• Process for PhD and MS programs
• Process for dual degree programs (DVM-PhD, DVM-MS, Residency PhD)

The application deadline for PhD and MS students to be considered for competitive University fellowships is January 3. The final deadline for Fall admissions is March 31.

1. Applicants must complete MSU's online application. Applications for both domestic and international students are available.

• 4911 is the major code number for the CMIB MS program
• 4912 is the major code for the PhD program
• Application fees: $65 Domestic, $75 International

2. Upload a 1-2 page Academic/Personal statement in the “Other Information” section as a separate document.

You should convey your motivations for pursuing a graduate degree and your experiences and/or accomplishments pertinent to your application to the CMIB Program (e.g., undergraduate research, publications, workshops, etc.). Be sure to include a description of the nature of your research experiences and what you have learned from them. You may also concisely discuss any aspects of your history beyond academics that support you as an excellent candidate. These could include, for example, what you have derived from extracurricular activities, a demonstration of leadership, your potential contribution to a diverse educational community, and, if appropriate, any obstacles you have encountered in your pursuit of an education and how you have dealt with them.

3. Three (3) letters of recommendation are required. In the “References” section of the application, provide the contact information for your references.

• If they experience technical difficulties, recommenders may send their letters directly to CMIB Program Administrative Assistant Dimity Palazzola (palazz39@cvm.msu.edu) or via mail to:
  CMIB Program
  Veterinary Medical Center
  784 Wilson Road, Room G-100
  East Lansing, MI 48824-1314, USA

• Letters submitted by applicants will NOT be accepted.

4. After submitting your application, you will be required to upload your CV/Resume in the Application Portal. You do NOT need to complete the “Employment” and “Activities” sections of the online application, as this information should be in your CV/Resume.

5. English competency tests (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE A, etc.) are required for all applicants whose native language is not English. Proficiency is determined by test scores (see grad.msu.edu for details). Arrangements should be made, with the TOEFL office, for scores to be directly reported to Michigan State University using University Code 1465 with Department Code 0000.

• Internet-based test: score of 80 with no subscore below 19 (22 for writing)

6. Have official transcripts mailed directly from each college or university attended to the following address:

Michigan State University Office of Admissions
Hannah Administration Building
426 Auditorium Road, Room 250
East Lansing, MI 48824

• Transcripts sent electronically through a transcript service, such as AVOW or eScripSafe, need to be sent directly to the MSU Office of Admissions: admis@msu.edu.
• Transcripts sent by applicants or stamped "Issued to Student" will NOT be accepted.
• If the original documents are not issued in English, also provide an official English translation of each document.

To be considered "official," the transcripts must have a university seal or notarization mark and state "degree conferred" or degree awarded.

Application Information

The application deadline for the DVM-PhD Programs is January 31. Application materials should be sent to the contact information listed below.

Application Criteria

Graduates of the Dual-Degree Program are skilled in both clinical veterinary medicine and the scientific method. The DVM/PhD Program prepares candidates to be independent scientists who are capable of leading and directing hypothesis-driven research teams.

We seek outstanding, motivated students interested in all areas of biological, biomedical, engineering, and computational sciences. Successful applicants will have prior research experience, demonstrate a passion for science, and express clear career goals.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must first submit a VMCAS application and:

• Meet academic requirements for the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine’s DVM Program
• Successfully complete the review process
• Be invited to an interview

Requirements:

1. Academic/Personal statement. You should convey your career goals, research interests and motivations for pursuing a dual degree in 1 – 2 pages. Describe your experiences and/or accomplishments pertinent to your application (e.g., undergraduate research, publications, workshops, etc.). Be sure to include a description of the nature of your research experiences and what you have learned from them.

2. Curriculum vitae or resume.

3. Three letters of recommendation. Please indicate whether you will use the letters of recommendation included in the VMCAS application or if you would like to submit new letters. We recommend that the letters of recommendation specifically address research aptitude.

Letters submitted by applicants will NOT be accepted. The letters must be submitted directly by the letter writer/recommender either:

electronically to Dimity Palazzola (palazz39@cvm.msu.edu), CMIB Program Administrative Assistant

or via mail to:

CMIB Program
Veterinary Medical Center
784 Wilson Road, Room G-100
East Lansing, MI 48824-1314, USA

Review Process and Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by the College Graduate Advisory Committee, and interviews will be conducted. The committee attempts to select applicants with the most promise for superior achievement. An applicant's acceptance will be based upon:

• Academic record, including grade-point average, quality of previous training and coursework that demonstrates proficiency in math and science
• Proficiency in English, as demonstrated by the TOEFL for applicants whose native language is not English
• Personal statement of professional goals indicating why the dual degree is needed for career goals
• Research experience
• Strong letters of reference that include evaluation of the applicant's research experience

Tuition, Fees, and Funding

Upon admittance to the dual-degree program, students receive a full tuition waiver for the DVM curriculum. During graduate research training, faculty advisors provide stipends and tuition support. Candidates also will receive a stipend for each summer they participate in the Veterinary Scholars Program.