# 2026-2027 Course Catalog
**Source**: https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/veterinary/joint-degree/dvm-veterinary-medical-scholars/
**Parent**: https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/joint-degree-programs/
*for the degrees of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in Veterinary Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Medical Science - Comparative Biosciences or Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Medical Science - Pathobiology*
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## Graduate Degree Programs in the Veterinary Medical Scholars Program
#### DVM and VMS - Comparative Biosciences, PhD
#### DVM and VMS - Pathobiology, PhD
Students accepted into the [Veterinary Medical Scholars Program](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/education/dvm-phd-program/) can complete a D.V.M. and Ph.D. simultaneously.
*for the degrees of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in Veterinary Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Medical Science - Comparative Biosciences or Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Medical Science - Pathobiology*
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Graduates of the College of Veterinary Medicine professional program shall:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic sciences that form the foundation of veterinary practice.
2. Understand the principles of scientific inquiry and shall be able to apply those principles to solve problems by posing questions, forming hypotheses, and obtaining and evaluating data relevant to the practice of veterinary medicine.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the clinical conditions that form the foundation of veterinary practice.
4. Be able to apply their knowledge, skills, and the principles of scientific inquiry to analyze, evaluate, and solve veterinary problems and synthesize diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative plans.
5. Possess technical skills essential for success in the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery(i.e., they shall be “practice ready” with Day 1 clinical skills).
*for the degrees of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in Veterinary Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Medical Science - Comparative Biosciences or Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Medical Science - Pathobiology*
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## Veterinary Medical Scholars Program
[Veterinary Medical Scholars Program website](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/education/dvm-phd-program/)\
Prospective students for the D.V.M./MPH program may contact: [Dr. John Herrmann](mailto:jah1110@illinois.edu)
## College of Veterinary Medicine
Dean of the College of Medicine: Peter D. Constable\
Head of Veterinary Admissions: Jonathan H. Foreman\
[College of Veterinary Medicine website](http://www.vetmed.illinois.edu/)\
[College of Veterinary Medicine Faculty](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/directory/)\
3505 Veterinary Medicine Basic Sciences Building, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61802\
217-333-2760
## Admissions
[Veterinary School Admissions & Requirements](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/education/doctor-veterinary-medicine-degree/admissions/)\
[admissions@vetmed.illinois.edu](mailto:admissions@vetmed.illinois.edu)\
(217) 333-2506
## Department of Pathobiology
Director of Graduate Studies: Dongwan Yoo\
[Department of Pathobiology website](https://www.vetmed.illinois.edu/path)\
2522 Veterinary Medicine Basic Sciences Building, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61802\
(217) 333-2449
## Admissions
[Karen Nichols](mailto:klp68@illinois.edu)\
[Graduate College Admissions & Requirements](https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/apply)
## Department of Comparative Biosciences
Department Head: Uwe Rudolph\
Director of Graduate Studies: Megan Mahoney\
Assistant Director of Graduate Studies: Juanmahel Davila\
[Comparative Biosciences website](https://www.vetmed.illinois.edu/cb)\
[Comparative Biosciences faculty](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/about-the-college/comparative-biosciences/faculty/)\
3519 Veterinary Medicine Basic Sciences Building, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61802\
(217) 333-2506\
[cbgradprogram@vetmed.illinois.edu](mailto:cbgradprogram@vetmed.illinois.edu)
## Admissions
[Comparative Biosciences Graduate Program](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/about-the-college/comparative-biosciences/graduate-programs/)\
[Graduate College Admissions & Requirements](https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/apply)\
(217) 333-2506