BMS Graduate Program (Pathobiology)

The Department of Pathobiology is an active participant in the Biomedical Sciences (BMS) and Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) graduate programs.  Students may obtain a Master of Science (MS) or Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) through BMS while working with faculty mentors within the Department of Pathobiology. 

Pathobiology also participates in the dual DVM-MS and DVM-PhD programs and offers combined residency – graduate degree programs in anatomic and clinical pathology.  Students who enter the BMS program through the CMB program usually transfer to the BMS program at the end of their first year.

The combined program offers MS and PhD degrees for graduate students, residents in anatomic and clinical pathology, and veterinary students doing a combined DVM-MS or DVM-PhD degree.  For more information go to the Pathobiology combined program site.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the following persons for more information: Dr. Calvin Johnson, anatomic pathology residency coordinator or Dr. Elizabeth Spangler, clinical pathology residency coordinator.

Dual Degree (DVM/MS OR DVM/PHD) Program
graduates will have strong backgrounds in both veterinary medicine and research and will be well prepared for careers in academia, industry and/or specialty clinics.

Students are admitted into the College of Veterinary Medicine program by applying to the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and to the graduate program via application to the Biomedical Sciences graduate program through Auburn University Graduate School (GS). Students must meet three criteria to be admitted to a dual degree:

1. A personal statement in less than 500 words describing the applicants reasons to pursue the DVM
and graduate curriculum simultaneously and stating long-term career goals.

2. The applicant must be evaluated by the Associate Dean for Research and/or the BMS Graduate
Program Committee.

3. Provide three letters of recommendation, one from the student’s major advisor.

Please see pages 10-11 of the Biomedical Sciences handbook for more details:

Students interested in obtaining a graduate degree in BMS with a faculty mentor from the Department of Pathobiology should apply to one of the following Biomedical Sciences Programs through the Auburn University Graduate School.

• Cancer Biology and Genetics
• Immunology
• Hereditary Diseases
• Infectious Diseases / Parasitology
• Anatomic & Clinical Pathology

Students who enter the BMS program through the CMB (Cell and Molecular Biology) program usually transfer to the BMS program at the end of their first year.