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    School of Veterinary Medicine

    School of Arts & Sciences

    School of Graduate Studies

    Veterinary Science PhD

    Student Researcher

    Program Overview

    Program

    In-depth academic preparation for a research veterinarian career.

    Locations

    Years 1-3: Grenada, West Indies

    Year 4: Clinical training at 1 of 30+ affiliated universities in US, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and the Netherlands

    Entry Terms

    August or January

    Next Start Date:
    August 2025

    Advance your veterinarian education in both basic and clinical problems within animal medicine research. SGU’s PhD program builds on your postgraduate veterinary clinical training or DVM degree with in-depth research in pertinent topics, such as veterinary pathology and the intersection of animal and human health.

    Our PhD program provides you the rigorous training to prepare you for work in leading research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, or government entities.

    SGU student suturing

    Focus Study Area and Thesis

    During the veterinary PhD program, you will choose an academic focus area that you want to master in terms of both theoretical knowledge and practical application.

    Choose from among nine specialty areas for your PhD:

    • PhD in Anatomical Pathology
    • PhD in Anatomy
    • PhD in Bacteriology
    • PhD in Clinical Pathology
    • PhD in Marine Medicine
    • PhD in Parasitology
    • PhD in Pharmacology
    • PhD in Virology
    • PhD in Wildlife Conservation Medicine

    The PhD program culminates in the production of a thesis in which you will demonstrate your advanced knowledge in an original and important contribution to your chosen area of veterinary science.

    Student Group Photo

    Admission Requirements

    To pursue a Veterinary PhD degree, you must have completed an MBA, MPH, MSc, MPhil, or MA (or equivalent) and wish to pursue in-depth research. It is also open to those having a DVM degree, as well as to selected St. George’s veterinary students considering SGU’s DVM/PhD dual-degree program.

    To apply to the PhD program, you must provide a:

    • 1,500-word research proposal for a project that is directly related to SGU faculty members’ areas of expertise.
    • Detailed, three-year research plan.
    • Description of how your previous studies and experience support your proposal.
    • Funding identification report that identifies possible funding sources for the project and for your research.

    The PhD admissions committee will review your proposal and academic credentials to determine admission to the program.

    Veterinary PhD Degree Admission

    A Program for the Next Generation of Leading Research Veterinarians.

    To pursue a Veterinary PhD degree, you must have completed an MBA, MPH, MSc, MPhil, or MA (or equivalent) and wish to pursue in-depth research. It is also open to those having a DVM degree, as well as to selected St. George’s veterinary students considering SGU’s DVM/PhD dual-degree program.

    To apply to the PhD program, you must provide a:

    • 1,500-word research proposal for a project that is directly related to SGU faculty members’ areas of expertise.
    • Detailed, three-year research plan.
    • Description of how your previous studies and experience support your proposal.
    • Funding identification report that identifies possible funding sources for the project and for your research.

    The PhD admissions committee will review your proposal and academic credentials to determine admission to the program.

    Academic Outcomes

    Students from across the world come to St. George’s University for a rewarding education with global impact.

    82%

    pass rate on the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) over the last five years1

    Independently Verified By Summit Consulting

    30+

    affiliated universities in six countries offer hands-on clinical training2

    88%

    SGU’s School of Veterinary Medicine graduation rate is 88% for all students who began in academic year 2017.3

    Curriculum

    Qualified postgraduate students and DVM graduates will spend between three and five years to complete veterinary postgraduate courses as a full-time candidate. Part-time candidates will spend between four and seven years to complete the program.

    The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree offered through the School of Veterinary Medicine require a total of 60 credits or more. Successful candidates will focus their research and coursework in one of the following concentrations:

    • PhD in Anatomical Pathology
    • PhD in Anatomy
    • PhD in Bacteriology
    • PhD in Clinical Pathology
    • PhD in Marine Medicine
    • PhD in Parasitology
    • PhD in Pharmacology
    • PhD in Virology
    • PhD in Wildlife Conservation Medicine

    The PhD program requires the production and defense of a doctoral thesis. Research and coursework are directed by the candidate’s supervisory committee. All completed theses, upon the recommendation of the chair of the supervisory committee, are submitted to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and forwarded to an external examiner. A final oral presentation and defense of the thesis must be successfully completed prior to being awarded the degree.

    Hear from SGU Grads

    “I often tell people that attending SGU SVM is indescribable, you are surrounded by a group of people from all over the world that end up becoming family, all while working together to achieve the same goal. Then you add fantastic faculty and staff who care about their students so much—attending SGU and living in Grenada is so special.”

    Aaron Spacher, DVM ’19
    Rochester, New York

    Aaron Spacher, DVM 2019

    “The transition from being a veterinary student to veterinary professional is challenging for everyone, but the experience of attending SGU and living in Grenada really prepared future professionals like me on how to adapt to change. I think the life experience of living in Grenada was equally as important as the course material learned in veterinary school.”

    Andrew Kushnir, DVM ’19
    Fort Lauderdale, FL

    Andrew Kushnir, DVM 2019

    “Attending SGU was a truly transformative experience that gave me much more than just a veterinary education. I gained invaluable life lessons, formed lifelong friendships, and received a diverse and comprehensive education that has helped me excel in my career. “

    Whitney McCoy, DVM ’23
    Dallas, TX

    Whitney McCoy, DVM 2023

    “SGU does an amazing job at providing its students with unique opportunities you will not find elsewhere. From starting us with early hands-on experience working with local domestic animals large and small, to providing opportunities for us to work with amazing creatures including sea turtles and bats, they really know how to give their students a creative learning environment. ”

    John Macri, DVM ’21
    San Francisco, CA

    John Macri, DVM 2021

    “During my time at SGU, I had the opportunity to engage in exceptional hands-on learning, receive constant support from both faculty and peers, and build meaningful friendships. My journey there was truly transformative, shaping me both personally and professionally, and helping me become the veterinarian I am today. “

    John Nugra, DVM ’24
    New York

    John Nugra, DVM

    “I learned so much at SGU. From a professional perspective, I feel that SGU prepared me to hit the ground running. I had the knowledge and skills to be able to effectively practice veterinary medicine from day one after graduation. All the professors were so supportive, including after graduation.”

    Erin O’Shaughnessy, DVM ’20
    Canada

    Erin O'Shaugnessy

    Investing In Your Future

    SGU offers scholarships and other financial aid options to bring your dream within reach.

  • SGU Tuition

    Tuition & Fees

    A veterinary degree sets the stage for your career as a veterinarian.

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  • SGU Financial Aid

    Financial Aid

    Financial aid options to help make your education affordable.

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  • SGU Scholarships

    Scholarships

    SGU celebrates excellence and invests in your journey to success.

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