Welcome to the 2025–2026 MSU College of Veterinary Medicine Interview Week
We are excited to welcome you to Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine (MSU CVM)! Your invitation to Interview Week marks an important milestone on your journey toward joining our community of future veterinarians and scholars. This website serves as your central hub for everything you’ll need to prepare for your visit. Here, you’ll find detailed schedules, parking and travel information, and introductions to your faculty and student mentors who will guide you throughout the week.
As you explore, take time to learn more about what makes MSU CVM truly special, from our upcoming state-of-the-art Nancy Link Laminitis Center, to our strong student clubs and organizations and our commitment to advancing veterinary education through programs like the DVM-PhD dual degree. You’ll also find helpful resources on scholarships and financial aid, housing and relocation, and insights into the unique opportunities and community culture that define life at MSU CVM.
We look forward to meeting you soon and sharing why Mississippi State University is not just a place to learn, but a place to belong, grow, and make an impact in the world of veterinary medicine.
Welcome to Interview Week — and to the beginning of your journey at MSU CVM!
Take a Sneak Peek at Our Facilities
Discover MSU CVM: Your Interview Week Resource Hub
Welcome to the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine (MSU CVM)! We’re excited to have you join us for Interview Week, an important step in your journey toward becoming a part of the MSU CVM Veterinary Community. This page is your starting point for learning more about Interview Week and exploring the many opportunities, programs, and experiences that make MSU CVM unique. Here, you’ll find helpful resources to help you prepare for your visit, get connected, and envision your future at our college. Explore information about Interview Week schedules, parking and travel details, and mentor connections to help you make the most of your time on campus. You’ll also find insights into student clubs and organizations, housing options, financial aid and scholarships, and our DVM-PhD dual degree program for students pursuing advanced research careers. Don’t forget to check out what makes our college standout including our Nancy Link Laminitis Research Center, hands-on learning environment, and strong community dedicated to animal health and professional growth.
Use the links below to learn more and prepare for your MSU CVM experience. We look forward to welcoming you to campus and showing you everything that makes our college a remarkable place to learn, grow, and serve.
Travel and Lodging (Coming Soon)
Information Parking (Coming Soon) Information
Curriculum Overview
Phase One
Phase Two
Condensed Rotation and Area Information
1st Year Multidisciplinary Lab (MDL)
Top 3 Highlights:
• Hands-on lab experience in anatomy, histology, and pathology.
• Equipped with downdraft ventilated tables and real-time teaching displays.
• 24/7 student access for study and anatomy practice.
Sophomore Surgery Lab
Top 3 Highlights:
• Students perform supervised spays and neuters on shelter animals.
• Rotating team roles: anesthetist, assistant surgeon, and surgeon.
• Clinician-supervised from induction to suture completion.
Student Support Services
Top 3 Highlights:
• Includes mentorship programs (Big/Little and Faculty).
• Provides psychological and academic support for students.
• Access to Bully’s Closet (clothing) and Bully’s Bowl (food pantry).
Library and Pegasus Commons
Top 3 Highlights:
• - Library with hard copy and e-book access plus reservable study rooms.
• - Pegasus Commons includes 24/7 Maroon Market (POD) for food options.
• - Microwaves, panini press, and refrigerators available for students.
Research Opportunities
Top 3 Highlights:
• DVM-PhD program for veterinary research leadership.
• NIH-funded 12-week Summer Research Program between 1st and 2nd year.
• Focus on hands-on biomedical research experience.
Equine Medicine and Surgery
Top 3 Highlights:
• Students assist in both medicine and surgical equine cases.
• Exposure to orthopedic, colic, and lameness procedures.
• Specialized stalls and recovery areas for different patient needs.
Food Animal Medicine and Theriogenology
Top 3 Highlights:
• Experience in herd health, surgeries, and reproductive management.
• Hands-on AI, embryo transfer, and cesarean procedures.
• Use of advanced hydraulic and portable chutes for livestock.
Large Animal ICU
Top 3 Highlights:
• 24-hour care for large animal patients.
• In-depth experience with critical care and monitoring.
• Exposure to equine and food animal emergency management.
Population, Shelter, and Large Animal Ambulatory Medicine
Top 3 Highlights:
• Shelter rotation: 60+ spay/neuter procedures in two weeks.
• Population medicine teaches outbreak and herd management.
• Ambulatory service provides on-farm large animal care and emergency calls.
Animal Health Center (AHC) and Pharmacy
Top 3 Highlights:
• Students manage client communication and patient care.
• Modernized pharmacy supports DVM and vet tech externships.
• Nutrition center offers specialized diets and dietary guidance.
Internal Medicine
Top 3 Highlights:
• Referral-based service managing complex medical cases.
• Students assist with diagnostics such as endoscopy and bone marrow aspirates.
• Emphasis on client communication and patient treatment plans.
Small Animal ICU and Emergency Service
Top 3 Highlights:
• 24/7 emergency and ICU exposure with rotating shifts.
• Students handle triage, critical care, and emergency diagnostics.
• Enhances experience in small animal emergency medicine.
Community Veterinary Services (CVS)
Top 3 Highlights:
• Simulates small animal private practice environment.
• Covers preventive medicine, diagnostics, and client communication.
• Exposure to exotics, birds, and pocket pets.
