The M.S. degree in Comparative Biomedical Sciences trains students in biomedical research and emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches in the scholarship of animal and human health. Graduates of this program will understand the basic scientific principles related to comparative biomedical sciences in one of the following departments: large animal medicine, small animal medicine and surgery, physiology and pharmacology, veterinary pathology, infectious diseases, population health, or biomedical sciences. This is a college-wide M.S. program administered through the Office of Graduate Affairs. The program is available to all qualified students holding professional degrees in the healing arts as well as to graduate students with a strong biological background. Students may choose from an on-campus thesis track, an on-campus non-thesis track, or an online non-thesis track.
The non-thesis track is intended for students pursuing a non-research, professionally-oriented program of study and is consistent with our long-term goal to enhance and broaden the CBS M.S. degree. The non-thesis M.S. degree will be interdisciplinary and designed as a broad foundation for students who intend to pursue professional careers, such as veterinarian, physician, biomedical engineer and biomedical or diagnostic technician, and who require knowledge of animal physiology and immunology, microbiology, and biomedical and diagnostic techniques for industry or governmental labs. Students may complete this degree in one of the following departments: large animal medicine, small animal medicine and surgery, physiology and pharmacology, veterinary pathology, infectious diseases, population health, or biomedical sciences.
The online non-thesis track is a preparatory graduate program for students who are interested in the health professions. It offers courses that are 95% or more online and requires students to complete 10 such 3-credit courses for a total of 30 credits to earn their M.S. degree. Students who complete these courses are better prepared for a professional curriculum in the health professions. The online format permits students to be actively involved in their current jobs or volunteering positions while completing courses towards their degree.
Director of Graduate Studies Shannon Hostetter, Associate Professor shannon.hostetter@uga.edu Graduate Program Administrator Lisa Norris lnorris@uga.edu 706.542-5733 vet.uga.edu
Graduate Program Director Sheba M. J. MohanKumar, Professor shebamk@uga.edu Graduate Program Administrator Jackson Hawkins Jackson.Hawkins@uga.edu www.cvm.uga.edu https://online.uga.edu/degrees-certificates/master-science-comparative-biomedical-sciences/
30 hours
Three Letters of recommendation CV Statement of Purpose emphasizing goals, objectives, and research ideas Unofficial transcript (3.0 minimum GPA) Previous coursework and training should reflect preparation for advanced study in the sciences. International students: For students whose primary language is not English, proof of English proficiency is required. Students need to submit official university documents according to the UGA Graduate School requirements. Students will also have to show certificate of finances upon acceptance to the program. Students are required to have a valid US visa prior to admission.
Application deadlines are: U.S. Citizens: Fall semester - July 1 (online students: June 1) Spring semester - November 15 Summer semester - May 1 International applicants: Fall semester - April 15 Spring semester - October 15 Summer semester - February 15
| GRSC 8550 | Responsible Conduct of Research | 1 |
| VETM 7000 (max. 6 hrs) | Master's Research | 1-18 |
| VETM 7300 (3 hrs) | Master's Thesis | 1-18 |
Choose 1 course(s) from the following:
| BMSC 7060E | Online Research Communication | 3 |
| IDIS 8170 | Research in Progress Seminar | 1 |
| VETM 8001 | Research Communications | 1 |
Other courses with program approval
Choose 1 course(s) from the following:
|
BIOS 7010
Analytical Thinking
|
Fundamentals of Biostatistical Reasoning | 3 |
| POPH 8310L | Population Health Statistics I | 3 |
|
STAT 6315
Analytical Thinking
Critical Thinking
|
Statistical Methods for Researchers | 4 |
Other courses with program approval
Remaining graduate level course work will be determined by student's mentor and/or advisory committee.
| GRSC 8550 | Responsible Conduct of Research | 1 |
| VETM 7200 (max. 12 hrs) | Non-Thesis Master's Oral Examination Preparation | 1-6 |
Choose 1 course(s) from the following:
| BMSC 7060E | Online Research Communication | 3 |
| IDIS 8170 | Research in Progress Seminar | 1 |
| VETM 8001 | Research Communications | 1 |
Other courses with program approval
Choose 1 course(s) from the following:
|
BIOS 7010
Analytical Thinking
|
Fundamentals of Biostatistical Reasoning | 3 |
| POPH 8310L | Population Health Statistics I | 3 |
|
STAT 6315
Analytical Thinking
Critical Thinking
|
Statistical Methods for Researchers | 4 |
Other courses with program approval
Remaining graduate level course work will be determined by student's mentor and/or advisory committee.
