AVS | On Campus

MVS Experiential Learning Opportunity (ELO)

Observe. Contribute. Create. 

The Applied Veterinary Science program integrates experiential learning throughout the degree, allowing students to move from observation to participation and ultimately to independent application. These experiences provide exposure to veterinary medicine, animal health careers, and professional practice while helping students apply classroom learning in real-world settings. 

Observe 
Students begin their experiential learning journey by exploring veterinary medicine and animal health firsthand. Through experiences in anatomy laboratories, clinical skills training environments, and research and production settings, students gain exposure to the science, practice, and professions that support animal health. These experiences provide valuable context for classroom learning while helping students better understand the diverse opportunities available across veterinary medicine and the animal health industry. 

Contribute 
Students are paired with a faculty member, researcher, clinician, or industry professional and contribute to an active project. These experiences allow students to apply knowledge, develop professional skills, and gain a deeper understanding of how veterinary and animal health professionals address real-world challenges. 

Create
In the final semester, students complete an individualized capstone project aligned with their interests and career goals. Working closely with a mentor, students contribute to a meaningful project while developing and communicating solutions, findings, or recommendations through final deliverables and presentations. 

Why It Matters 
Experiential learning bridges the gap between classroom knowledge and professional practice. Through these experiences, students gain exposure to careers in animal health, develop practical skills, build professional relationships, and create a portfolio of experiences that supports future academic and career goals.

Build Your Network

One of the greatest advantages of studying within a College of Veterinary Medicine is the opportunity to connect with faculty, professionals, and peers who can help shape your future career path. 

Students have opportunities to: 

• Build professional relationships with faculty, staff, researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals across the College of Veterinary Medicine and the broader animal health community. 
• Develop meaningful connections through personalized interactions with instructors, faculty mentors, and veterinary professionals. 
• Participate in student organizations, clubs, and leadership opportunities within the College of Veterinary Medicine and across the University of Illinois campus. 
• Attend career fairs, networking events, and professional development activities that help students explore career options and prepare for future opportunities. 
• Gain hands-on experience through employment, volunteer, and experiential learning opportunities both on campus and throughout the local veterinary community. 
• Connect with small animal clinics, mixed animal practices, and production animal operations to broaden their understanding of veterinary medicine and animal health careers. 
• Volunteer with the Wildlife Medical Clinic and other outreach programs that support animal care, education, and community engagement. 
• Pursue student employment opportunities within the College of Veterinary Medicine while completing their degree. 

These experiences help students expand their professional networks, strengthen their resumes, and gain valuable insight into the many career paths available within veterinary medicine and animal health. 

Cost, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

Estimated Cost
Please refer to the Cost and Aid page for the most up-to-date information on MVS tuition and fees. 

Financial Aid
Students may qualify for financial aid for our program and can learn more about the FAFSA process. Please reach out to us for more information. ilearning@vetmed.illinois.edu 

Scholarships
We have limited scholarships available upon admission to the MVS program. To be eligible for consideration, incoming students must be fully admitted and complete our scholarship application. Students who receive a scholarship will be notified of the award before their first semester begins. Please refer to the Cost and Aid page or contact us. 

Scholarship links (make them short URLS from webtools and give access to MarketingiLC or iLCMarketing) for easier tracking and updating

Admission and Eligibility Requirements 

The Applied Veterinary Science master’s degree welcomes applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds who are passionate about animal health and ready to take the next step toward their educational or professional goals. 

To be considered for admission, applicants should have: 

• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution. 
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 

Admission is competitive and based on a holistic review of each application. In addition to academic achievement, we consider your writing ability, academic preparation, professional experiences, and potential for success in graduate study and future careers in veterinary medicine and animal health. 

Detailed application requirements, deadlines, and required materials are available on the admissions page.

What degree do I earn from this program? 

On successful completion of the program, you will earn a Master’s degree in Veterinary Science from the University of Illinois. 

What careers does this program prepare you for?

The Applied Veterinary Science master’s degree prepares students for the next step in their educational or professional journey. While many graduates use the program to strengthen their preparation for veterinary school, the degree also provides the knowledge, experiences, and professional skills needed for a variety of careers across the animal health industry. 

Graduates are prepared to pursue opportunities in: 

• Veterinary medicine (preparation for veterinary school) 
• Animal health and pharmaceutical industries 
• Biomedical and veterinary research 
• Diagnostic and laboratory sciences 
• Animal welfare and shelter medicine 
• Livestock and production animal industries 
• Wildlife and conservation organizations 
• Government and regulatory agencies 
• Public health and One Health initiatives 
• Agricultural and animal health education 
• Graduate and professional degree programs 

Through graduate coursework, experiential learning, faculty mentorship, and individualized capstone experiences, students develop critical thinking, scientific communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills that are valued across the animal health profession. 

Can this degree help me get into veterinary school?

While the Applied Veterinary Science program is not a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program and does not lead to veterinary licensure, it is designed to help students strengthen their academic preparation, gain meaningful experiences, and build a more competitive veterinary school application. Many students choose the program to prepare for future application cycles, while others discover new opportunities within animal health and veterinary medicine. 

Because every applicant’s journey is unique, we encourage you to schedule a conversation with our admissions team. We’d be happy to discuss your goals and help you determine whether the MVS program is the right next step for you.

Can this program help prepare me for veterinary school?

Many of the courses in the Master of Veterinary Science (MVS) degree program mirror the foundational knowledge covered in the first two years of veterinary school. Students who continue on to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs have reported that they often review their notes and frequently assist their peers with veterinary school content because they acquired a strong foundation in the MVS program. Additionally, our goal is to help students understand how they learn best and how to apply the information they acquire effectively, aiding in the transition to veterinary school.

Not sure if the AVS program is the right next step?

We know every student’s journey is different. Schedule a one-on-one conversation with our admissions team, and we’ll help you explore your options, discuss your goals, and determine whether the Applied Veterinary Science program is the right path for you.

I have a degree in a non-science field. Can I apply? 

Yes. The degree requirements are at minimum a bachelor’s degree in any field.

I have an associate degree. Can I apply?

No. You must have at minimum a bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent degree for international students).  

Can course credits be transferred to the the MVS degree from another department or institution?

Sometimes course credits can be transferred to the MVS degree from another department or institution. This is a case-by-case scenario. Please contact us to see if your situation would qualify for a petition to transfer credits.