The University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine is the only Missouri institution that offers a professional program leading to a doctor of veterinary medicine degree. The unique curricular structure provides nearly two years of hands-on training in the college’s general and specialty clinics. Years one and two of the four-year program focus on instruction in high-tech, computer-based classrooms and labs. Years three and four provide clinical instruction in such areas as ophthalmology, cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, dentistry, community medicine food animal and equine medicine. The college also offers a bachelor of science degree in microbiology. An undergraduate degree in microbiology prepares students for many opportunities, including direct entry into the job market, application to professional schools such as medical, veterinary and dental, or continued study toward an advanced degree (MS, PhD).