Proposed Learning Outcomes for the
Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in
Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
(MS-VBS, PhD-VBS)
The Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
(MS-VBS, PhD-VBS) was developed by the College of Veterinary Medicine to train the next
generation of veterinary and biomedical scientists. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary
training, translational research, and education in veterinary science and medicine to prepare
students to make contributions to modern veterinary science and medicine. Graduates of these
programs will understand the basic scientific principles related to veterinary medicine and
biomedical research. The objective is to attract and train a cadre of highly qualified graduate
students in the veterinary and biomedical sciences. Program areas of emphasis may include, but
are not limited to: Infectious Diseases, Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, Small Animal
Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacology, Physiology, Population Health, Veterinary Biosciences &
Diagnostic Imaging, and Veterinary Pathology.
Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the degree programs, the outlined learning outcomes are
broad to encompass the varying areas of student research interests.
Program Goals
1. To provide advanced research training to graduate students seeking industry, academic,
or government positions that incorporate biomedical and translation research.
2. To prepare students for advanced educational goals, such as a PhD, DVM, or postdoctoral position.
Learning Outcome # 1 (PhD & MS)
VBS students will be able to demonstrate their research skills in a laboratory or field setting
based on their area of emphasis.
Assessment Measures
Record of Graduate Committee Meeting form submitted after every 6 months (MS) or yearly
(PhD) in the program. Form will ask the committee if students can demonstrate specific research
skills appropriate to their area of emphasis in a laboratory or field setting.
Students should receive at least a rating of 2 on a scale of 1-3, where 1 (does not meet
expectations), 2 (meets expectations), and 3 (exceeds expectations).
Timeline
Twice a year for masters students & once a year for doctoral students.
Learning Outcome # 2 (PhD & MS)
Students will learn how to critically read and present the literature in their field.
Assessment Measures
100% of students should successfully pass VETM 8900 (Work-in-Progress/Journal Club)
Peer and teacher review
Timeline
Each semester if not off-campus or participating in another department’s journal club
Learning Outcome # 3 (PhD & MS)
Students will learn how to interpret and present their research to both scientific and lay
audiences.
Assessment Measures
100% of students should successfully pass VETM 8900 (Work-in-Progress/Journal Club)
Peer and teacher review
Timeline
Each semester if not off-campus or participating in another department’s research-in-progress
course
Learning Outcome # 4 (PhD & MS)
Students will be able to produce and successfully defend their prospectus, which will define their
research project in a grant format.
Assessment Measures
Prospectus will be read and critiqued by committee members
Prospectus will be presented to and critiqued by the home department
Timeline
The prospectus should be submitted once a project has been defined and before the Admission to
Candidacy Examination.
Learning Outcome # 5 (PhD & MS)
VBS students will be able to produce and successfully defend an original and significant
contribution of knowledge to their area of emphasis by producing an original thesis or
dissertation.
Assessment Measures
Thesis and Dissertation Defense Committee Evaluation Form. Form will ask committee to
evaluate students in four competency areas. Students should receive at least a rating of 2 on a
scale of 1-3, where 1 (unsatisfactory), 2 (Satisfactory), and 3 (Commendable).
Timeline
Semester that student graduates.
Learning Outcome # 6 (PhD & MS)
Graduates of the program will be able to orally reflect on their perceived level of preparation for
further training or job placement in their field.
Assessment Measures
Exit interview
Timeline
After defending their thesis or dissertation
Learning Outcome # 7 (PhD only)
PhD-VBS students will demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues related to biomedical
research including animal use, human subjects in research, authorship, and plagiarism.
Assessment Measure
100% of students should successfully pass VETM 8550, GRSC 8550 (or similar course).
Timeline
Once during their program
Learning Outcome # 8 (Resident/Intern only)
VBS students enrolled in a combined degree/residency program will be able to assess cases and
manage them appropriately, based on the standards of their residency program.
Assessment Measures
As determined by individual residency programs
Timeline
Every year
Assessment Utilization
Each assessment will inform the VBS program to ensure student learning through the outlined
program level learning outcomes. We will use other measures, including satisfaction and
utilization surveys to inform the VBS program. We will also utilize research and literature to
revise student learning outcomes, course curriculum, degree requirements, course content, and
faculty mentoring to meet VBS programs goals and learning outcomes.