The accelerated dual program allows veterinary students to apply up to 9 credit hours of DVM course work toward a PhD degree in CEM, leading to completion of both degrees in less time than would be required to earn both degrees independently. The accelerated program is designed to prepare highly motivated students for a career in veterinary research.

Students entering the dual degree program must meet minimum admission requirements for both the DVM and the PhD programs. Applicants for the DVM-PhD program must make separate application to, and be competitively and independently accepted by, the College of Veterinary Medicine for the DVM and the CEM program for the PhD. Students who have been accepted by the College of Veterinary Medicine may apply for approval to pursue the dual program any time prior to or after matriculation. Such approval will be granted, provided that dual program studies are started prior to entry into the fourth semester of DVM course work.

Students enrolled in the dual DVM-PhD program will be officially classified as primarily veterinary (DVM-seeking) students until the DVM coursework is completed, with the following exception: dual program students will typically enroll as primarily PhD students during the two summer semesters following completion of their first and second years in the veterinary curriculum. After the DVM is conferred, the dual student's primary major will be CEM.