Area of Emphasis in Integrative Biomedical Physiology
Core Foundational Knowledge Courses (9 hours)
| VPHY 7050 | Capstone in Integrative Biomedical Physiology | 3 |
| VPHY 8210 | Integrative Systems Physiology I | 3 |
| VPHY 8250 | Integrative Systems Physiology II | 3 |
Core Professional Skills Courses (6 hours)
| VPHY 6930 | Research Methods | 1-3 |
| VPHY 8900 | Physiology-Pharmacology Seminar | 1 |
Remaining 15 hours of graduate level course work will depend on student. 6 credits must come from outside Physiology and Pharmacology Department.
Choose 3 course(s) from the following:
| BMSC 6020E | Comparative Preveterinary Anatomy | 3 |
| BMSC 6030E | Basic Human Anatomy for the Health Sciences | 3 |
| BMSC 6040E | Pre-Veterinary/Pre-Medical Histology | 3 |
| VPHY 4200E/6200E * | Physiologic Basis of Diseases | 3 |
Only one Anatomy course is required. *6200E is required
Choose 7 course(s) from the following:
| BMSC 6010E | Fundamental Cell Biology | 3 |
| BMSC 6050E | Neuroscience for the Health Professions | 3 |
| BMSC 6060E | Fundamental Principles of Diagnostic Technology for the Health Professions | 3 |
| BMSC 4998E/6998E * | Principles of Endocrine Physiology and Pharmacology | 3 |
| BMSC 7010E | Fundamental Immunology for the Health Professions | 3 |
| BMSC 7020E | Fundamental Pharmacology for the Health Professions | 3 |
| BMSC 7040E | Problems in Biosciences | 3 |
| BMSC 7060E | Online Research Communication | 3 |
| LAMS 6000E | Clinically-Based Concepts I | 3 |
| LAMS 6010E | Clinically-Based Concepts II | 3 |
| LAMS 6020E | Clinically-Based Concepts III | 3 |
| VPAT 4150E/6150E * | Basics of Pathology | 3 |
*For split-level courses, students should take the graduate level course.
Choose 7 course(s) from the following:
| BMSC 6010E | Fundamental Cell Biology | 3 |
| BMSC 6050E | Neuroscience for the Health Professions | 3 |
| BMSC 6060E | Fundamental Principles of Diagnostic Technology for the Health Professions | 3 |
| BMSC 4998E/6998E | Principles of Endocrine Physiology and Pharmacology | 3 |
| BMSC 7010E | Fundamental Immunology for the Health Professions | 3 |
| BMSC 7020E | Fundamental Pharmacology for the Health Professions | 3 |
| BMSC 7040E | Problems in Biosciences | 3 |
| LAMS 6000E | Clinically-Based Concepts I | 3 |
| LAMS 6010E | Clinically-Based Concepts II | 3 |
| LAMS 6020E | Clinically-Based Concepts III | 3 |
| VPAT 4150E/6150E | Basics of Pathology | 3 |
Graduates have gone on to PhD programs, veterinary programs, medical school and dental school, as well as careers with industry, government agencies, and NGOs (e.g., as science teachers in public school systems, environmental managers, data analysts, and research technicians).
Students are encouraged to present their research at conferences, professional meetings, and symposia. The students’ home departments (and Graduate School) have funds available to defray travel expenses for students who present. Students who participate in Problems-based courses get trained in the process of completing a research project and writing a scientific manuscript.
Other programs in the College of Veterinary Medicine, include: PhD Comparative Biomedical Sciences PhD Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology PhD Infectious Diseases MS Comparative Biomedical Sciences (non-thesis option), Area of Emphasis in Integrative Biomedical Physiology MAM Avian Medicine (must hold a DVM degree or equivalent to apply for this program) MAHM Avian Health and Medicine online program (must hold a DVM degree or equivalent to apply for this program) MFAM Food Animal Medicine (must hold a DVM degree or equivalent to apply for this program)