CSU Launches First Combined Veterinary Medicine, Business Degree

Fort Collins, Colo.
The College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and the College of Business at Colorado State University have launched the first program in North America combining the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Masters of Business Administration degree.
Beginning in the fall semester of 2002, the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences will accept five outstanding students from that year's pool of applicants who express interest in the combined program. Admission to the veterinary medicine program will be guaranteed, but the first year of veterinary school will be delayed until the student successfully completes the first year of the MBA program. The remaining requirements of the MBA program then will be fulfilled concurrently with the first two years of the veterinary program. This is a five-year program, compared to the four-year Professional Veterinary Medicine Program.
A similar program for students of human medicine has been offered at a number of medical schools in the United States for about 10 years. No such dual degree program in veterinary medicine has existed until now.
The Evening MBA Program, which will serve as a basis for the combined program, is designed as a 22-month, 36-credit program. Emphasis is placed on information technology, global issues and teamwork.
"One of my goals on accepting the position of dean was to enhance the business knowledge and skills of our graduating veterinarians," says Dr. Lance Perryman, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
One factor that led to this educational initiative was a 1999 groundbreaking study of the veterinary medical profession. Commissioned by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association, the study revealed that, "although the scientific and clinical skills of the profession remain very high, veterinarians lack some of the skills and aptitudes that result in economic success."
Conducted by KPMG LLP Economic Consulting Services, the survey also highlights the results of a series of focus groups composed of practicing veterinarians. Although owning a private practice is still seen as the standard for success, most participants said that nothing in their veterinary medical education prepared them for the management requirements of private practice. Nor, most agreed, had they received enough communication, management, and other skills necessary for non-private practice.
"As faculty and administrators, we recognized a need in the marketplace and came together to deliver a solution. This program stands as a testimony to the power of teamwork and cooperation," says Dr. Ajay Menon, executive assistant dean of the College of Business.
For more information about the combined DVM/MBA program visit <www.biz.colostate.edu/grad>.