IX. Graduate Programs
Clinical Studies
DVSc Program
The DVSc degree is offered in large animal surgery, small animal surgery, large animal medicine, small animal medicine, anaesthesiology, cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, dermatology and radiology, depending upon availability. The program provides advanced academic preparation in both clinical training and research and is a unique post-professional doctoral-level degree. The DVSc differs from PhD training by emphasizing the development of both research and applied skills in the various areas of clinical specialization appropriate for preparation for specialty Board certification.
Doctor of Veterinary Science positions are usually funded positions, and are usually advertised and selected through the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians' website at www.virmp.org which can be accessed in early October. Completed applications are due to us by December 1st each year, announcements made in early March and the start date is mid-July. Occasionally specialty training positions become available and are advertised on our website, as well as in the Canadian Veterinary Journal. This program involves one-third of the time taking a minimum of 5 graduate courses, conducting a research project and writing a thesis on the research, and two-thirds of the time in applied clinical practice. Applicants must be eligible to be licensed by the College of Veterinarians of Ontario.
The DVSc is currently an interdepartmental program and receives input from all academic departments in the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC): Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Studies, Pathobiology and Population Medicine.
Admission Requirements
A doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) or equivalent which would allow the applicant to be eligible for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in Ontario. In addition a completed internship or equivalent is usually required.
Degree Requirements
Candidates are required to develop investigative skills in their chosen area of specialization by carrying out an original study, generally related to animal health. The results of the research must make a significant contribution to the candidate's area of specialization and be written up as a thesis. Five graduate level courses are required.