Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Biomedical Science

PhD in Veterinary Biomedical Science (PhD VBMS)

Mission Statement

The mission of the Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Biomedical Science (PhD VBMS) program at Lincoln Memorial University is to equip qualified scientists and educators with advanced research and specialized knowledge in the field of veterinary medicine to bridge the gap between basic and applied sciences within veterinary medicine.

 The mission is achieved by:

• Graduating students with a Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Biomedical Science degree
• Equipping students with the skills necessary to conduct cutting-edge research, contribute scientific advancements, and addressing complex health issues affecting both animals and humans
• Promoting advancements in veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences

 

PhD VBMS Program Overview

The PhD VBMS is designed to train the next generation of scientists and educators who will be leaders in biomedical and veterinary research and education. Graduates will possess the credentials and competency to lead in academic, industry, and government settings, driving advancements in veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences.

 

PhD VBMS Learning Objectives

Upon completion, graduates of the program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate advanced proficiency in designing, conducting, and analyzing original research in veterinary biomedical sciences.
2. Exhibit strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, particularly in the context of complex and interdisciplinary research questions.
3. Apply advanced technical skills and methodologies relevant to veterinary biomedical research.
4. Apply effective scientific communication skills, both written and oral, for diverse audiences including academics, industry professionals, and the general public.
5. Advocate for ethical principles in research, including animal welfare, data integrity, and professional conduct.
6. Integrate knowledge from various disciplines to address complex problems in veterinary biomedical sciences.
7. Demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills necessary for managing research projects and working collaboratively in diverse research environments.
    

PhD VBMS Admissions Standards and Application Process

Admissions Standards

All applicants to the PhD VBMS must:

• Hold a Master of Science or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university
• Completed a minimum of 15 hours in advanced biology, physical sciences, or mathematics from an accredited college or university with a final grade of B or higher within the last 7 years
• Minimum 3.00+ GPA in the last two years of studies

The LMU-CVM PhD VBMS Program Director and Graduate Admissions Committee may recommend applicants with exceptions to these admissions requirements, subject to the LMU-CVM Dean who has final approval.

Students will not be accepted into the program unless at least one faculty member shares their research interest and is willing to serve as chair of the dissertation research supervisory committee. Prospective students are encouraged to establish a dialogue via letter, telephone, or email with one or more appropriate faculty members before applying to the program.
 

Required Prerequisite Coursework

All applicants to the PhD VBMS program must demonstrate successful completion of the following required prerequisite coursework before their intended starting semester with a course grade of B or better:

15 credit hours <300-level (junior or senior)
Anatomy	Microbiology
Physiology	Bacteriology
Molecular Biology	Immunology
Biochemistry	Parasitology
Statistics	Virology

 

Required Application Materials

To apply to the PhD VBMS program, the following must be completed and/or submitted to the Office of Graduate Programs (OGP):

1. PhD VBMS Application
2. Official transcripts from all institutions attended
3. Research Statement (500-750 words) – used to evaluate compatibility with graduate faculty, knowledge of discipline, and ability to articulate a potential research problem
4. Three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals with knowledge of the applicant’s work and ability, and who can, therefore, evaluate their potential for success in this doctoral program
5. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

 

Application Process & Notifications

Application Submissions
Domestic Applications	February 1
International Applications	December 1

 

Application Decisions

Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, with all notifications sent by April 1 from the LMU-CVM Office of Graduate Programs (OGP).

 

Term of Enrollment

Admitted applicants are expected to begin the program in the Fall term of their acceptance but may request a deferment for up to one (1) year under special circumstances.

 

Transfer Graduate Credit

A maximum of 36 credit hours at the graduate level may be transferred to the PhD VBMS program. Only coursework from a degree-granting, accredited institution will be accepted for transfer. Students must request the transfer of credits within their first year in the program of study. All transfer work must be approved by the PhD VBMS Program Director and the LMU-CVM Dean.

 

PhD VBMS Transfer Student Policy

The LMU-CVM accepts doctoral transfer students from accredited institutions, subject to the LMU-CVM Graduate Admissions Committee and the PhD VBMS Program Director’s recommendation to the LMU-CVM Dean who holds final approval.

 

Transfer Applicant Requirements

To be considered for a transfer to the LMU-CVM, applicants must:

• Be actively enrolled in and taking classes in a doctoral program at an accredited institution at the time of the application and transfer
• Minimum GPA 2.85
• Meet all other admissions requirements
• Complete at least one-third of the remaining credit hours required for graduation through the LMU-CVM curriculum; may be subject to additional coursework to satisfy the core requirements.

 

Required Transfer Application Materials

The following materials are required to be considered for a transfer:

1. PhD VBMS Transfer Application
2. Degree Certificate: Master/DVM (or equivalent) degree certificate with transcript
3. PhD Official Transcript
4. Research Statement: Outline your current project and identify the Research Mentor under whom you are requesting the transfer
5. 2 Letters of Support: submit a letter of support from your current doctoral chair or committee along with a letter of agreement from the LMU-CVM Research Mentor under whom you are requesting the transfer
6. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

 

Submit Transfer Application Materials

Transfer application materials can be sent electronically to: CVMGradPrograms@LMUnet.edu

 

Or be physically mailed to the following address:

LMU-CVM Office of Admissions

6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway

Harrogate, TN 37752

 

Transfer Application Deadline

Fall Semester Start	February 1
Spring Semester Start	August 1

International applicants seeking to transfer are advised to submit their materials at least two (2) months before the deadlines listed above.

 

Approval of Transfer Request

The LMU-CVM Office of Graduate Programs (OGP) will make the notification of the LMU-CVM Dean’s decision to each applicant.

 

PhD VBMS Research Mentor

After matriculation, doctoral students are assigned to an academic advisor (Research Mentor) and invited to attend a New Student Orientation with the Director of Graduate Programs, which can take place before the start of the Fall term. The orientation session provides students with critical information for progressing through the program and will include program and exit requirements. New Student Orientation is mandatory.

 

PhD VBMS Candidacy

Pre-Candidacy: Comprehensive Exam

Students will work with the CVM Director of Graduate Programs to schedule the Comprehensive Examination. Upon successful completion of the exam, the doctoral student will advance to candidacy.

 

Comprehensive Exam Repeat Policy

At the discretion of the committee, a student may repeat the comprehensive exam once.

 

Post-Candidacy

Doctoral candidates will work on their dissertation and research each semester until they defend.

 

Final Examination/Dissertation Defense

Students will work with the CVM Director of Graduate Programs to schedule the final defense. Upon successful defense, the candidate will earn the title of Doctor in Veterinary Biomedical Science.

If the candidate does not successfully defend, the student must revise, resubmit, and defend a new version of the dissertation.

 

PhD VBMS Academic Progress, Standards, and Policies

Requirements for Graduation

Successful completion of a PhD requires

• Passing the comprehensive exam (comps)
• Successfully defending the dissertation proposal
• Completing all degree course requirements with a > 3.00 overall GPA
• Successful defense of the dissertation
• Accepted submission of the defended dissertation to the university

 

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Any PhD VBMS student found to have performed below a 3.00 GPA in a semester will be placed on academic probation for the following semester and may remain on academic probation until their cumulative program GPA meets the standard.

 

Management of Academic Deficiencies

Academic Concern, Warning and Probation for PhD VBMS

1. Will we continue to use the same system, or does this warrant modification?
2. Will we still use SPC, or
3. Will performance review be subject to the Graduate Advisory Committee’s oversight OR research advisory committee.

 

Academic Procedures for PhD VBMS Students on Academic Probation

1. Will we continue to use the same system, or does this warrant modification?
2. Will we still use SPC, or will poor performance review be subject to the Graduate Advisory Committee’s oversight?

 

PhD VBMS Dismissal

Graduate students may be dismissed from the program at any time for failure to make satisfactory progress toward degree completion (regardless of grades) or upon violation of professional conduct policies. Examples of unsatisfactory progress include inadequate GPA, insufficient research skills or progress, or failure of the preliminary or final examination. This list is not exhaustive.

 

PhD VBMS Curriculum

The PhD VBMS is a full-time, in-person (face-to-face instruction) program accomplished with 96 graduate credit hours. These credits include core (21 credits), elective (15), and research (minimum of 60 credits), culminating with the preparation and defense of a dissertation. Elective and research courses will be determined by the LMU-CVM Graduate Advisory Committee based on relevancy to the student’s dissertation research. The program may be completed in 11 consecutive semesters.

 

PhD VBMS Addendum to LMU-CVM Leaves of Absence Policy

For a student in the PhD VBMS program, the petition for a leave of absence should be supported by the Research Mentor and Advisory Committee, affirming that the student is at a stage in their program where they may return and continue the approved dissertation research or will be allowed to propose another research topic on return to active status in the program. If the Research Mentor and Advisory Committee are not supportive of continuation after the leave of absence, the student may need to request a different supervisory committee on return to active student status. If a supervisory committee cannot be assembled for the student, the student will be advised to complete a different major in the program or discontinue the graduate program.

 

Maximum Timeframe for Program Completion

PhD VBMS students must complete their studies within eight (8) years after initial registration.

Extensions for any program completion timeframes require approval of the Research Mentor, Advisory Committee, and the LMU-CVM Dean. The student bears the ultimate responsibility for ensuring completion of all degree requirements.