D.V.M./M.S. in Applied Biotechnology with Worcester Polytechnic Institute

This dual-degree program provides an opportunity for a limited number of qualified students to pursue the doctor of veterinary medicine (D.V.M.) degree and a master of science (M.S.) degree in applied biotechnolgy simultaneously. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is the third-oldest independent science and engineering school in the United States and is highly rated.

The program is designed to prepare veterinarians for careers in biotechnology. Students will acquire an in-depth background in microbial genetics, DNA technology, and genetic engineering. They will learn how to apply these technologies to animal biology. Veterinarians with this training are a unique resource for solving problems in a variety of health-related fields as well as in animal agriculture. Graduates of the program will be particularly suited for applying molecular techniques to the solution of practical commercial problems.

The dual-degree program takes approximately five years to complete. Four of those five years are spent pursuing the D.V.M. degree; for the remaining year, occurring after the second year of the D.V.M. program, and one summer the student will be enrolled at W.P.I. conducting thesis work leading to the M.S. degree. Most of the remaining work at W.P.I. will be in the form of a "hands on" thesis project. Tufts faculty may also be involved in a collaborative research project where appropriate research interests exist.

Students who wish to apply to this program must either be accepted into, or already enrolled in, the D.V.M. program at Tufts. Applicants to the M.S. portion of the program will be evaluated by the graduate admissions committee of the Department of Biology and Biotechnology at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and by a screening committee at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.