Phase One
Phase One comprises lectures and labs in the first and second years of the program. All coursework in the first two years follows a set curriculum and is required for all students. This core instruction covers all the major domestic species, and there are no tracking options, providing students with the strong foundation necessary to be successful in the clinical years of the program.
DVM First Year Courses
- CVM 5046 Veterinary Anatomy I (6)
- CVM 5036 Veterinary Physiology (6)
- CVM 5033 Immunology (3)
- CVM 5023 Infectious Agents I (3)
- CVM 5073 Veterinary Histology (3)
- CVM 5013 Veterinary Neuroscience (3)
- CVM 5011 Professional Development I (1)
- CVM 5021 Professional Development II (1)
Total: 26 hrs
- CVM 5072 Veterinary Anatomy II (2)
- CVM 5022 Veterinary Epidemiology (2)
- CVM 5044 Introduction to Veterinary Pathology (4)
- CVM 5193 Infectious Agents II (3)
- CVM 5163 Veterinary Parasitology (3)
- CVM 5223 Pharmacology I (3)
- CVM 5111 Professional Development III (1)
Total: 18 hrs
DVM Second Year Courses
- CVM 5153 Equine Medicine and Surgery I (3)
- CVM 5186 Small Animal Medicine and Surgery I (6)
- CVM 5123 Veterinary Clinical Pathology (3)
- CVM 5152 Veterinary Toxicology (2)
- CVM 5553 Pharmacology II (3)
- CVM 5213 Intro to Veterinary Anesthesiology (3)
- CVM 5143 Theriogenology (3)
Total: 23 hrs
- CVM 5173 Equine Medicine and Surgery II (3)
- CVM 5196 Small Animal Medicine and Surgery II (6)
- CVM 5175 Food Animal Medicine and Surgery (5)
- CVM 5162 Diagnostic Imaging (2)
- CVM 5133 Veterinary Preventive Medicine (3)
- CVM 5183 Special Species (3)
- CVM 5121 Professional Development IV (1)
Total: 23 hrs
Phase Two
Phase 2 is comprised of clinical rotations and electives in the students’ third and fourth years. We feel these hands-on clinical rotations prepare our students to be confident and capable veterinarians immediately upon graduation. Students spend time predominantly in our Animal Health Center, but also in other MSU CVM locations such as the Veterinary Specialty Center in west Starkville and Animal Emergency and Referral Center in Flowood, MS. In these locations, students work with a variety of species under the guidance, direction and supervision of faculty.
Years Three and Four
- Radiology – 4 weeks
- Anesthesia – 4 weeks
- Lab Services/Pathology – 4 weeks
- Small Animal Surgery – 4 weeks
- Community Veterinary Service – 4 weeks
- Food Animal Med/Surgery – 4 weeks
- Equine Med/Surgery – 4 weeks
- Population Medicine – 4 weeks
- Large Animal ICU – 4 weeks
- Small Animal Internal Med – 4 weeks
- Emergency/Critical Care – 4 weeks
- Animal Emergency and Referral Center – 2 weeks
- Large Animal Ambulatory – 2 weeks
- Neurology – 4 weeks
- CPC/Senior Seminar – 1 week
- Dermatology/Oncology/Ophthalmology – 6 weeks
- Shelter Medicine/Spay/Neuter – 2 weeks
- Enhanced Clinical Practicums (ECPs) – 4 or 8 weeks
- Electives – Minimum of 19 weeks
Students must complete 8 weeks of ECPs, each being 4 weeks.
Enhanced Clinical Practicum
At MSU College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), we are proud of our outstanding curriculum that ensures students are practice-ready from day one. That’s why we offer our students an Enhanced Clinical Practicum (ECP) program, designed to further enrich your education and meet the growing demands of the veterinary profession.
Third- and fourth-year students participate in two four-week core clinical practice experiences. These rotations provide invaluable opportunities to develop clinical skills in real-world settings while enhancing your abilities in client communication and business management.
We believe that nothing compares to hands-on experience in the field. This program not only prepares graduates for the realities of veterinary practice but also helps reduce stress and anxiety for new professionals.
The ECP has enabled us to expand our professional program without overwhelming our faculty and facilities. Currently, 70 practices are enrolled, reaching 17 different states.
Participating clinics must meet specific criteria ensuring a safe and effective learning environment. Students are matched with practices that align with their educational goals and interests, evaluated on professionalism, knowledge, and clinical skills.
- Two four-week core clinical rotations
- Opportunities in private practice settings
- Focus on client communication and business management
- Safe, enriching learning environments based on current veterinary accreditation standards
- Real-world experience to boost confidence and readiness
- Experience providing veterinary care in rural communities
Externships
MSU CVM offers a variety of externship options for our own students and students from other colleges of veterinary medicine. Students from other institutions may participate in externships in aquatic animal medicine, shelter medicine, and a variety of other specialty areas.
MSU CVM students are offered up to 12 weeks of elective time to complete externships and further their clinical education.