washington state university's (wsu) master of science - veterinary sciences - immunology and infectious diseases provides education and training in immunology and host-pathogen interactions of bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections of animals and humans.

the program's academic research environment is enriched by integration of the department of veterinary microbiology and pathology, the paul g. allen school for global animal health, the school of molecular biosciences, and the usda-ars animal disease research unit. dissertation research is carried out under the direction of highly collaborative research faculty who are internationally recognized for their research in infectious diseases.

graduate programs are tailored to the individual’s background and career goals, and include core formal course work as well as more specialized courses in a primarily literature review format. laboratory research is the most critical part of the training and the strength of this program. the major advisor and student work in cooperation with the advisory committee to develop a directed course of research. all departmental faculty and students attend weekly research seminars given either by students, program faculty, and visiting scientists. through these seminars, students are exposed to critical analysis of data, experimental design and discussion of research significance. students also may participate in the activities sponsored by the integrative programs in biomedical sciences. trainees are expected to conduct original research that will lend a significant contribution to knowledge in the area of emphasis and that will culminate in publication in peer-reviewed journals. publication is required for and constitutes the phd dissertation. the final examination consists of a public research seminar followed by an oral examination.

learning outcomes:

• apply sound research methods to problems in their discipline and describe the methods effectively.
• communicate their research clearly and professionally in both written and oral forms appropriate to the field.

student opportunities:

collaborative research, presentations at national/international conferences, student meetings with prominent visiting scientists.

career opportunities:

academic research, state and national laboratories, biotechnology companies.

career placements:

research technologist, senior scientist.