Career Services

Advancing your education can lead to specialized roles in research, academia, and industry leadership. Understanding the difference between a master’s and a doctorate is the first step.

• Master of Science (M.S.): A master’s degree typically takes one to three years and is designed to provide specialized knowledge in your field. It’s ideal for students who want to advance in industry, qualify for senior technical roles, or become more competitive applicants for professional school.
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): A Ph.D. is a four- to six-year (or more) research-focused degree that prepares you to become an independent scientific leader. It is essential for careers in academia (professorship) and high-level research and development (R&D) in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and government sectors.

Learn more about graduate programs in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Many majors in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences are on a direct path to becoming health care professionals. We provide guidance and resources to help you become a competitive applicant for these demanding programs.

We can help you prepare for:

• Veterinary school: Building on CSU’s legacy as a world-class veterinary institution.
• Medical school (M.D./D.O.): For careers as physicians and surgeons.
• Nursing school (B.S.N., M.S.N.): For various roles in patient care.
• Other health professions: Including physician assistant (PA), pharmacy (Pharm.D.), dentistry (D.D.S.), and more.

Your degree prepares you for immediate impact in a variety of science-driven industries. Graduates of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences are sought after for their critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and hands-on lab skills.

Common industries include:

• Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals: Roles in research and development, quality control, clinical research, and sales.
• Public and environmental health: Careers as environmental specialists, industrial hygienists, and epidemiologists in government and private sectors.
• Food science and safety: Ensuring the quality and safety of our food supply.
• Scientific communication and education: Roles as medical writers, science journalists, and educators.

Tools for exploring industry jobs:

• Handshake: A career platform created for college students and recent graduates to explore opportunities for current part-time, on-campus, internships, and full-time employment locally and globally
• Occupational Outlook Handbook (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): Resource for exploring specific jobs of interest (day in the life, job duties, skills needed, education level required, regional salary data, etc.)
• Interstride: For international students and international opportunities in the U.S. and around the world

Success on a pre-health track requires careful planning from your first year. We help you map out your journey, from selecting coursework to preparing for entrance exams. We work closely with CSU’s Health Professions Advising to ensure you have a comprehensive support network.

Through a partnership with the Colorado Bioscience Institute, we offer a unique mentorship program that connects you directly with leaders in the state’s life sciences ecosystem. The program is designed to provide networking opportunities and professional development.

Program benefits:

• Career development: Gain an understanding of what it means to be a life sciences professional by working with a variety of companies at different stages of their growth.
• Skill enhancement: Connect your university knowledge to real-world applications by gaining access to professional work environments.
• Leadership development: Learn directly from experts and leaders who are shaping the future of the life sciences in Colorado.

Learn more about the mentorship program with Colorado Bioscience Institute.

Internships are where you apply your classroom knowledge to solve real-world problems. They are critical for building your resume and clarifying your career goals.

We can help you:

• Find the right fit: Identify internships that align with your major and career interests.
• Develop your application: Craft compelling resumes and cover letters that highlight your scientific skills.
• Plan your timeline: Understand when to apply and how an internship fits into your academic plan.

Tools for exploring internship opportunities:

• Handshake: A career platform created for college students and recent graduates to explore opportunities for current part-time, on-campus, internships, and full-time employment locally and globally
• Internship Guide (CSU Career Center): Land an internship with this helpful guide.

Our college’s mission is built on hands-on experiences, and undergraduate research is an important part of the college identity. Gaining research experience is essential for graduate school and many industry roles.

We can help you:

• Find opportunities: Learn how to identify labs and projects that match your interests.
• Approach faculty: Reaching out to a professor about their research can feel intimidating, but we can help you break the ice.
  Tip: Before you email faculty or go to their office hours, try to get a sense of their academic background. Mentioning that shows you have done your homework and makes a great first impression. Explore additional strategies for finding research.

Do you need assistance right now? Drop-ins are a great way to get answers to your questions in the moment. Or schedule an appointment right now.

The CSU Career Center is your one-stop-shop for resources to help you craft your resume or cover letter, prepare for an interview, and more. Visit the Career Center.