In the College of Veterinary Medicine .
The MPS degree, administered through the Graduate School , can be completed through part-time or full-time study, with a maximum of 4 years allowed to fulfill all degree requirements (36 credits). The unique hybrid format of the MPS program is such that most courses are taught online, and most classes consist of video-recorded lectures that can be watched at a student’s own pace. This aspect of the MPS program allows students to set their own schedules in completing course content, which can be consumed from any location so long as one has a computer with internet access (a requirement of the program).
In addition to online coursework, students are required to be on Cornell campus for 5 laboratory courses, and for a final presentation. Students will be able to choose from 5 of 6 scheduled laboratories each academic year (2 offered each semester). The laboratories are one-week in length (5 full workdays) and are scheduled in advance. Full-time students must take a minimum of one lab at Cornell per semester: Fall, Spring, Summer and will be on campus for a minimum of 5 days per semester; part-time students will be required to complete the required laboratory courses over 4 years. There is flexibility in the program to allow for alternative scheduling according to each student’s needs; however, all degree requirements must be completed within 4 years of matriculation.
Curriculum Requirements
To complete the program in 1 calendar year, students must earn a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester (fall, spring, and summer) for a total of 36 credits. This includes core course work, 1 required on-site laboratory per semester, and elective courses. Sixteen (16) credit hours of core courses, five (5) credit hours of laboratories and fifteen (15) elective credit hours are required. Students may also choose to pursue their studies at a more moderate pace to accommodate other professional and personal commitments. For additional details read our program handbook.
In the final semester, students will be required to complete a literature review-based capstone project with guidance from program faculty.
Core Course Requirements
(credits noted in parentheses)
*If students already possess the DVM degree (or equivalent), the requirement for taking the Parasites of Domestic Animals and Introductory Pharmacology courses is waived.
Elective Courses
Laboratory Instruction
Students must take 5 credits of laboratory instruction (with 5-6 full days of instruction in the laboratory being equivalent to 1 credit). We recommend students take a minimum of 1 laboratory credit each semester on the Cornell University campus.
*Online Synchronous Lab