To support K-12 teachers employed in Illinois school districts, the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine has created the Leaders in Teaching Excellence Scholarship. This scholarship covers up to 50% of tuition for the college’s Master of Veterinary Science (MVS) degree, which will enhance educators’ career options.
About the Master of
Veterinary Science degree
- 32 credit hour program, including capstone
project and 20 credit hours of electives - Most courses are 3- or 4-hour credits
- Delivered as an online or in-person program
- Courses move at a demanding pace;
expect to spend 8 to 10 hours per week
per 3 credit hour course - Opportunities for interaction with instructors
and classmates through live sessions
and virtual office hours - Full- or part-time degree program
- Tuition is $740 per credit hour
- Application deadline: May 15, 2024
Apply now
“Earning an MVS degree opens doors for teachers,” said Jennifer Fugate, an academic advisor for the program. “With a master’s from the University of Illinois, educators can improve their salary and become eligible for additional opportunities to bring value to their classrooms and districts. Past MVS students have included high school agricultural teachers who were able to bring higher-level concepts in animal health and real-world business strategy for animal agriculture, back to their classrooms.”
The 32-credit hour degree offers flexibility so learners can tailor the program to meet their career needs. Beyond the core curriculum in animal health, learners choose from a wide array of elective offerings.
Educators may find special interest in elective courses on “Instructional and Training System Design” and “Learning Technologies,” offered through a partnership with the University of Illinois College of Education.
Supporting Teachers to Pursue Excellence
About the Leaders in Teaching
Excellence Scholarship
- Qualifications: Teachers with a professional
educator’s license currently employed
within an Illinois K-12 school district; admitted
to MVS degree program - Amount awarded: Up to 50% of the online program
- Application requirements: Personal statement
and proof of employment - Application deadline: July 15, 2024
Apply now
Applying for the scholarship entails submitting a personal statement regarding the teacher’s plans for completing and benefiting from the program and proof of employment as a professional educator at an Illinois school district. Applicants must be fully admitted to the MVS degree program.
“We want to make this scholarship available to as many Illinois educators as possible,” said Dr. Jim Lowe, associate professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine and associate dean of the college’s Online Programs and Extension unit.
“As a land-grant institution, the University of Illinois embraces the mission to put knowledge into practice for the benefit of Illinois citizens. As an agricultural state, Illinois should support teachers in rural and urban communities with opportunities to pursue excellence and bring new knowledge to their students, our future state leaders.”
With synchronous online courses scheduled outside the typical workday, the MVS program allows participants to join a learning community and build professional relationships with colleagues and faculty members through coursework and professional development activities. Before graduating, every MVS student completes a capstone project.
Learn More
For more information about the MVS or the Leaders in Teaching Excellence Scholarship, please contact: Jennifer Fugate, Academic Advisor: jfugate2@illinois.edu; 217-300-9756.
