Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center

MAM
Masters of Avian Medicine
Poultry Diagnostic & Research Center
Department of Population Health
The University of Georgia

Master of Avian Medicine Degree

PDRC offers an 18-month non-thesis Master of Avian Medicine (MAM) graduate degree. The program is designed for veterinarians seeking a career in clinical avian medicine in the poultry industry. Course work in microbiology, pathology, and poultry science is combined with practical field and laboratory experiences in clinical avian medicine. At least 54 semester credit hours of course work and the satisfactory completion of a final oral examination are required.

MAM graduates hold the majority of the poultry veterinary positions in the United States. Many also work internationally. Employment opportunities exist with poultry companies, poultry genetics companies, diagnostic laboratories, universities, state and federal agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and biologics companies. Jobs may involve live poultry production, disease diagnostics, technical service to poultry companies, research, and development, food safety, academia, or regulatory affairs.

Application Process A completed official application for a Master of Avian Medicine degree from the Graduate School of The University of Georgia must be completed. The application materials can be found at Graduate Admissions. Competitive applicants will have a minimum veterinary school grade point average of 3.0, a combined score (verbal and quantitative) of 1000 on the Graduate Record Examination, official transcripts of all college courses, and written references from at least 3 persons. Experience in the poultry industry is desirable; demonstrated interest in poultry medicine is required.

In addition to the requirements of the Graduate School of The University of Georgia, applicants are required to have a DVM. Applicants should submit a biographical sketch describing their experiences, their interest in poultry medicine, and explaining their reasons for applying to the Master of Avian Medicine program.

All admission requirements of the Graduate School of The University of Georgia must be met. Final decisions on applicants cannot be made until all materials (application forms, letters of recommendations, transcripts, and GRE scores) are received. Applications and admissions documents must be received by the Graduate School by February 1st to be considered for June matriculation. Qualified applicants will be interviewed.

Financial Assistance Financial assistance is available from PDRC to accepted MAM students. Stipends are provided for a maximum of 2 MAM students per year. Frequently asked questions: Q: How do I apply to the program? Q: What should I include in my biographical sketch? Q: What kind of recommendations should I get? Q: Is there a deadline for applying? Q: Are there minimum requirements for the GRE scores? Q: How is financial aid awarded? Q: What is the difference between the Masters of Avian Medicine and Masters of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences? Q: What is holding up my application - why have I not heard back yet?

Answers: Q: How do I apply to the program? A: A completed application consists of a biographical sketch, official college transcripts, GRE scores and 3 letters of recommendation. All materials must be submitted though the online application process at the Graduate School’s website. See www.grad.uga.edu for more information. Foreign applicants may also be required to submit additional documentation. See the Graduate School’s website for a list of supplemental information required for admission. Q: What should I include in my biographical sketch? A: We are most interested in your veterinary background and professional plans. You should describe your experiences and background in poultry diseases or production. You should also describe your interest in poultry medicine and explain why you are applying to this program. Q: What kind of recommendations should I get? A: Your references (at least three) should fill out the recommendation form required by the Graduate School and attach a letter to it. The references – not you – should upload these directly to the Graduate Schools application website. You should get letters from professors who have taught you and know you well. Their letters should describe your academic work in detail so that the Graduate Committee can be assured that you can complete a rigorous graduate program. If you have done poultry or food animal internships or worked with a food animal or poultry veterinarian, the committee will expect a letter from the professor who supervised that work. Letters from work supervisors may be of value to document your work ethic.

Q: Is there a deadline for applying? A: Completed applications are due on February 1. Q: Are there minimum requirements for the GPA or GRE? A: We actively seek students with strong GPA (min 3.0) and GRE (min Verbal + Quantitative of 1000) however interest and experience in poultry production is also very important. Q: How is financial aid awarded? A: Financial Aid is available from the department to applicants who are accepted into the program.

Q: What is the difference between the Masters of Avian Medicine and Masters of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences?
A: Admission to the Masters of Avian Medicine requires a DVM degree. This program is focused on clinical aspects of Avian Medicine. The Masters of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences is a research-based training program that is available to students with a BS or BA degree; a DVM is not required.

For Additional Information: Margie D. Lee, Graduate Coordinator Department of Population Health Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center 953 College Station Road University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 Email: leem@vet.uga.edu Phone: 706-583-0797 Fax: 706-542-5630