Veterinary Pathology

Doctor operating on animal
Building on our long established departmental strengths in the pathology and parasitic diseases of domestic animals, the Department of Veterinary Pathology emphasizes residency training leading to board-certification combined with graduate degrees in Veterinary Pathology for individuals who already hold the DVM or equivalent degree.
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The Department of Veterinary Pathology offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Veterinary Pathology with specialization in Veterinary Clinical Pathology and Veterinary Parasitology. All graduates from the Department of Veterinary Pathology's graduate program have expertise in a particular area of research, including research techniques, and scholarly activity (writing/publications/seminars).

Graduates specializing in Veterinary Pathology that emphasize professional practice can identify and interpret gross and histologic lesions, understand the pathogenesis of diseases important to various animal species, including domestic animals, and understand the pathology and pathogenesis of disease from a comparative medicine standpoint.

Graduates specializing in Veterinary Clinical Pathology can assess and interpret hematological and cytological specimens from various animal species, understand the pathogenesis of diseases important to various animal species, including domestic animals, and understand the pathology and pathogenesis of disease from a comparative medicine standpoint. Those graduates with Education emphasis can set up and/or support programs for learning enhancement.

Graduates specializing in Veterinary Parasitology can identify the major types of parasites and parasitic diseases in various animal species and understand comparative parasitology.

In addition, Graduates are expected to understand societal and ethical issues in their discipline, and to be able to communicate this expertise in seminars, meetings, and other scholarly activities such as written reports, peer-reviewed publications, grants, and/or with engagement in professional practice. Those engaged in diagnostic pathology training are expected to meet the eligibility requirements for board certification by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)

Area(s) of Specialization: (may appear on ISU transcripts after graduation)

  • Veterinary Clinical Pathology (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Veterinary Parasitology (M.S., Ph.D.)

Area(s) of Emphasis:

  • Anatomic Pathology

Krista Hibbs

hibbs@iastate.edu
515-294-4590
Veterinary Pathology
2764 Vet Med
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1134

Learning Goals

 

  • Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative hypothesis-driven research by appropriate acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data.
  • Interpret research results appropriately, and integrate them into the existing knowledge in the discipline.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing.
  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in the area of study.
  • Conduct scholarship, independently or collaboratively, in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Consult FIRST with Veterinary Pathology Department via email

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions