Poultry Residency

Master of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, Poultry Specialty
Students in a chicken house examine a chick

"We are committed to the education of future generations of poultry veterinarians."

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University is equipping future generations of poultry veterinarians to face emerging challenges in avian health and make substantial and sustained contributions to the field of poultry medicine. MSU CVM's Master of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, Poultry Specialty program is one of eight training programs in the United States approved by the American College of Poultry Veterinarians.

The program is housed at the Poultry Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (PRDL) in Pearl, Mississippi, located outside the state capital of Jackson. Mississippi is the sixth largest broiler-producing state in the nation, and the program offers a wealth of experience in poultry health and production in the state, as well as field trips and externship opportunities in other states across the nation.

Quick Facts:

  • The PRDL Master's Program has been successfully certified by the ACPV.
  • PRDL Master's Program graduates are gainfully employed as veterinarians for broiler, layer, and turkey production companies and pharmaceutical companies across the U.S.
  • The PRDL Master's Program trains students to successfully take the poultry specialty ACPV exam.

Poultry veterinarians examine a bird

Characteristics of the Program

  • The PRDL Master's Program is a full-time two-year training program with a high-quality program of study - incorporating practical experience and applied research.

  • Coursework focuses on avian medicine and poultry production and includes subject such as Poultry Virology, Poultry Bacteriology, Poultry Histopathology, Poultry Medicine and Management, Broiler Breeder and Broiler Management, and Commercial Layer Welfare and Management.
  • The PRDL offers a great environment for the students to be intensively involved in diagnostic, extension, and research activities - with board-certified poultry veterinarians, experienced technical personnel, top-notch facilities, and advanced diagnostic capabilities.
  • The PRDL is accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) and is co-located with the Mississippi Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (MVRDL), and National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) Level 1 Laboratory. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is this a thesis or a non-thesis program?
    • This is a non-thesis Master's program.
  • Do students engage in research?
    • Students perform one or more applied research projects and write at least three publication-quality research papers during the program.
  • Do PRDL Master's students present at conferences?
    • Students present at regional, national, and international poultry conferences, and are expected to present at the International Poultry Scientific Forum (IPSF) and the American Association of Avian Pathologists (AAAP) annual meetings.
  • How many credits are required to graduate?
    • The regular program incorporates 36 hours/credits. 48 credit hours are required for international students, which are accepted as Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs).

Meet our Faculty 

Chicks in focus with students looking on in the background

Admission Criteria

  • This program is open to those possessing a DVM (or equivalent) degree from a recognized college or school of veterinary medicine. 
  • The preferred academic record for all undergraduate, graduate, and professional school coursework should exceed a minimum GPA of 3.00 (out of 4.00) for undergraduate degrees, 3.00 (out of 4.00) for graduate degrees, and a 3.00 (out of 4.00) for DVM (or equivalent) degrees.
  • Students are selected based on their academic record, poultry experience, and demonstrated interest in poultry health and medicine. An externship at PRDL is required as part of the selection process. 
  • International candidates whose primary language is not English must fulfill MSU Graduate School criteria for TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Financial Support

Financial support for graduate students will be provided when available. Most PRDL Master’s students are hired into the MSU CVM residency program. 

PRDL residency position: A Master’s student may be hired as a resident. As MSU employees, residents are eligible for all employee benefits, including tuition remission. Details of the employee benefits can be found at the Human Resources Management website. https://www.hrm.msstate.edu/

MSU-CVM awards a limited number of graduate research assistantships (GRA) to students through externally funded grants and contracts. GRAs for Poultry Master's cover the cost of tuition. A completed application for admission is required to be considered for a college or faculty-supported GRA.

International students are encouraged to apply for international scholarships, such as those included in the Fulbright U.S. student program (https://us.fulbrightonline.org/)

How to Apply

  1. Applications are open from June 1st, 8:00 am to November 15th, 5:00 pm each year. 
  2. Candidates must fill out the PRDL Master of Science Application Form. Application docs include a resume, cover letter, and three recommendation letters. If possible, these letters should come from poultry veterinarians, with a letter from at least one ACPV diplomate preferred. 
  3. The application process includes an in-person interview. This interview could be performed during an externship/visit (one week or two). We encourage applicants to schedule this externship/visit during the application period, before November 15th.
  4. International candidates must include in their application test results to fulfill MSU language requirements (https://www.grad.msstate.edu/students/admissions/test-scores)
  5. For more information, contact Dr. Martha Pulido. DVM, MS, PhD, ACPVD, Master Program Coordinator. mp1203@msstate.edu