The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine offers a master of science program in comparative medicine and integrative biology. The Program is designed to develop an integrative approach to research in clinical, cellular, and molecular problems in comparative medicine and integrative biology. The Program emphasizes development of a firm scientific background in clinical and basic biomedical sciences and the conduct of in-depth original research.
Program Description
Plan A consists of (1) prescribed course work 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, (2) original research of an important problem in human and animal health or biology, (3) a thesis, and (4) a final oral examination.
Plan B consists of (1) prescribed course work and (2) a final oral examination.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTER OF SCIENCE
PLAN A (WITH THESIS)
- A minimum of 30 approved graduate course credits
- A minimum of 20 credits of non-research courses is required, with at least 12 of these credits at the 800 level or above
- A minimum of 10 credits in master's thesis research (course number VM 899) is required for students in Plan A
- EPI 828: Seminar on Responsible Conduct of Research, which includes training in the ethical conduct of research
- VM 820: Current Topics in Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology.
- At least one approved course in statistics (STT 421, STT 422, or PHM 830)
- At least 1 course from each of the following 3 major areas: 1) molecular life sciences, 2) integrative biology, and 3) pathology. Electives including non-research and seminar courses will be determined by the guidance committee
PLAN B (WITHOUT THESIS)
- A minimum of 30 approved graduate course credits with least 18 of these credits at the 800 and 900 levels. VM 899 (master's thesis research) credits cannot be counted toward the 30 required credits
- EPI 828: Seminar on Responsible Conduct of Research, which includes training in the ethical conduct of research
- VM 820: Current Topics in Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology.
- At least one approved course in statistics (STT 421, STT 422, or PHM 830)
- At least one course from each of the 3 major areas: 1) molecular life sciences, 2) integrative biology, and 3) pathology
- Electives including non-research and seminar courses will be determined by the guidance committee
PLAN A RESEARCH AND THESIS REQUIREMENTS
The student is expected to conduct comparative biomedical research and to complete and defend a master's thesis. The written thesis must be based upon original scholarly research. It must contribute new knowledge to the scientific community and result in or be deemed by the student's advisory committee to have sufficient data for one or more research papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Examinations
A master of science degree candidate is required to pass a final oral examination that covers course work in the major and supporting fields (Plans A and B) and a defense of the thesis (Plan A). The examination for the master's degree is administered by the guidance committee. The thesis defense will consist of a public lecture followed by an oral examination, during which the student will defend the thesis and knowledge of related scientific areas. The form, scope, and time of the examination will be determined by the guidance committee. Results of the examination will be determined by the guidance committee by simple majority vote.
Time Limit
While most students are expected to complete the requirements within two-to-three years, they are required to complete all requirements within six calendar years from the beginning of the first semester in which credit was earned toward the MS degree.