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Veterinary Medical Sciences

Master of Science (MSc)

Thesis-based program

Program overview

Our graduate program is preparing the next generation of international leaders in animal and public health. Students will establish a firm grasp of core competencies in veterinary medical sciences. They will acquire specialized knowledge through the course of their thesis projects, deepening their skills as they embark on careers as highly-trained academics and professionals.

The graduate mission of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is to be a world leader in the training of animal health researchers and postgraduate veterinarians, creating experts who will advance animal and public health, as well as the veterinary profession.

Completing this program

  • Core Courses: Students take courses in professional skills in health science research and biostatistical methods.

  • Seminar: Students will be required to give one public seminar.

  • Additional Courses: Topics may include biology of laboratory animals, stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, parasitology and more.

  • Thesis: Students will complete a thesis based off of their own research.

Specializations

Outcomes

Academia; government (regulatory--food safety; water safety); feedlot; zoos; centre for disease control; biotechnology; pharmaceuticals; vaccine development; diagnostic pathology.

A master’s degree in veterinary medicine will give you the pre-requisite for a PhD.

Thesis-based program

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

Classroom delivery

Time commitment

Two years full time; four years maximum

Supervisor

A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before admission will be granted

Fees and funding

See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.

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Supervisors

Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.


  1. Hermann Schaetzl

    Hermann Schaetzl

    Accepting Inquiries
    prion diseases
  2. Mark Ungrin

    Mark Ungrin

    Accepting Inquiries
    Microscale tissue engineering, Technology development
  3. Frank van der Meer

    Frank van der Meer

    Accepting Inquiries
  4. James Wasmuth

    James Wasmuth

    Unavailable
    Infectious Disease Genomics

Admission requirements


GPA

A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.

Minimum education

A minimum of a baccalaureate degree (or its equivalent, or a BVSc, DVM or MD degree) with course work appropriate for VMS graduate training from a recognized institution.

Work samples

None

Documents

Curriculum Vitae, and a Letter of Understanding signed by the prospective student and supervisor with a statement outlining the supervisor’s commitment to the training of the student, as well as their commitment to fund the student in accordance with the minimum VMS guidelines.

Reference letters

Two

Test scores

None


English language proficiency

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

*Please contact your program of interest if you have any questions about ELP requirements

Deadlines

For admission on September 1

Canadians and permanent residents: Jun. 1 application deadline

International: Jun. 1 application deadline

For admission on January 1

Canadians and permanent residents: Nov. 1 application deadline

International: Nov. 1 application deadline

For admission on May 1

Canadians and permanent residents: Mar. 1 application deadline

International: Mar. 1 application deadline

For admission on July 1

Canadians and permanent residents: May 1 application deadline

International: May 1 application deadline

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements

Learn more about this program

Veterinary Medical Sciences graduate program

Veterinary Medical Sciences Graduate Programs (Foothills Campus)
TRW 2D08, 3280 Hospital Drive NW
Calgary, ABT2N 4Z6
403.210.8764

Contact the Graduate Program Administrator

Visit the departmental website

 

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

TRW 2D01
3280 Hospital Drive NW
Calgary, ABT2N 4Z6
403.210.3961

Visit the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine website

 

Learn more about UCalgary by taking a virtual tour

Related programs

If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.


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These stories from those involved in the program show what it's like to be involved yourself.

Man with horse

Gentle giants

Vet med researchers are looking at the effects of competing in the Stampede's Heavy Horse Pull

Soren Boysen and Serge Chalhoub

Duelling specialists

UCalgary Teaching Award recipients take a memorable approach to their Clinical Presentation course

Tanzania, Africa

Battling parasitic worms in the developing world

John Gilleard is bringing knowledge of parasites in livestock to understand parasites in humans