Program
Applications for diagnostic programs open September 1 and are due by October 15 with the program starting August 15 of the following year. Thesis-based applications are by supervisor invitation only and can be submitted year round.
| Program | Expected Length | Project and/or thesis | Course based |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Vet.Sc. | 2 years | ||
| M.Sc. | 2 years | ||
| M.Sc. with Diagnostics | 3 years | ||
| Ph.D. | 4 years |
The Department of Veterinary Pathology offers programs of postgraduate study in anatomic and clinical pathology leading to the following degrees:
- Master of Veterinary Science (MVetSc, two-year diagnostic training) which may be followed by the Certificate in Veterinary Diagnostic Pathology program
- Master of Science (MSc, thesis)
- Master of Science with diagnostics (MSc, three-year thesis program)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, thesis)
Excellent facilities for research and for disciplinary training in diagnostic veterinary pathology are available. Current research interests include:
- Pathogenesis of infectious diseases
- Mucosal immunity
- Innate immunity and disease resistance
- Oncology
- Viral oncogenesis
- Hematologic disorders
- Wildlife diseases
- Honey bees
- Skeletal diseases.
The Master of Veterinary Science and MSc with diagnostics programs are available only to students with a DVM degree or equivalent. The MSc and PhD Programs (research-based) may be available to qualified students with or without a DVM degree or equivalent.
Research supervisors
We recommend that you contact the faculty that are doing research in an area that interests you before beginning a formal application.
| Name | Research areas |
|---|---|
| Anatomic Pathology, Toxicopathology, Gene and Protein Expression in Cancer Cells | |
| Anatomic Pathology, Pathology of the Skeletal System | |
| Anatomic Pathology, Wildlife Diseases, Prion Diseases | |
| Anatomic Pathology, Swine Virology, Molecular Epidemiology | |
| Clinical Pathology | |
| Clinical Pathology | |
| Anatomic Pathology, Diseases of Poultry | |
| Anatomic Pathology, Innate Immunity and Resistance to Infectious Diseases, Honey Bee Diseases | |
| Anatomic Pathology, Oncology | |
| Anatomic Pathology, Pollinator Health |
Tuition and funding
Funding
For Canadian applicants, landed immigrants or permanent residents of Canada who hold a DVM (or equivalent) degree and have passed the computer-based portion of the NAVLE, funding is available on a competitive basis from the Interprovincial Graduate Fellowship. Funding is currently at $40,000 per year. Alternative funding is available on a competitive basis to exceptional foreign applicants.
Graduate students at USask can receive funding from a variety of sources to support their graduate education.
Tuition
Thesis or project-based master's program
Graduate students in a thesis or project-based program pay tuition three times a year for as long as they are enrolled in their program.
| Term | Canadian students | International students |
|---|---|---|
| September 1 - December 31, 2024 | ||
| January 1 - April 30, 2025 | ||
| May 1 - August 31, 2025 | ||
| Total per academic year |
Doctoral program
Doctoral students pay tuition three times a year for as long as they are enrolled in their program. Both international and domestic Ph.D. students pay the same rate.
| Term | |
|---|---|
| January 1 - April 30, 2025 | $1,726.00 CAD |
| May 1 - August 31, 2025 | $1,726.00 CAD |
| September 1 - December 31, 2024 | $1,726.00 CAD |
| Total per academic year | $5,178.00 CAD |
Student fees
In addition to tuition above, students also pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services. The amount you need to pay depends on if you are taking classes full time or part time, and if you are on campus or not. The table below assumes you are on campus full-time.
| Fall 2024 | Winter 2025 | Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student fees | $504.45 CAD | $666.08 CAD | $35.00 CAD | $35.00 CAD |
Tuition information is accurate for the current academic year and does not include student fees. For detailed tuition and fees information, visit the official tuition website.
Admission requirements
- Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English
- A cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. 60 credit units)
- A four-year honours degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study
A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent is preferred for the Master of Science (MSc) in Veterinary Pathology, but not required.
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent, from a recognized college or university
- Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English
- A cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. 60 credit units)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent, from a recognized college or university
- Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English
- A cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. 60 credit units)
- Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English
- Master’s degree, or equivalent, from a recognized university in a relevant academic discipline
- A cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. coursework required in master’s program)
A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent is preferred for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Veterinary Pathology, but not required.
With the recommendation of the unit, direct entry PhD admission is available to exceptionally strong students, who show great promise in terms of academic accomplishments and potential for research.
- Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English
- A cumulative weighted average of at least a 80% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. 60 credit units)
- A four-year honours degree, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study
Application process
Find a supervisor
Using the faculty list above, find a potential supervisor, read about the work they are currently doing and their past publications. If you think you'd like to work with them, email them and describe your research interests and past academic experience. Interested faculty will return the email if there are any openings for new students.
Submit an online application
Before beginning your online application, be sure that you have carefully reviewed all program information and admission requirements on this page.
During the application, you'll be asked for:
- Personal information such as your name, address, etc.
- Contact information of your three referees
- For your letters of recommendation, two of your referees must be academic contacts, and the third may be academic or professional
- Your complete academic history from all previous post-secondary institutions
The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may save your application and return to it later.
At the end of the application, you will need to pay a non-refundable $120 application fee. Your application will not be processed until payment is received.
Submit required documents
Once you've submitted your online application, you will have access to upload your required documents, and provide the contact information for your references. To do this, go to the "Supplemental Items & Documents" tab in your application, and upload the documents outlined below.
Preliminary Statement of Marks
- Once you have submitted your application for admission and paid the application fee, you will be required to upload unofficial PDF copies of your academic transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended. This requirement will appear as Preliminary Statement of Marks or Additional Prelim. Statement under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you check your application status.
- The uploaded transcript can be an unofficial copy of the transcript issued by the university or college, and must include a grading key/legend.
- All pages of a transcript must be uploaded as a single PDF document.
- Uploaded transcripts will be considered unofficial or preliminary. Official copies of your transcripts will be required only for applicants offered admission. This requirement will appear as Post-secondary Transcript under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you check your application status.
Post-secondary Transcripts
If you receive an offer of admission, you will then be required to have your official post-secondary transcripts sent (by mail in a sealed envelope directly from the institution) to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.
College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Room 116 Thorvaldson Building, 110 Science Place
Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9
- Transcripts usually indicate the institution’s name, grading scheme (typically on back of transcript), your name, course names, numbers, credits, and the grades you have received. Depending on the country or institution, some features may not be available.
- Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
- If you are a current University of Saskatchewan student completing your undergraduate program then a letter of completion of degree requirements will be required from your college.
Proof of English language proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
For students who are required to provide proof of English proficiency:
- It is your responsibility to have completed an official and approved test with the appropriate score before the application deadline.
- Tests are valid for 24 months after the testing date and must be valid at the beginning of the student's first term of registration in the graduate program.
- Applicants will be required to upload a PDF copy of any required language test score. Uploaded test scores will be considered unofficial or preliminary.
If you receive an Offer of Admission you may be required to have your official language test scores sent to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.
College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Room 116 Thorvaldson Building - 110 Science Place
Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9
Contact
Department of Veterinary Pathology
52 Campus Drive
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4
Graduate Chair
Dr. Susan Detmer
Email: susan.detmer@usask.ca
Graduate Programs Co-ordinator
Angela Turner
Email: vetpath.gradstudies@usask.ca
- Department of Veterinary Pathology
Learn more about the academic unit offering this program - Program and Course Catalogue
To view official admission and program requirements