The Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences offers degrees of Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Animal Biotechnology & Biomedical Sciences. The Animal Biotechnology & Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program encompasses the scientific disciplines of (1) reproductive and developmental biology, (2) immunology and infectious disease, (3) toxicology. Research topics in all three of these areas focus on issues relevant to humans and agricultural species of animals.
As the Animal Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program emphasizes research, all candidates for the Master's or Ph.D. graduate degrees are expected to complete a research-based program. For the Ph.D. dissertation research is done, while for the Master's program thesis research and independent study research is done. Appropriate coursework is required for all degree programs. Teaching experience as a teaching assistant is required for Ph.D. graduate students. Some students fulfill requirements for a fifth year (fifth year after four year Bachelor's degree, also called a 'fast-track Masters') Master's program. The fifth year Master's requires transfer of six graduate credits into the program, previous research experience and generally four semesters of attendance (summer after graduation, the following academic year fall and spring semesters and the culminating summer semester). It is expected that the research for all levels of graduate work will form at least one research publication or a major contribution to one in a referred scientific journal for Master's level and generally more than one for Ph.D.
Any requirements described in this handbook are in accordance with and supplemental to the "Graduate Student Handbook" published by the Graduate School of the University of Massachusetts. Rules generated by the individual department may not circumvent those established by the Graduate School, but the department may impose requirements in addition to those established by the Graduate School. Thus both sets of guidelines must be adhered to in order to a obtain a graduate degree in Animal Biotechnology & Biomedical Sciences . However, the Departmental and Graduate School requirements are not exclusive of one another, i.e., courses completed to satisfy the requirements of the Graduate School are also used to satisfy Departmental requirements.
It is to the advantage of the student to become familiar with these requirements early in their degree program and to establish a tentative schedule for completing the requirements in consultation with their Major Professor (who serves as faculty advisor and research supervisor) and their committee.
Further information on the Graduate Program in Animal Biotechnology & Biomedical Sciences is available in the "Graduate Bulletin of the University of Massachusetts" which describes course offerings and in the Departmental Brochure entitled "Graduate Program in Animal Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences". These include requirements for admission to the program.
Veterinary and Animal Sciences