IX. Graduate Programs
Veterinary Science
DVSc Program
The DVSc is a unique post-professional degree. The DVSc program provides advanced discipline training and research at the doctoral level. It involves course and investigational work on an applied problem, together with advanced discipline training. Students enrolled in the program select one of the sixteen specializations (listed below) and register in the appropriate department. The departments and specializations are:
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Biomedical Sciences
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Clinical pharmacology
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Clinical Studies
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Comparative medicine
Small animal medicine, small animal surgery, large animal medicine, large animal surgery, emergency medicine and critical care, anesthesiology, ophthalmology, cardiology and neurology
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Pathobiology
Clinical pathology, anatomic pathology, laboratory-animal science, and comparative pathology
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Population Medicine
Clinical epidemiology, ruminant health management, swine health management and theriogenology
Admission Requirements
The normal basis for admission to DVSc studies is a DVM or equivalent degree that would allow the applicant to be eligible for licence to practice veterinary medicine in Ontario. The applicant must have achieved high academic standing according to the standards of the University of Guelph.
Students who meet the aforementioned requirements and possess either an acceptable graduate diploma, MSc degree, or PhD degree with 'B+' average standing may be admitted and granted credit for two semesters in the DVSc program.
A student enrolled in the graduate diploma program who achieves a superior record and shows a particular aptitude for applied studies may be authorized by the Board of Graduate Studies, on recommendation of the student’s advisory committee, to transfer to the DVSc program without completing the graduate diploma program. This authorization must be granted no later than the end of the second semester of study. The transfer will be effective the following semester.
Degree Requirements
A minimum of 2.50 course credits is required. A qualifying examination must be taken prior to the end of the sixth semester to assess the student's knowledge of the selected area of specialization and the basic sciences supporting this area. Candidates are required to develop investigational skills in their distinctive area of specialization by carrying out an original study, generally related to animal health. The research must make a significant contribution to the area of specialization, be written up as a thesis, and defended.
At least nine semesters of full-time study must be devoted to the DVSc program. Additional information on the DVSc program may be found in the calendar description of each participating department.