Master of Science

Laboratory Animal Science

School of Medicine

MS
Coterm

Overview

The Master of Science (MS) in Laboratory Animal Science (MLAS) program in the Department of Comparative Medicine is a two-year graduate degree designed to prepare students for advanced careers in laboratory animal science, biomedical research, and related scientific fields. The curriculum provides comprehensive training in animal modeling and biomethodology, laboratory animal science, regulatory compliance, animal husbandry and welfare, organizational management, and research facility design.

Students gain a strong academic foundation through interdisciplinary coursework while developing the technical, analytical, and professional skills needed to contribute to the advancement of biomedical research. Graduates are well prepared for careers in academia, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and biomedical industries, and research institutions, or for continued education in medical, veterinary, or other advanced graduate programs.

Advanced Hands-On Learning in Biomedical Research

The MLAS program emphasizes experiential learning by integrating classroom instruction with practical hands-on experiences. Students work alongside leading faculty, researchers, and senior staff, applying scientific principles in real-world laboratory settings while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills.

NEW FOR 2027: Two Program Pathways

Beginning with the 2027 cohort, the MLAS program offers two distinct academic pathways: a thesis track and a non-thesis track. This allows students to select the experience that best aligns with their career goals and professional interests.

Thesis Track

The traditional Thesis Track is designed for students seeking an in-depth research experience. Students are matched with a faculty mentor at the beginning of the program and remain in that laboratory throughout their degree. Working closely with their mentor, students develop and execute an independent research project that culminates in the completion and defense of a master's thesis. This pathway is ideal for students interested in research-intensive careers or pursuing advanced graduate degrees.

Non-Thesis Track

The Non-Thesis Track provides a broader experiential learning model for students interested in exploring multiple areas of laboratory animal science and biomedical research. Rather than completing a single, long-term research project, students participate in a series of quarter-long applied projects across a variety of disciplines and settings. Projects may be completed within Stanford laboratories as well as with partnering organizations, providing exposure to diverse research environments, technologies, and professional opportunities. This pathway emphasizes practical experience, professional development, and workforce readiness for careers across academia, industry, and research support organizations. It is ideal for students interested in pursuing advanced professional degrees (including veterinary and medical education and training) or who are exploring careers in research support areas such as regulatory compliance, biomedical research facility operations and management, animal husbandry and welfare, and investigator education and training.

Applicants must indicate their preferred pathway—Thesis Track or Non-Thesis Track—at the time of application.

Requirements

Program Requirements

Requirements Overview

Requirements for all students:

All courses must be taken at the 100 level or above
36 of 45 units must be 200-level or above
All graded courses must achieve a grade of C or higher
Adhere to the university minimum for an overall GPA (3.0)
CompMed 205, 210, 211, 290, and 291 MUST be taken for a letter grade
Students must complete at least 45 units of academic work. All required courses must be completed and will count toward the 45-unit minimum.

Thesis Track:

The remaining units needed to meet the 45-unit minimum can be fulfilled with research credit (COMPMED 399 - Graduate research) or electives, as approved by each student’s research mentor.

Non Thesis Track:

In addition to the required courses (listed below), students should enroll in COMPMED 260 for rotation credit. Out-of-department electives should be approved by the department's Student Services Officer before enrolling.
Students will also participate in 3-4 quarters of hands-on rotations, for credit. Hands-on rotations will be done both within and outside of Stanford University. Instead of a final thesis, trainees in the non-thesis track will produce deliverables for each rotation, including (but not limited to) generation of standard operating procedures (SOP), reports on findings, recommendations and implementation guidelines, educational modules, etc. The type of deliverable for each rotation will be determined by each rotation mentor(s).

Completion Timeline

Core Courses

Complete all of the following course(s):

COMPMED 114

Wielding White Coat Words: Introduction to Comparative Medical Terminology

3 Units

COMPMED 200

One Health Journal Club

1 Units

COMPMED 205

Animal Use in Biomedical Research

4 Units

COMPMED 210

Form and Funkiness of Lab Animals : Anatomy, Histology, and Pathology

4 Units

COMPMED 211

Robust, reproducible, real-world experimental design and analysis for life and biomedical scientists

3 Units

COMPMED 260

Masters Laboratory Animal Science Practicum/Laboratory Research

1-18 Units

COMPMED 290

Laboratory Animal Science Professional Development and Career Exploration

2 Units

COMPMED 291

Laboratory Animal Science Communications and Presentations

1 Units

COMPMED 200 must be taken twice.

