Graduate study leading to the MS or PhD degrees in veterinary pathology is offered by the department. Dissertation opportunities exist in the areas of pathogenesis of infectious disease in food-producing, avian, and aquatic animals, molecular diagnostics, tumor pathobiology, neuropathogenesis of rabies, soft tissue physiology and repair, growth factors and wound healing, wildlife diseases, and emergency preparedness. Prospective students possessing the DVM degree have the option to pursue concomitant residency training with emphasis in either anatomic or clinical pathology. Applicants for graduate study are accepted to begin preferably in the fall semester. The department offers a program of study for qualified individuals leading to the Master of Science (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in veterinary pathology. Students possessing the DVM degree have the option to pursue a program which incorporates a residency program with graduate work. This combined program leads to PhD and eligibility to take the certification examination offered by the board of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. Non-DVM graduate students earn their graduate degrees independent of the residency.