Master of Veterinary Science
Advance your future in veterinary and animal health science.
Program Overview
The Master of Veterinary Science (MVS) program at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine empowers professionals, pre-veterinary students, and career changers to thrive in the rapidly evolving animal health industry.
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Strengthen Your Vet School Application
Why pursue an MVS Degree?
- Graduate-level coursework built to mirror your first two years of vet school, so you walk in ahead, not behind
- A stronger academic and professional portfolio for your vet school application
- Career paths beyond vet school too: research, diagnostics, wildlife and conservation, public health
- A nationwide network of faculty and classmates, plus a faculty advisor from day one
- Admission requires a bachelor’s degree (any field) and a minimum 3.0 GPA
Note: MVS is not a DVM and doesn’t grant veterinary licensure — it’s built to strengthen your path toward one or help you find another animal health career.
I’M MID-CAREER OR CHANGING FIELDS
Advance Your Career in Animal Health
A Flexible, applied, and individualized learning experience that reflect the complexity of the animal health industry today.
Why pursue an MVS Degree?
- A capstone project built around a real challenge at your own organization — not a generic thesis
- Graduate credentials that support promotion, a pivot, or a leadership track
- Coursework built for people with full-time jobs: evenings, central time, fully online
- A network spanning veterinarians, producers, regulators, and industry leaders
- Admission requires a bachelor’s degree (any field) and a minimum 3.0 GPA
Not Ready for a Master’s Program?
Start with a certificate in veterinary science. Courses count toward your Master of Veterinary Science if you continue.
More about the Certificate in Veterinary SciencePrograms Built for Starting Your Career in Veterinary Science
Choose a delivery format that fits your schedule.
On Campus | 1 Year
Applied Veterinary Science | On-Campus
Graduate with a degree and a personalized portfolio of experiences that align with your individual goals and interests.
View AVS Program
Online | 1 to 2 Years
Applied Veterinary Science | Online
Help strengthen your academic credentials, building toward your goals without putting your life on hold.
View AVS Online ProgramPrograms Built for Working Professionals
Advance your professional knowledge and access nationally recognized faculty and industry experts.
Online | 2 Years
Livestock Systems Health | Online
Flexible program combines graduate coursework with a highly individualized plan of study.
View LSH ProgramNot sure where to start? Talk it through with us.
Student Spotlights
Alicyn Tilk
“The MVS program is truly reinforcing my confidence that I would succeed in a rigorous professional degree program. I’ll be going into my next vet school application cycle feeling more prepared than before.”
On Campus
Pavlos Stavrou
“The program is not just a set of courses; you are calling the shots as a future professional in a challenging industry.”
Online
Griselda Rodriguez
“This is a great transition if you’re interested in getting a master’s before vet school. The credits from the certificate program transfer directly to the Master of Veterinary Science degree.”
Certificate in Veterinary Science