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biomedical sciences

Pathobiology: DVSc

  1. U of G Homepage
  2. OVC Home

Degree

  • DVSc (Doctor of Veterinary Science)

Program Type

  • Thesis

Delivery

  • On-campus

Entry Terms & Deadlines

  • Domestic:

    • Fall (September): July 1
    • Winter (January):
    • Summer (May): March 1

  • International:

    • Fall (September): March 1
    • Winter (January): July 1
    • Summer (May): December 1

Duration

  • Full Time: 36-48 months
  • Part Time: 72-96 months

Admission Average

B (73% - 76%)
Program Structure

This advanced training opportunity is designed for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM, or equivalent) graduates who want to deepen their expertise in clinical or anatomic pathology and contribute to the advancement of veterinary medicine. Directed by board-certified Clinical and Anatomic Pathologists, the program combines applied training through diagnostic service, specialized coursework and a thesis-based research project. You’ll gain hands-on experience in interpreting laboratory results, managing complex cases across species, and using advanced tools such as flow cytometry, immunochemistry, and molecular diagnostic techniques.

Pathobiology
Areas of Study
Anatomic Pathology
Clinical Pathology
Wildlife and Zoo Animal Pathology
Are you interested in
Developing hands-on diagnostic expertise in veterinary pathology
Specializing in clinical, anatomic, or wildlife and zoo animal pathology
Investigating real-world disease problems through applied
Career Opportunities
Comparative pathology
Toxicologic pathology
Animal models
Specialized veterinary diagnostic pathologist
Researcher

Program Overview and Admission Requirements

The Doctor of Veterinary Science (DVSc) program is a thesis-based program combined with clinical work completed in approximately 9 semesters (3 years). The DVSc program requires the successful completion of a qualifying exam and the completion and defence of a research-based thesis.

Admission Requirements

A DVM or equivalent degree that would allow the applicant to be eligible for a licence to practice veterinary medicine in Ontario is required for admissions consideration.

Application Deadlines:

Pathobiology DVSc positions are advertised on the College website (OVC Career Opportunities) and through the American College of Veterinary Pathologists trainee centre (ACVP). These advertisements describe the application deadlines and required materials for each available position.

Contact Us

OVC Graduate Research and Programs Team:
ovc.pathgrad@uoguelph.ca

Department Chair:

Brandon Lillie
blillie@uoguelph.ca

OVC U of G (Ontario Veterinary College - University of Guelph)

The Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) at the University of Guelph is a world leader in advancing veterinary medicine and health research to improve the health of animals, people, and our planet. OVC educates the next generation of health leaders and provides high-value experiential learning opportunities through an interdisciplinary, comparative approach aimed at finding real-world solutions to real-world problems.

Units

  • Department of Biomedical Sciences
  • Department of Clinical Studies
  • Department of Pathobiology
  • Department of Population Medicine
  • Health Sciences Centre

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