Graduate Studies

About the program
An integral part of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) and the Virginia Tech Graduate School, the Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences (BMVS) graduate program was initiated in 1986. In contrast to many departments and colleges across campus, a single, multidisciplinary graduate program at VMCVM is recognized by the Graduate School as a graduate department.
The goal of the BMVS program is to train students to be creative and sophisticated research scientists in fields associated with biomedical research. The program's association with VMCVM allows students the unique opportunity to explore both basic research, advanced pre-clinical animal model studies, natural clinical disease in animals, and translational research impacting both veterinary and human patients and populations.
The BMVS graduate program encourages collaborative, multidisciplinary research to achieve optimal health outcomes for people, animals, and the environment. To that end, the program emphasizes acquisition of a foundation of knowledge, research skills, and wet or dry laboratory experience essential to implementing independent research projects and formulating experimental and observational approaches that solve contemporary and anticipated problems in the biomedical and health sciences.
A basic philosophy of graduate education in Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences is flexibility. Programs of study — courses, laboratory and field research, clinical experiences, and teaching opportunities — are tailored to meet the individual student's needs, depending on academic background, professional experience, and career goals. The college prides itself on its high quality of faculty mentoring, advising, and support services.
Annual Research Symposium
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General Item2025 Research Symposium
Our 34th Annual Research Symposium will be held on May 9, 2025, with events from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Inn at Virginia Tech. This year's theme is Research Without Boundaries. In a time when science and expertise are increasingly questioned, “Research Without Boundaries” reaffirms our dedication to open, rigorous, and inclusive discovery. It underscores our belief that addressing today’s most pressing challenges requires not only scientific excellence, but also collaboration that reaches across disciplines, cultures, and geographies.
Signature Research Programs
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Latest News
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Article ItemExchange program opens doors for Chilean student veterinary researchers , article
Two veterinary students from Chile’s Universidad Austral participated in a three-month exchange at Virginia Tech, strengthening international collaboration and advancing studies in canine infections and cancer.
Date: Apr 08, 2025 - -
Article ItemToxicology pioneer Marion Ehrich wins career-defining award , article
Marion F. Ehrich, professor emerita at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, has received the 2025 Society of Toxicology Founders Award for Outstanding Leadership.
Date: Apr 02, 2025 - -
Article ItemAlessandra Franchini honored with Bente Flatland Resident Award , article
The award honors a Veterinary Teaching Hospital resident who demonstrates exemplary scientific knowledge and special compassion in caring for patients and pet owners.
Date: Mar 11, 2025 - -
Article ItemIra Blader among 65 fellows elected to American Academy of Microbiology , article
Blader, head of the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine researches how parasites interact with their hosts.
Date: Feb 27, 2025 -