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.

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).

*American Veterinary Medical Association, Council on Education (AVMA-COE)
1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100
Schaumburg, Illinois 60173
United States
847-925-8070

AU CVM Graduates NAVLE Pass Rates

Class of 2025 97%
Class of 2024 95%
Class of 2023 92%
Class of 2022 96%
Class of 2021 95%

Meet the Academic Affairs Team

Melinda Camus, DVM, DACVP

msc0068@auburn.edu

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Brandon Brunson, DVM, PhD

brunsbl@auburn.edu

Director of Student Services

Jan Miles

mcguijc@auburn.edu

Director of DVM Professional Program Admissions

Mary Cam Burg

mcb0142@auburn.edu

Admissions Advisor

Glen Sellers, MS, MBA

glensellers@auburn.edu

Clinical Lecturer

Ann Gulley, PhD

apg0016@auburn.edu

Director of Curricular Assessment

Accommodations Test Proctor

Kay Jones

cokerrk@auburn.edu

Front Office Coordinator

Christy Newberry, PsyD

cln0014@auburn.edu

Embedded Counselor

Melissa Sawyer, MS, LPC

mmm0047@auburn.edu

Embedded Counselor

DVM Curriculum Objectives

1
The DVM curriculum shall impart pertinent, entry-level scientific knowledge in a 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 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.