and/or informal discussions with other scientists.

SLO 3     Skills     
Students apply speaking skills needed to communicate orally in formal and informal settings.

SLO 4     Skills     
Students write effectively in a manner appropriate to veterinary medical sciences.

SLO 5     Professional Behavior   
Students exhibit ethical and professional behavior throughout their studies and research.

Veterinary Medical Sciences (MS)

SLO 1     Knowledge        
1. For students in the programs that require a Master's thesis, successful completion of the thesis and thesis defense.
2. For students in the non-thesis programs, successful completion of  a). the capstone project (Shelter Medicine) 
b). the final comprehensive examination (Veterinary Forensic Science and Forensic Toxicology)

SLO 2     Skills     
Students analyze and critically evaluate new information and ideas contained in books and journal articles, as well as information and ideas presented at scientific meetings, seminars and/or informal discussions with other scientists

SLO 3     Skills     
Students apply speaking skills needed to communicate orally in formal and informal settings

SLO 4     Skills     
Students write effectively in a manner appropriate to veterinary medical sciences

SLO 5     Professional Behavior   
Students exhibit ethical and professional behavior during their studies and research

SLO 6     Professional Behavior   
Students exercise the etiquette of constructive criticism and respond appropriately to criticism in a professional manner

Applicants who should complete the SSAR:

• Attended a high school regionally accredited in the United States for at least three years.
• Attended a DODEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) school.

Applicants who should not complete the SSAR:

• Attended a secondary school located outside the United States for more than one semester.
• Studied a curriculum that did not follow the standard U.S. system.

Required: At least three full years of your most recent secondary school transcripts, including courses in progress (grades 9, 10 and 11 + senior schedule) in both the native language of instruction and a word for word certified English translation (if applicable). Unofficial transcripts are accepted electronically via the status Check Status page for the review process, while official transcripts and translations are required upon enrollment.

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate English proficiency. English proficiency examination results, such as TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test, are encouraged for non-native English speakers, but are not required for freshman admission. SAT or ACT results are required for all freshman applicants.

Start by exploring our more than 250 degree programs to determine the application requirements and if additional items, such as transcripts, portfolios or recommendation letters, are needed in your application. Application deadlines also vary by department, so be sure to apply before the deadline.

Pursuant to Florida Statute, your application requires inclusion of all post-high school education and employment, as well as information about ongoing international affiliations and research funding. Ensure this information is included on your curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé that is uploaded within your graduate application.

If the program of interest requires recommendation letters, these should be submitted electronically through the admissions application. You must request these recommendations prior to submitting your application. You cannot add or delete recommendations once your application has been submitted. If your recommendation is supplied by paper or PDF, check with your academic program to inquire if this will be accepted.

You can check the receipt of materials by the Office of Admissions on the Check Status page. This page will only reflect information concerning materials forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions and does not include materials that are required to be sent directly to your academic unit.

Approximately 24-48 hours after submitting your online application, your 8-digit UF Identification Number (UFID) will be available on the status of your application. Use the same username and password used to submit your CollegeNET application.

Your UFID is unique to you and should be used in all email communication and any subsequent applications submitted. If you do not use your UFID in communications and submissions, it is difficult for us to match your test scores, transcripts, and financial aid information to your academic record.