Veterinary Medical Sciences- Pathobiological Sciences, M.S.

(SVMPB)

The Graduate Advisory Committee (GAC) for the degree of Master of Science consists of a minimum of three faculty members, one of whom must be a full member of the graduate faculty. The MS study plan involves course work in the student’s area of specialty and completion of an original research project resulting in an acceptable thesis. Minimal course loads are determined by the student with the approval of the GAC and to meet Graduate School requirements, but must meet the following departmental requirements:

1. Minimum of 30 hours of credit beyond the baccalaureate or professional degree in courses numbered 4000
2. Minimum of six hours must be in VMED 8000 
3. Minimum of 24 hours must be in courses other than Thesis Research (VMED 8000 )
4. Minimum of 12 hours must be in courses numbered 7000 and above of VMED 8000 Thesis Research (1-12 per sem.) 
5. Limit of six hours of Research Techniques (7002) (any department) and eight hours of Special Topics (7003) (any department) may be used toward any graduate degree.
6. Students must fulfill the PBS Basic Core Requirements which includes the following courses (see section 6.1) The only exceptions to these requirements are outlined the PBS Graduate Program Guidelines
   
   1. VMED 7004 Introduction to Research (2)
       
   2. BIOL 4123 Immunology (3)
       
   3. BIOL 4450 Molecular Regulation of Cell Function (3)
        (four credits)
   4. PBS 7312 Epidemiological Study Design (4)
       
   5. PBS 7417 Pathogenesis of Infectious and Parasitic Agents (1-4)
       
   6. PBS 7004 Current Literature in Pathobiological Sciences (1)
        (two credits)
   7. PBS 7001 Seminar Series in Pathobiological Sciences (two credits)
7. Maximum of 12 semester hours of transfer credit from other schools and/or credit taken while classified as an LSU extension or non-matriculating student may be used in a master’s degree program if approved by the GAC, department head, and the dean of The Graduate School.
8. Other requirements including seminars and thesis instructions can be found in the departmental Graduate Program Guidelines.
9. Final Exam and Thesis Defense: A comprehensive final examination will include an open presentation and defense of the thesis followed by an oral examination by the GAC. In order to pass this examination, there may not be more than one dissenting vote.