Culmination
Students may choose to complete either a thesis or non-thesis program.
Non-thesis option: This option requires a substantial project that results in a publishable paper in a peer-reviewed publication. The project can be retrospective studies, reviews of the literature, national surveys and other projects pertinent to the student’s career aspirations and approved by the student’s graduate committee. The non-thesis option does not require external funding and is recommended by students who plan on careers that do not require laboratory research such as non-tenured track faculty positions, industrial (animal feeds or pharmaceuticals) marketing, or private practice in veterinary specialties.
Thesis option: You must carry out original research culminating in a written thesis, present the thesis work at a departmental seminar and defend the thesis in an oral examination by the master’s program committee. The time limit for the master’s degree is eight years after initiating the program.