Certificate in Veterinary Science

Curriculum Overview and Typical Plan of Study

The Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Science consists of four required courses, completed in sequence, for a total of 12 credit hours. Each course builds on the one before it, mirroring the pace and structure of first-year DVM coursework.

• VCM 507 — Veterinary Form and Function (3 credit hours)
  Build foundational knowledge in anatomy and physiology, and begin applying case-based thinking to clinical and herd health problems.
• VCM 509 — Biology of Veterinary Pathogens (3 credit hours)
  Study veterinary microbiology and host-pathogen interaction, building on Veterinary Form and Function to understand disease prevalence, prevention, and pathology.
  Prerequisite: VCM 507
• VCM 513 — Science of Homeostasis (3 credit hours)
  Learn how individual organ systems contribute to whole-body health, and how animals adapt to internal and external health challenges.
  Prerequisite: VCM 509
• VCM 514 — Science of Health Evaluation (3 credit hours)
  Apply your foundational knowledge of anatomy, physiology, immunology, and pathology to evaluate and solve real health problems, using the same case-based approach used in vet school.

Prerequisite: VCM 513

All four courses are taught by veterinary faculty and are also approved courses in the Master of Veterinary Science degree — meaning these same 12 credit hours count toward both credentials.

Program Format and Key Details 

Credit Hours: 12 
Delivery Format: Online (synchronous) 
Program Options: 

• Full-time summer program (12 weeks) – accelerated  
• Part-time academic year program (two semesters) 

Estimated Time Commitment: 

• Summer option: approximately 40–48 hours per week 
• Part-time option: approximately 10 hours per week

Tuition 

Per-credit tuition

• Academic Year 2026-2027
• Online: $798 per credit hour + fees* (online students have a $3 per credit hour fee) 

* Tuition and fees are direct costs charged by the university. The cost of attendance also includes indirect cost allowances for food, housing, books, supplies and other expenses. You will not be billed by the university for these costs unless you live in university housing. 

Cost, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

Estimated Cost
We strongly recommend using the Illinois Cost Calculator for an estimated cost of attendance. To calculate the estimated cost of your semester bill: 

• Select your residency status 
• Select ‘Veterinary Medicine’ as your student level 
• Select the first term you enrolled in the CVS, and which term you would like to see for estimated costs 
• Select ‘Veterinary Medicine (online)– NDEG 
• Select the number of credit hours you will be taking. 

Financial Aid
Students in the graduate certificate program are not eligible for financial aid. Because this graduate certificate is also an elective track within our Master of Veterinary Science Degree program, options are available. Please reach out to us for more information.  ilearning@vetmed.illinois.edu 

Scholarships
We have limited scholarships available upon admission to the CVS 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. 

Admission and Eligibility Requirements 

This certificate is intended for students with an interest in veterinary medicine or animal health professions. Applicants typically have an undergraduate background in biological or animal sciences and are preparing for future veterinary or advanced animal health training. 

Student Support and Advising 

Students in the Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Science receive academic and professional support from College of Veterinary Medicine faculty and staff. This includes guidance on coursework, academic skill development, and preparation for future educational or professional steps. 

Does this certificate qualify me to practice veterinary medicine?

No. The certificate is not a DVM program and does not grant a veterinary license. It’s a transcripted Graduate Certificate from the University of Illinois that strengthens academic readiness for vet school or other animal health careers.

Can the credits count toward a graduate degree?

Yes. All 12 credit hours roll directly into Illinois’ Master of Veterinary Science (MVS) degree.

Is this program right for someone who’s already a veterinarian?

No. The certificate is built for non-veterinarians. Veterinarians continuing their education should look at the MVS program instead.

What are the minimum degree requirements to apply?

A bachelor’s degree in any field. A science background isn’t required, but an associate degree alone doesn’t qualify.

How long does the program take, and what formats are offered?

Choose the format that fits your schedule: a full-time Summer Program (12 weeks, 12 credit hours) or a part-time 2-Semester Program (12 credit hours split across two semesters). Both lead to the same Graduate Certificate.

How much weekly time should I plan for?

Students in the Summer Program should expect a substantial time commitment — roughly 40 to 48 hours per week, similar to a full-time job, given the accelerated 12-week pace.

Students in the 2-Semester Program spend about 10 hours per week outside of scheduled coursework.

Is the program fully online?

Yes, no in-person requirement, live sessions recorded for any time zone.

Do I need the GRE or an interview to apply?

No to both.

What does tuition cost?

$798/credit hour, $9,576 total, no additional fees, materials included.

Source: University of Illinois Online Degree and Certificate Programs Estimated Costs (2026-2027 Academic Year)

Is financial aid available?

Limited scholarships upon admission — contact the iLearning Center with questions.