Pathobiological Sciences

This graduate education program attracts candidates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees in biological and biomedical sciences and prepares scientists uniquely equipped to advance animal and human health by modulating immune responses to infections and cancer. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking and research skills through focused studies in microbiology, immunology, and pathology.
Graduate training is supported by an interdisciplinary faculty with expertise in the molecular biology of infectious diseases and immunology, as well as access to state-of-the-art laboratories. Students benefit from a dynamic learning environment and have the flexibility to tailor their coursework based on individual interests. Areas of focus include immunology and immunotherapy, viral or bacterial pathogenesis, parasitic diseases, and cancer biology.

Communication and professional development are integral parts of the program. Students refine these skills through active participation in research discussion groups, interdisciplinary seminars, oral examinations, scientific presentations, and the publication of research findings. Graduates are well-prepared to investigate the causes and mechanisms of diseases in both animals and humans and may qualify for examination by the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists.

In addition to its research-focused graduate programs, the department offers professional (residency) training for post-DVM students. These programs provide in-depth education in classical morphological pathology, clinical pathology, or laboratory animal medicine. Completion of a residency partially fulfills the eligibility requirements for board certification by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists or the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine.

Veterinary Clinical Sciences

This department offers graduate students with a fundamental background in clinical sciences the opportunity to study disease problems in small, large, and exotic animals. Faculty of the department hold concurrent appointments in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital & Clinics where they provide in-depth clinical training to professional students while serving the animal health needs of the hospital’s clientele. The hospital program is supported by a large and diverse staff that includes veterinary interns and residents, medical technologists, radiologic technologists, and pharmacists.

Advanced training in clinical sciences prepares graduate students for careers in clinical research and teaching and administration of clinical trials in the private and governmental sectors. Faculty research interests and areas of expertise range from basic research in immunogenetics to applied studies of surgical and medical problems. Collaborative research with other departments in the School of Veterinary Medicine, the University, and extramural agencies is encouraged and fostered. Opportunities are available in a variety of disciplines for graduate students to acquire teaching experience.

Graduate Degree Disclosure

While licensure or certification may be available in your field of study, our program does not directly lead to licensure or certification upon graduation. The professional preparation you receive in our program may contribute to the educational requirements for licensure in certain areas of biomedical research and may assist you in such pursuits; however, the licensing authority and requirements for specific areas of biomedical expertise falls under the jurisdiction of the licensing board for the state, territory, or foreign entity in which the individual practices. If you intend to pursue such credentialing in your state or elsewhere, we strongly advise you to contact the applicable state credentialing authority to familiarize yourself with its specific requirements. Alternatively, you are welcome to contact Dr. Tammy Dugas, associate dean for research and graduate education, at tammydugas@lsu.edu with questions, and we will do our best to assist you in your career planning.

My Complaint Wasn’t Resolved by LSU

In the event that you have exhausted all informal and formal procedures through LSU at the institutional level, you may submit a written complaint to the Louisiana Board of Regents or to SACSCOC. They will attempt to facilitate a resolution. See below for details:

Students can file a complaint (after going through the grievance policies of the institution) to SACSCOC using the following form sent via ground mail to:

President

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

1866 Southern Lane

Decatur, GA 30033-4097

Complaint Form against SACSCOC Institutions

And to the state authorization agency (if a distance education student and is unable to resolve the complaint through the grievance policies of the institution) using the following form to:

Louisiana Board of Regents

P.O. Box 3677

Baton Rouge, LA

70821-3677

ATTN: SARA Student Complaints

Louisiana SARA Student Complaint Form