Apply to the PhD Program

Admission to the PhD program is based on an evaluation and recommendation by the PhD Program Committee. An interview is required for all finalists at the request of this committee. Additionally, all references are  contacted directly to confirm support for candidates and to verify their skill sets. The dean of Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University admits applicants to the program based upon these recommendations.

The PhD program is intended for applicants who have already earned a D.V.M., M.D., M.S. or other graduate level degrees as well as strong applicants with a science-related bachelor’s degree. All degrees must be from an accredited college or university. Although there are no specified prerequisite courses, it is expected that competitive applicants will have taken courses similar to the prerequisites for admission to the Tufts DVM program, as well as additional courses specific to their proposed area of graduate study. Students applying to the Clinical Sciences or Pathology tracks must have a DVM degree or be enrolled in a DVM program. Students applying to the Human-Animal Interactions (HAI) track must have the MS degree in Animals & Public Policy or equivalent  graduate degree.

PhD Application Requirements

Applicants to the PhD program must submit the following materials by February 1:

  • Application for Admission
    An online application for all applicants to the PhD program is available for your convenience.
  • Application Fee
    A non-refundable application fee of $75, which may be paid by credit card through the online application.
  • Academic Transcripts
    Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. This includes separate official transcripts for all foreign exchange or semester abroad programs, and transfer credit from other institutions that appear on the primary transcript.

If currently enrolled in an academic program, please submit an official transcript of work completed to date. When additional grades become available, please submit an updated transcript.

Please have all official transcripts sent directly from the registrar’s office either electronically to vetadmissions@tufts.edu or mailed to:

Office of Admissions
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
200 Westboro Road
North Grafton, MA 01536

  • Official GRE Scores (optional)
    Results from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine recipient code for the GRE is 3893. Scores are valid for five years. Additional information can be obtained on the GRE website.
     
  • Letters of Evaluation
    Three letters of evaluation from individuals qualified to evaluate the applicant's potential to engage in and complete a graduate research program. Two of these letters should be from individuals with positions at academic institutions and with whom the applicant has worked.

All evaluators will be contacted directly by the admissions committee to confirm support and verify skill sets.

  • Statement of Research Experience
    Applicants are expected to include in their application a statement describing their research experience.
  • Applicants from Foreign Countries
    In addition to all of the aforementioned application requirements, foreign applicants must also submit:
    • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, in their original language.
    • Attested English translations of all transcripts, if applicable.
    • The Office of Admissions may request that applicants obtain an evaluation by World Education Services (WES).  Please contact us for more information.
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if their native language is not English or if they have not graduated from an institution at which the curriculum is taught in English. The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine recipient code for the TOEFL is 3499.