DVM Professional Degree Program

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curriculum is a rigorous four-year program which provides a broad-based education to all students. This prepares them to enter a variety of career opportunities within veterinary medicine. Students take 19 to 24 credit hours per term. This course load requires an average of 36 hours per week in the classroom or laboratory for students seeking to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Current DVM Students
Prospective DVM Students
Auburn Vet Med Vision and Mission

The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine is accredited by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, with the next site visit scheduled for 2026.

Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine graduates exceed the expectation of at least an 80% pass rate on the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).

AU CVM Graduates NAVLE Pass Rates

Class of 2023 – 92%
Class of 2022 – 96%
Class of 2021 – 94%
Class of 2020 – 96%
Class of 2019 – 98%

Meet the Team

Academic Affairs

Dr. Camus

Melinda Camus, DVM, DACVP
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
msc0068@auburn.edu

Dr. Brunson

Brandon Brunson, DVM, PhD
Director of Student Services
brunsbl@auburn.edu

Dr. Sellars

T. O’Bryan Sellars, PhD
Director of DVM Professional Program Admissions
tos0004@auburn.edu

Glenn Sellers

Glen Sellers, MS, MBA
Clinical Lecturer
glensellers@auburn.edu

Dr. Bennett

Lauren Bennett, PhD
Pre-Clinical Coordinator
lab0167@auburn.edu

Carlee Smithwick

Carlee Smithwick
Clinical Coordinator
cev0007@auburn.edu

Vern Beitzel

Vern Beitzel
Accommodations Test Proctor
vlb0029@auburn.edu

Kay Jones

Kay Jones
Front Office Coordinator
cokerrk@auburn.edu

Mary-Catherine Turner

Mary Catherine Turner
Embedded Counselor
mct0023@auburn.edu

Christy Newberry

Christy Newberry, PsyD
Embedded Counselor
cln0014@auburn.edu

DVM Curriculum Objectives

  1. The DVM curriculum shall impart pertinent, entry-level scientific knowledge in a thoughtfully structured, professional framework. This knowledge shall include:
    • normal anatomy and physiology of common domestic species (such as dogs, cats, horses, and cattle),
    • characteristics of healthy animals,
    • pathophysiology of common diseases,
    • characteristics of infectious agents and associated diseases, and
    • mechanisms of action of common therapeutic agents.
  2. The curriculum will develop and refine foundational knowledge, technical skills, and the professional ability of students to:
    • collect, recognize, and interpret relevant details within medical histories,
    • perform a thorough physical exam,
    • recognize and interpret physical exam findings,
    • formulate a differential diagnosis and diagnostic plan,
    • collect diagnostic samples,
    • interpret diagnostic test findings,
    • formulate a therapeutic plan,
    • perform common surgical procedures including pre- and post-surgical management,
    • assess the impact of implemented therapeutic plans and modify when needed,
    • recognize zoonotic diseases and respond accordingly,
    • develop, implement, and enforce measures of biosecurity, and
    • promote the health and safety of animals, people, and the environment.
  3. The curriculum will develop and refine students’ ability to:
    • find information,
    • assess the validity and relevance of information,
    • solve problems, and
    • effectively communicate through written and verbal interactions.
  4. The curriculum will effectively instruct students in the importance of:
    • ethical conduct,
    • collaboration,
    • diversity,
    • continuing education, and
    • fiscal responsibility.

All students are required to take at least four hours of electives. Most take one elective course per semester beginning with the second semester.