Description
The DVSc degree is offered in large animal surgery, small animal surgery, large animal medicine, small animal medicine, anesthesiology, cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, radiology, emergency and critical care, companion animal nutrition and avian and exotics medicine depending upon availability. The program provides advanced academic preparation in both clinical training and research and is a unique post-professional doctoral-level degree. The DVSc differs from PhD training by emphasizing the development of both clinical research and applied skills in the various areas of clinical specialization appropriate for preparation for specialty Board certification.
Doctor of Veterinary Science positions are usually funded positions, and are usually advertised and selected through the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians' website at which can be accessed in early October. The start date is early August. Occasionally specialty training positions become available and are advertised on our website and through appropriate veterinary channels.
The DVSc is currently an interdepartmental program and receives input from all academic departments in the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC):
- Biomedical Sciences,
- Clinical Studies,
- Pathobiology and
- Population Medicine.
Admission Requirements
Minimum of Ontario Equivalent average of 'B' (73% minimum) or GPA 3.0/4.0 in a doctor veterinary medicine (DVM) program or equivalent which would allow the applicant to be eligible for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in Ontario. In addition a completed internship or equivalent is usually required.
Program Requirements
This program involves two-thirds of the time in applied clinical practice. and one-third of the time taking a minimum of five 0.5-credit graduate courses, conducting a research project related to the veterinary specialty, a written and oral qualifying exam to be taken before the end of the 6th semester, writing a thesis in a publication ready format, and a thesis defense in front of an examination committee. Candidates are required to develop investigative skills in their chosen area of specialization by carrying out an original study, generally related to animal health. The results of the research must make a significant contribution to the candidate's area of specialization and be written up as a thesis. Five graduate level courses are required.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our graduate programs and the application process, please contact the Graduate Program Assistant, under the "Contact Us" heading on the right.