The MS program in Veterinary Medical Sciences produces graduates who join the professional workforce in the private sector (e.g., specialized veterinary practice in dairy herd health and reproduction, aquatic animal health), in government (wildlife disease surveillance and risk management, aquatic animal health), or pursue a PhD degree.
Program Structure
The VMS MS is a 30-credit-minimum program. Most students take a 9-credit course load in the Fall and Spring semesters, along with 6 credit hours (usually of research) over the Summer semester. Most students complete this degree within 2 years. Students may choose, with the approval of their committee, to transfer up to 9 credits of relevant coursework from another degree/institution. Such transfers must meet the approval of the UF graduate school, and that approval is contingent upon relevance, recency, and the evaluation of the international degree and coursework (if applicable). Much more information on the transfer of credits can be found on our Applications and Admissions page.
Curriculum
Required Courses
BCH 5413
Mammalian Molecular Biology and Genetics
Biochemical and genetic approaches to understanding vertebrate and particularly mammalian molecular biology.
1 credit, offered fall and spring
Responsible Conduct of Research
Presentation and discussion of issues; guiding principles and potential pitfalls.
3 credits, offered fall and spring
Statistical Methods for Health Sciences Research
Appropriate use of data summarization and presentation of basic statistical methods.
2 credits (must be taken twice)
VME 6937L Graduate Seminar Series
This course is a forum for CVM graduate students and faculty to exchange information that can advance animal health, human health, and environmental health
Elective Courses
Comparative Biomedical Sciences Lab Methods
Introducing students to common, foundational laboratory practices and experimental styles.
Introduction to Comparative Immunology
Introducing graduate students to the evolutionary perspective of the immune systems and the similarities and differences in the immune systems of different animal species.
VME 6072
Comparative Epidemiology & One Health Study Designs
Other Courses!
Under the guidance of your PI and your supervisory committee, you may choose to take any graduate course that you and your team deem relevant to your studies!
Combined MS:Residency Programs
The Departments of Comparative, Diagnostic & Population Medicine, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, and Small Animal Clinical Sciences offer combined Master’s/Residency programs in selected disciplines. Selected applicants can pursue the Master’s in VMS or the MPVM. For more information, please consult with selected Resident Coordinators:
- Food Animal Health and Reproduction | Dr. Brittany Diehl | bn.diehl@ufl.edu
- Large Animal Surgery | Dr. Adam Biedrzycki | dradam@ufl.edu
- Small Animal Surgery | Dr. Kathleen Ham | hamk@vetmed.ufl.edu
More information on Residency and Internship Programs can be referenced here.
VMS MS Program: Handbook and Forms
A literal must-read!
VMS MS Program Handbook
Your complete program guide! All students and their mentors are responsible for being familiar with the contents of this Handbook.
Due october 1 for new students
Mentor-Mentee Agreement
Use this document to establish a healthy, productive relationship with your mentor.
due December 1 for all students
Individual Development Plan (IDP)
Use this document as your short, medium, and long-range career planning instrument. Re-visit often!
due december 1 for all students; may be amended any time
Form1- Flight Plan- Schedule of Courses
Use this document to plan your courses semester-by-semester. All of the relevant program guidelines are in the program handbook.
due after every committee meeting
Form2- Semi-Annual Progress Report
Your supervisory committee will use this document to catalog your strengths and note your weaknesses for further attention. It’s also a place to document the progress of your research project(s).
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