Comparative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program (MS and PhD)

Acknowledging the interconnectedness of human and animal medicine, Ohio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine is at the forefront of advancing discoveries in translational research that can be taken from the field, clinic, and laboratory bench to direct application at a patient's bedside and on a broader scale, benefiting entire populations.

The Comparative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program offers a unique approach to advanced training of professional and graduate students leading to MS and PhD degrees in preparation for careers in biomedical, clinical and field-based epidemiological research.

A significant need exists at the national and international levels for skilled scientists who are trained in modern translational research methods to apply advances in medicine to improve animal and human health. Graduates of the Comparative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program acquire a profound understanding of hypothesis-driven research and gain the essential skills and knowledge required to embark on versatile career paths. These paths encompass academia, government agencies, and industry, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared for a wide range of professional opportunities.

veterinary student learning in a classroom

Graduate Programs & Degrees

Our programs offer a distinctive approach to advanced training of aspiring professional and graduate students, culminating in attaining MS and PhD degrees in translational research. These degrees empower graduates for impactful careers in biomedical, clinical and field-based epidemiological research.

Research leading to either an PhD and/or MS is supported by graduate faculty of the college. Competitive applicants will have completed a BS, MS, or DVM degree. This research-based program requires all students to complete a thesis or dissertation. Application criteria is available here

This course of study is tailored for DVM’s selected to participate in residency training programs within the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences (including specializations such as anesthesiology, camelid medicine, emergency and critical care, equine ambulatory, radiology, radiation oncology, cardiology, dermatology, small animal internal medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, and small animal surgery) and Veterinary Preventive Medicine (encompassing laboratory animal medicine, zoo and wildlife conservation medicine, and ecosystem health residency).

Interested veterinarians should submit their applications to the respective department's residency program coordinator. Upon acceptance into the residency program, the applicant's information will be shared with the College Graduate Program Coordinator for necessary processing. With their graduate advisory committee's guidance, students can extend their research beyond obtaining an MS degree. This extension allows them to pursue a PhD dissertation subsequent to completing the residency phase of the program.

This course of study is designed for DVM's with some prior research experience that are selected for pathology residency training in the Department of Veterinary Biosciences. Applications are submitted to Kelsey Bradford, program coordinator in the Department of Veterinary Biosciences. Candidates selected for the Combined Residency/PhD Program will be simultaneously evaluated by the college graduate studies committee prior to formal admission to the program.

This program is tailored for individuals currently enrolled in the DVM professional degree program and who wish to engage in research leading to the MS degree concurrently. The DVM and MS degrees are pursued simultaneously. Those interested in this opportunity should contact the College Graduate Program Coordinator for comprehensive details about program prerequisites and the application process.

To embark on this journey, students are required to first enroll in the DVM program and successfully complete one year before initiating their MS studies. Subsequently, a distinct application process is essential for admission into the MS program.

Upon enrollment, students can opt, with the assistance of their graduate advisory committee, to prolong their research activities, eventually culminating in the defense of a PhD dissertation after completing the DVM/MS program.

The Colleges of Public Health and Veterinary Medicine collaborate to offer this specialization in the Masters of Public Health Program. It is one of only two programs certified by the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. More information and application instructions regarding the Veterinary Public Health specialization within the Masters of Public Health program (MPH-VPH) can be found on the College of Public Health's website here.