Graduate Degree Programs
Rigorous educational training for tomorrow’s scientists in biomedical sciences, molecular biosciences, and neuroscience. Our graduate programs prepare you for a career in human and animal science, health, and medicine.
Biomedical Sciences
Immunology and infectious diseases
Education, research, and training in immunology, host-pathogen interactions, and population biology of bacterial, parasitic, and viral infectious diseases in animals and humans.
Integrative physiology
Our program offers a flexible approach to train students in integrative physiology and to prepare them for independent research careers in higher education, industry, and government agencies.
Veterinary clinical and translational sciences
Advanced studies in biomedical science and applied medical research.
Molecular Biosciences
Opportunities to explore the vast range of life science research in biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, structural biology, and virology.
Neuroscience
A research-intensive program designed specifically to train students for a career in research while teaching scientific reasoning and independent investigation.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Protein Biotechnology Training Program
Open to WSU doctoral graduate students, the program promotes research careers by helping trainees attain essential experiences, skills, and knowledge, particularly in collaborative transdisciplinary protein research and biotechnology commercialization.
Interested in a combined residency program?
Learn about post-DVM educational opportunities for teaching, research, and to prepare for board certification.
My favorite thing about the College of Veterinary Medicine is the wide range of research fields represented. I have really benefited from the expertise of colleagues and faculty who are not necessarily studying the same pathogen or concepts as me.”
Marena Guzman, School of Molecular Biosciences graduate student
Integrated graduate program
- Common core curriculum. Graduate students take common courses in biomedical ethics, responsible conduct, experimental design, and deconstruction of research.
- 8-week lab rotations. Choose at least three labs and work alongside faculty researchers to discover your research interests and choose a mentor.
- Professional development. Attend ongoing academic and career development training in our Leadership and Professional Series to enhance communication, mentoring, diversity, and leadership skills.
Orientation and leadership retreat
New graduate students are welcomed to the program during the annual orientation retreat designed to foster community, leadership, and academic success. Students will participate in sessions from biological and laboratory safety to diversity and bias training.
Peer mentoring
Designed to create a network of support for student success by:
- Matching first-year graduate students with a senior graduate student pursuing the same degree
- Fostering a sense of belonging and cultivating a welcoming environment
- Nurturing a culture that values diversity, equity, inclusion and cohesion
The first two years of graduate school can be very daunting…so having someone to talk to is invaluable.
Chris Akinsulie, a first-year Immunology and Infectious Diseases graduate student
Read Peer mentoring a tool for graduate student success.
If you are a current graduate student, log in to the college’s internal web for more information.
Graduate research opportunities
- Research Symposium – An annual college-wide event recognizing excellence in research
- WSU Research Exposition – Poster session and scholarship competition
- Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) – A research communication competition
Tuition and financial resources
- PhD students in good standing are supported by a competitive annual stipend, health insurance, and tuition waivers. Stipends come with expectations of assisting in research or teaching.
- Scholarships are available through the WSU Graduate School and the College of Veterinary Medicine. If you’re a current graduate student, log in to the college’s internal web to see available scholarships.
- Students can also receive supplemental support from graduate scholarships and achievement awards, such as the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation or WSU Research Assistantships for Diverse Scholars.
- Visit Student Financial Services for more information about financial aid and scholarships.
- For financial planning, see an estimated annual cost of attendance.
Teaching Academy
Fostering innovative teaching and learning for faculty, residents, and professional and graduate students across the college
Graduate stories
Pullman, Washington
Pullman is located in the Palouse region of the Inland Northwest, homelands of the Nimíipuu (Nez Perce) Tribe and Palus people. The Palouse has one of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the world. Rolling hills and wide-open skies give the region its distinctive appeal.
Residents enjoy outdoor activities and the benefits of small town living with the cultural richness of bigger city life.
Photo credit – kencarperphotos.com