Electives

Research Requirement

Thesis

Students must complete a master’s thesis, which may take the following form:
- Original analysis of original data
- A comprehensive literature review with a meta-analysis of data or a critical reanalysis of data
- Evaluation of a methodological problem using actual data
- A comprehensive literature review with a grant proposal (NIH style format) for a new study to bridge a gap in the existing knowledge.
- Students must present their research to the department.

While not required, students are encouraged to publish a research paper that would meet the thesis requirement.

Non Thesis Option:

Hands-on rotations will be done both within and outside of Stanford University. Instead of a final thesis, trainees in the non-thesis track will produce deliverables for each rotation, including (but not limited to) generation of standard operating procedures (SOP), reports on findings, recommendations and implementation guidelines, educational modules, etc.

Research Courses

Thesis Track:

In addition to the required coursework, enroll in research units with your PI.

Students should enroll in COMPMED 399 quarterly with their PI.

Students interested in taking COMPMED 299 or 399 should speak with their PI before enrolling.

Non-Thesis Track:

Students should enroll in COMPMED 260 for rotations

Complete any of the following course(s):

COMPMED 260

Masters Laboratory Animal Science Practicum/Laboratory Research

1-18 Units

COMPMED 299

Directed Reading in Comparative Medicine

1-18 Units

COMPMED 399

Graduate Research

1-18 Units

Overview

Advanced Hands-On Learning in Biomedical Research

NEW FOR 2027: Two Program Pathways

Thesis Track

Non-Thesis Track

Applicants must indicate their preferred pathway—Thesis Track or Non-Thesis Track—at the time of application.

Requirements

Program Requirements

Requirements Overview

Requirements for all students:

All courses must be taken at the 100 level or above
36 of 45 units must be 200-level or above
All graded courses must achieve a grade of C or higher
Adhere to the university minimum for an overall GPA (3.0)
CompMed 205, 210, 211, 290, and 291 MUST be taken for a letter grade
Students must complete at least 45 units of academic work. All required courses must be completed and will count toward the 45-unit minimum.

Thesis Track:

The remaining units needed to meet the 45-unit minimum can be fulfilled with research credit (COMPMED 399 - Graduate research) or electives, as approved by each student’s research mentor.

Non Thesis Track:

In addition to the required courses (listed below), students should enroll in COMPMED 260 for rotation credit. Out-of-department electives should be approved by the department's Student Services Officer before enrolling.
Students will also participate in 3-4 quarters of hands-on rotations, for credit. Hands-on rotations will be done both within and outside of Stanford University. Instead of a final thesis, trainees in the non-thesis track will produce deliverables for each rotation, including (but not limited to) generation of standard operating procedures (SOP), reports on findings, recommendations and implementation guidelines, educational modules, etc. The type of deliverable for each rotation will be determined by each rotation mentor(s).

Completion Timeline

Core Courses

Complete all of the following course(s):

COMPMED 200 must be taken twice.

Electives

Research Requirement

Thesis

Students must complete a master’s thesis, which may take the following form:
- Original analysis of original data
- A comprehensive literature review with a meta-analysis of data or a critical reanalysis of data
- Evaluation of a methodological problem using actual data
- A comprehensive literature review with a grant proposal (NIH style format) for a new study to bridge a gap in the existing knowledge.
- Students must present their research to the department.

While not required, students are encouraged to publish a research paper that would meet the thesis requirement.

Non Thesis Option:

Hands-on rotations will be done both within and outside of Stanford University. Instead of a final thesis, trainees in the non-thesis track will produce deliverables for each rotation, including (but not limited to) generation of standard operating procedures (SOP), reports on findings, recommendations and implementation guidelines, educational modules, etc.

Research Courses

Thesis Track:

In addition to the required coursework, enroll in research units with your PI.

Students should enroll in COMPMED 399 quarterly with their PI.

Students interested in taking COMPMED 299 or 399 should speak with their PI before enrolling.

Non-Thesis Track:

Students should enroll in COMPMED 260 for rotations

Complete any of the following course(s):