Dentistry
Top 3 Highlights:
• Wet labs for dental prophylaxis and cleaning.
• Practice in extractions and dental radiography.
• Strong focus on periodontal disease management.
Small Animal Surgery
Top 3 Highlights:
• Students assist with both soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries.
• Daily topic rounds and case discussions.
• Focus on surgical skills and client communication.
Rehabilitation (Rehab)
Top 3 Highlights:
• Hands-on work with certified rehab practitioners.
• Use of hydrotherapy, laser therapy, and mobility recovery techniques.
• Integrated post-operative recovery care.
Anesthesiology
Top 3 Highlights:
• Students manage anesthesia from induction to recovery.
• Covers drug choices, complications, and physiology discussions.
• Supervised threshold event to test anesthesia competency.
Radiology
Top 3 Highlights:
• Exposure to CT, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and radiography.
• Students interpret diagnostic images and discuss next steps.
• Prepares students for safe imaging practices and diagnostics.
Lab Services / Pathology
Top 3 Highlights:
• Covers both clinical and anatomical pathology.
• Students perform necropsies and analyze real case samples.
• Weekly necropsy rounds to present findings.
Neurology
Top 3 Highlights:
• Focus on neurological cases and syndromes.
• Exposure to MRI and radiation therapy applications.
• Work with referral cases and complex diagnostics.
Enhanced Clinical Practicums (ECPs)
Top 3 Highlights:
• Real-world experience in partner practices across 17 states.
• Focus on clinical, business, and client communication skills.
• Expands training capacity beyond campus resources.
Specialty Rotations (Dermatology, Oncology, Ophthalmology)
Top 3 Highlights:
• Hands-on learning in three major veterinary specialties.
• Students assist in diagnostics, treatments, and client care.
• Exposure to cancer therapy, dermatologic, and ophthalmic procedures.
AERC and IMMS Rotations
Top 3 Highlights:
• AERC: Advanced emergency and referral experience in Flowood, MS.
• IMMS: Marine animal medicine with dolphins, sea turtles, and sea lions.
• Hands-on diagnostics and surgeries in specialized settings.
Travel Abroad – Uganda Program
Top 3 Highlights:
• One Health course in collaboration with Makerere University.
• Hands-on work in animal production, wildlife, and public health.
• Immersive cultural and veterinary experiences in Uganda.
Additional Information
Mentor Information
Each interviewee will be paired with a current MSU CVM student mentor who will serve as your point of contact leading up to Interview Week. Your mentor will reach out to you via text message at least two weeks prior to your scheduled interview to introduce themselves and provide helpful information about what to expect during your visit. If you have not been contacted by your mentor within that timeframe, please email the Office of Admissions and Student Success at admit@vetmed.msstate.edu so we can assist you. Your student mentor is here to help you feel welcome, answer questions, and ensure you’re prepared for an enjoyable and successful Interview Week experience.
Scholarships
The Dr. Mac Huddleston Rural Veterinary Scholarship
The Dr. Mac Huddleston Rural Veterinary Scholarship was established in 2024 by the Mississippi Legislature to honor the late Dr. Mac Huddleston and his lifelong dedication to advancing veterinary medicine in rural communities. This scholarship program addresses the critical need for veterinary services in underserved areas by providing full in-state tuition and fees for all four years of study in the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. In return, recipients commit to practicing large or mixed animal medicine in Mississippi for at least four years after graduation and completing the college’s Rural Veterinary Practice certificate program. Designed to strengthen rural veterinary care across the state, this initiative supports students passionate about serving agricultural communities while continuing Dr. Huddleston’s legacy of compassion, leadership, and service in veterinary medicine.
Bardsley Scholarship Program
The Charles E. and Viola G. Bardsley Scholars Program is the premier scholarship offered by the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine (MSU CVM). Funded by the estate of Dr. Charles and Mrs. Viola Bardsley, who lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and supported the college, the program provides significant financial awards to a select group of outstanding first-year veterinary students. Each year, eight to twelve students are chosen based on exceptional academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and leadership potential. Mississippi and West Virginia residents receive $25,000 scholarships, while out-of-state students receive $50,000 scholarships. To qualify, applicants must have earned at least a 3.75 undergraduate GPA and demonstrate strong leadership and service experience. Recipients are selected through a two-step process that includes an initial admissions interview followed by an in-depth review by a faculty committee. To retain the scholarship, each Bardsley Scholar must maintain a minimum 3.25 GPA throughout the first two years of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.
Nancy Fair Link Laminitis Research Center
As future members of the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2030, you’ll be joining a college at the forefront of veterinary innovation and research excellence. One of our most exciting recent developments is the establishment of the Nancy Fair Link Center for Laminitis Research, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advancing the prevention and treatment of equine laminitis, one of the most challenging conditions in veterinary medicine. Led by internationally recognized expert Dr. François-René Bertin, the center brings together global researchers, advanced laboratory technology, and hands-on clinical applications to improve equine health and welfare. This groundbreaking center reflects MSU CVM’s commitment to discovery, collaboration, and compassionate care—values that you, as a future veterinarian, will help carry forward into the next generation of animal health. To learn more about the Nancy Fair Link Center for Laminitis Research and explore the full story, visit the Insights 2024/2025 Impact Report and read pages 1 and 2 for an inside look at the people, innovation, and purpose driving this transformative work.
