College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University
Information about the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University
Veterinary science courses have been taught at MSU since the institution's founding in 1855. The College of Veterinary Medicine was formally established as a four-year, degree-granting program in 1910.
Today, the college includes four biomedical science departments -- microbiology and molecular genetics, pathobiology and diagnostic investigation, pharmacology and toxicology, and physiology; two clinical departments -- large-animal clinical sciences and small-animal clinical sciences; two service units -- the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health; and several research centers.
In addition to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program, the college also offers certificate and bachelor's degree programs in veterinary technology, as well as advanced degree (master's and doctor of philosophy) programs.
The College of Veterinary Medicine is fortunate to have an outstanding faculty, all of whom hold the doctor of veterinary medicine degree and/or the doctor of philosophy degree. Nearly all of the specialty boards recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association are represented on the faculty. Many of these faculty members are leaders in their fields, both nationally and internationally.
Michigan State has a long-standing commitment to equal opportunity, affirmative action, and multiculturalism. The College of Veterinary Medicine has attained national recognition for its leadership in programs for the encouragement of underrepresented groups at the preprofessional, professional, and advanced studies levels, as well as for increased diversity in its faculty.
Special opportunities for preveterinary and professional students to participate in international veterinary activities further expand appreciation of different cultures. Indeed, international experience and opportunities abound in the college for both faculty and students. Nearly 300 individuals associated with the college have been involved in activities in 36 countries. A special endowment provides funds to support student travel abroad.
The abundance and variety of animal agriculture and companion animals in Michigan provides the college with one of the largest clinical and diagnostic caseloads in the country. Educational and research opportunities are considerably enhanced by this large caseload.
The college also takes seriously its obligation to meet the needs of society in addition to clinical services and education. The college has expertise in public health, biomedical and comparative medical research, ecosystem and environmental management, and the multiple facets that compose our complex global food system. CVM also supports key animal health programs conducted by both the Michigan Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Admissions Information
Important News and Updates:
For MSU students the requirement can be fulfilled by choosing one of the following courses:- ANS 409* (Advancements in Reproduction)
- ANS 435 (Mammary Physiology)
- ANS 445 (Equine Exercise Physiology)
- ANS 455 (Avian Physiology)
- ZOL 402 (Neurobiology)
- ZOL 408 (Histology)
- ZOL 425 (Cells and Development)
- ZOL 450 (Cancer Biology)
- PSL 310 (Physiology for Pre-Health Professionals)
- MMG 409 (Eukaryotic Cell Biology)
- MMG 451 (Immunology)
- BLD 434 (Clinical Immunology)
For non-MSU students, the upper-level Biology requirement can be fulfilled by any comparable upper-level Biology course at any accredited university. Please contact admiss@cvm.msu.edu if you have questions. We will update our course guides over the next few months.
Information Presentations:
Admission Information Presentations are held six times a year for prospective applicants. Topics addressed in each presentation include: 1) the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS), 2) the requirements for admission, and 3) the selection process. A tour of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital will be provided by members of Omega Tau Sigma (OTS) following the presentations. These presentations are designed for college students or post-college students who are preparing to apply to veterinary school within the upcoming year or two.
Transfer Students:
MSU CVM does not regularly take transfer students from other accredited US or foreign veterinary programs. Only if a seat becomes available is a transfer considered. A letter from the Dean at the present program, indicating agreement to release the student to MSU CVM is required. The student must also explain in writing the extenuating circumstances for the transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MSU require a minimum number of vet hours?
MSU CVM requires that applicants provide evidence of animal and veterinary experience sufficient to demonstrate motivation, interest, and understanding of the veterinary profession.
The Committee on Student Admissions recommends that an applicant have at least 150 hours of experience working with a veterinarian. For the most recently admitted class, 50% of our applicants had over 870 hours of veterinary experience at the time of application.
What should I include in my personal statement?
- Indicate how events in your life have made you a unique individual - what makes you different from the 899 other applicants?
- Emphasize your background with respect to the five non-academic criteria our faculty is looking for
- Be clear, concise and grammatically correct (longer is not better)
How can I improve my SIS if it is below 750?
- Repeat any pre-req science courses where you may have done poorly - we will use the most recent grade in the science gpa. Remember we only use grades for courses taken through summer semester 2012.
- Repeat the GRE - we will use the quantitative and verbal scores from your highest composite GRE score. We will only use GRE scores through Sept. 30 of the year that you apply.
- Improve the last 3 semester gpa (we use a minimum of 36 credits in this calculation). Once again, we will only look at grades through summer semester 2012.
What if I am on the alternate list or want to reapply?
If you are an alternate or plan to reapply you should meet with an admissions counselor to make sure you will have a competitive application in the future. Schedule an appointment at the following website: http://cvm.msu.edu/student-information/dvm-program-admissions/request-an-appointment
- You MUST resubmit a new VMCAS Application with evaluations
- You MUST resubmit all transcripts to MSU CVM
- You MUST resubmit GRE scores to MSU CVM
What will I do after I graduate?
The Class of 2011 had an average starting total compensation of $60,778 and went into a diversity of areas:
- Companion Animal Practice 27%
- Food Animal Practice 3%
- Mixed Animal Practice 7%
- Equine Practice 1%
- Graduate Program 1%
- Internship or Residency Program 59%
- Uniformed Service 1%
Do I need to have a bachelor's degree to get into vet school?
You do not need to have a Bachelor's Degree to enter vet school, however, planning on obtaining a Bachelor's Degree prior to matriculation will add points to your Scholastic Indicator Score.
Contact Us: 784 Wilson Road Rm F-110
East Lansing, MI, 48824-1314Phone: (517) 353-9793
Fax: (517) 432-7788
Mail: admiss@cvm.msu.edu
Site: http://cvm.msu.edu/