Academic Programs Catalog

College of Veterinary Medicine

Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology

Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology - Master of Science

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: 

Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B (30 credits):
1. The following course:
VM 820 Current Topics in Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology 2
2. One of the following courses:
STT 421 Statistics I 3
STT 422 Statistics II 3
PHM 830 Experimental Design and Data Analysis 3

Additional Requirements for Plan A:

  1. One course from at least two of the following three major areas:   Molecular Life Sciences, Integrative Biology, and Pathology. A list of  approved courses is available from your academic advisor.
  2. Complete at least 10 credits of 899 Master’s Thesis Research.
  3. Fulfill the Graduate School requirement for Responsible Conduct of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity (RCRSCA).
  4. Successfully defend the master's thesis.

Additional Requirements for Plan B:

  1. One course from each of the following three major areas: Molecular Life Sciences, Integrative Biology, and Pathology. A list of approved courses is available from your academic advisor.
  2. Fulfill the Graduate School requirement for Responsible Conduct of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity (RCRSCA).
  3. Submit a satisfactory research paper.