MS/DVM Combination Degree Program

There is a critical need for well-trained personnel (MS VPHE/DVM) to tackle emerging infectious disease outbreaks now and in the future. Stressors to the health of humans, wild and domestic animals, and ecosystems are increasing in number and severity. These stressors include the growing human population, globalization, increased travel, energy use, and habitat destruction. The health issues that result include some of society’s biggest problems: the resurgence/emergence and rapid dissemination of infectious diseases, especially zoonoses; challenges for food production and safety; and concerns for biosecurity. Society needs professionals who can understand the ecological, environmental, and social determinants of health, and who can conduct research and apply management and mitigation strategies to improve health at the individual and population levels. The MS VPHE program is designed to meet these challenges—with the veterinary and infectious disease emphasis setting it apart from other MPH programs.

Why Texas A&M?

Texas A&M University is located in a prime location near the border of the United States and Mexico to study and train personnel on emerging infectious diseases and public health. The Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology Program in the Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences (VIBS) is committed to training the next generation of scientists to tackle current and future public health issues and work towards One Health solutions.

Faculty

• Dr. Christine Budke (VPHE & Combination Degree Program Director)
• Dr. Sarah Hamer
• Dr. Martial Ndeffo
• Dr. Keri Norman
• Dr. Gizem Levent

The combined program requires separate applications for the MS VPHE and DVM degree programs.

• Admission to the MS VPHE program does not ensure admission to the DVM program or vice versa.
• The DVM application is due September 15th, and applications will be reviewed via the usual DVM admission procedures.
• You may apply to the MS VPHE program prior to, during, or after applying to the DVM program.
  • Applications to the MS VPHE program are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, with decisions typically made within 2 months.
  • If submitted as part of your DVM application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores do not need to be resubmitted with your MS VPHE application.

Cost of Attendance

1) Complete the DVM Application

The DVM application is due annually on August 30th and applications will be reviewed via the usual DVM admission procedures.

2.1) Complete the Texas A&M GraduateCAS Application

Applicants must complete the Texas A&M GraduateCAS application.

The application has four quadrants: personal information, academic history, supporting information, and program materials. Within GraduateCAS, you will be provided with all of the necessary prompts for completing the application.

There is an accompanying application fee that will be assessed through GraduateCAS prior to application submission.

The MS VPHE application fee will be waived for those accepted into the Texas A&M Professional DVM Program for the current admissions cycle.

2.2) Upload a Personal Statement

Applicants must write a personal statement (typically 1–2 pages) that addresses the following questions:

• Why have you chosen to pursue becoming a healthcare professional as your career?
• Why do you want to complete the MS VPHE?
• Why do you wish to pursue both DVM and public health/epidemiology training simultaneously in a combined program?
• Is there anything about you or your academic background that the admissions committee should know or might benefit from considering?

2.3) Upload Official Transcripts*

• Applicants must upload transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate degree-granting institution they have attended.
  • Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded; however, if you are admitted, official transcripts will need to be sent to the Office of Admissions.
  • Current and former students of Texas A&M:
    Texas A&M transcripts do not need to be submitted.
    • Also, all courses that have been transferred to Texas A&M will be reflected on a Texas A&M transcript.

2.4) Official standardized testing scores*

GRE*

• The GRE requirement is NOT required for the MS VPHE Degree Program, including the MS/DVM Combination Program.
  
  • All applicants seeking admission have the option to submit official score reports from the GRE or a professional program entrance exam (MCAT, DAT, etc.).

2.5) Upload letters of recommendation*

• Applicants must provide a minimum of three letters of recommendation from science faculty showing dedication toward research and veterinary public health, and mitigating application blemishes.
  • Applicants may also choose to submit non-academic recommendations that can speak to their relevant knowledge and/or experience.
  • There is no page limit for these letters.
  • HOW TO SUBMIT
    • GraduateCAS will direct you to the Letters by Liaison portal, where you will submit the names and emails of your recommenders.
      • After you submit the names of your recommenders, they will receive instructions for completing the electronic evaluation.
      • The GraduateCAS application may be submitted without submitting your recommenders’ contact information through the Letters by Liaison portal.
      • However, these letters must be received for your application to be reviewed.

*Not applicable if already submitted with DVM Application.

Overview

The DVM professional curriculum is a four-year program.

• During the first three years, classes are scheduled on a semester basis.
• The fourth-year curriculum:
  • consists of:
    • 26 weeks of Basic Core Rotations
    • 18 weeks of elective clinical rotations or career alternative electives
    • 4 weeks of externship
    • 2 weeks of vacation
  • allows students to choose a species-directed career, by focusing on one of these tracks:
    • equine
    • companion animal
    • rural/mixed animal
    • food animal
    • a career alternative track

Below is the degree plan for the MS/DVM combination program.

• While the individual degree programs require a total of 213 credit hours, this degree plan allows 6 hours of public health-related coursework to apply for credit towards completion of both the MS VPHE and the DVM degrees.

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Fourth Year