DVM/PhD

[huskyvet]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey everyone,

I have a question regarding my interest in the DVM/PhD program that most universities offer. My Q is: Is this dual degree dependent and contingent upon the acceptance to both programs? In other words, if I am not accepted to the PhD program can I still be accepted into the DVM program, and if I dont get into the DVM, can I still be accepted in the PhD program (although I dont see the point of this). And how much more competitive is this dual degree program?

thanks a lot!😀

 

[AuburnPreVet]

I think it really depends on the school - I'd suggest asking them directly. I'm sure it's a common question. I looked into the dual programs as well, but decided against it - knowing that a PhD can often be done as a dual degree combined with a residency. Which is more appealing for me, as I know that the research I'd be doing would directly relate to my field (whatever I'd be doing a residency in). . . however, I believe both programs are highly competitive & probably worth it.

 

[kate_g]

I wasn't really looking, but from what I've noticed it seems most schools that offer a dual degree program have a special application you fill out (probably still have to do VMCAS though) which is probably essentially the same as their grad school application. You kind of apply to the whole program at once, rather than having to apply to and be accepted for each degree independently. I would guess that either you get accepted to the dual program or you get rejected from the dual program, but I don't actually know that for sure so as AuburnPreVet said above you should ask the schools. Might be that some places will accept you to the vet school even if they can't take you in the dual-degree program (not enough funding slots or something, for instance).

I'm biased because I'm getting my PhD separately, but one thing you might consider as far as dual programs is that they seem to want to cram your PhD research into 2 or 3 years. Depending on your exact field, your methodology, and the normal pace of research in that field, that might be pretty constraining. That leads to you needing to come up with an easy, speedy project and kind of detracts from the experience of what research is "really" like (i.e. slow). So if you were thinking of a truly research-driven career, like a faculty job or something, it might actually be more to your advantage to do the degrees separately. Might be worth asking to speak to some of the dual-degree students at the schools you're considering, who are currently doing their research years, and see what their goals are and how they feel about the program's flexibility.

 

[are_jay]

Hey everyone,

I have a question regarding my interest in the DVM/PhD program that most universities offer. My Q is: Is this dual degree dependent and contingent upon the acceptance to both programs?
...And how much more competitive is this dual degree program?

I agree with what has been said, every school has there own way of doing things. One school, we'll call school 'A' had you apply to the dual program, but you had to be accepted into both--if you didn't get in to the PhD program you were in with the rest of the applicant pool. If the DVM prog didn't like you then you had to talk things over with the graduate department and see if they would still take you. School A's program was highly competitive. At school B, where I am in the DVM program, I don't know about competitive... they are trying to build it. I was called after accepting admission by someone recruiting me to the dual DVM/PhD program. Basically if I wanted it, I was in. I had also turned in a graduate application as a backup, so I was covered in terms of applications. Anyway, I ended up turning it down because a trusted advisor and professor, (with a DVM and PhD) said you end up not being good at either one--not a good clinician because you are worrying about research and don't get to practice for 2+ years after clinic rotations, and not a good researcher because you are not comitted to your research 100% of the time. I am strongly interested in a residency, so I would have a chance to do graduate work then. Anyway, the real answer to your question is you have to call and ask the school(s) you are interested in.

 

[Medmaid]

Those of you who give reasons for doing the degrees separately make a lot of sense. However, let us not forget perhaps the most attractive aspect of the joint program: reduced tuition (sometimes waived altogether) plus stipend! 🙂 Although you probably really should be committed to research before you sign on for the full seven-year commitment.

 

[kate_g]

However, let us not forget perhaps the most attractive aspect of the joint program: reduced tuition (sometimes waived altogether) plus stipend!

This is true. Plus, of course, it's shorter. So if you want a PhD more as an accessory (or are planning a mostly-clinical career with limited involvement contracting for research projects, or something), then the dual program is the way to go. Believe me, doing them separately, it's *really* easy to let the PhD slide into 6 or 7 years. Research is never finished, there's always one more experiment you'd like to do before writing everything up... So, while you may get a lighter research experience, if the dual program forces you to stay on track and get yer **** done in 3 years, that could be a great fit for some people.