About
About the Master of Veterinary Science Program
Shape your future in animal health.
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. Through a blend of advanced coursework, mentorship, and applied learning, you’ll gain the skills to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact in veterinary science.
A flexible, career-driven degree.
The MVS program is designed to fit your goals and schedule. Choose to study online or on campus, full-time or part-time. Complete your degree in as little as one year on campus, or progress at your own pace online while balancing work and life commitments.
Through personalized mentorship and career coaching, you’ll develop both the scientific foundation and professional confidence to advance your career or prepare for veterinary school.
Discover the Master of Veterinary Science pathway designed for your goals, schedule, and future.
MVS: Applied Veterinary Science On Campus
Delivery: In-person at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine
Time Commitment: Full-Time
Time to Completion: Two semesters (Fall & Spring)
Curriculum:
A structured and guided learning experience with 20 credit hours of required coursework that builds a foundation in applied animal health, diagnostics, and scientific communication. Students engage directly with faculty and peers in an immersive, collaborative environment.
Elective Offerings:
Choose 12 hours of electives to customize your studies and explore specialized topics.
Capstone Experience:
A 4-credit-hour, team-based capstone project designed to apply your coursework to real-world challenges in animal health. Students receive close faculty mentorship and support throughout the process, gaining practical experience in research design, analysis, and professional communication.
Best for:
- Recent graduates seeking a structured pathway before entering graduate programs or veterinary school
- Students aiming to expand their expertise and career opportunities in veterinary science or animal health
- Individuals new to the veterinary field who want hands-on experience in applied animal science at the Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
MVS: Applied Veterinary Science Online
Delivery: 100% Online
Time Commitment: Full-Time (accelerated) or Part-Time (traditional)
Time to Completion: Option to complete in 1 year (accelerated) or approximately 2 years (traditional)
Curriculum:
Designed for working professionals, while providing a structured online learning experience with 20 credit hours of required coursework that builds a foundation in applied animal health, diagnostics, and scientific communication. Students engage directly with faculty and peers in an immersive, collaborative online environment.
Elective Offerings:
Choose 12 hours of electives to customize your studies and explore specialized topics.
Capstone Experience:
A 4-credit-hour, team-based online capstone project designed to apply your coursework to real-world challenges in animal health. Students receive close faculty mentorship and support throughout the process, gaining practical experience in research design, analysis, and professional communication.
Best For:
- Recent graduates seeking a structured pathway before entering graduate programs or veterinary school without relocating to our campus.
- Individuals new to the veterinary field who want foundational knowledge in applied animal science at the Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
- Individuals balancing career and education who require balance with other priorities.
- Students interested in expanding their applied veterinary knowledge without relocating
MVS: Livestock Systems Health Online
Delivery: 100% Online
Time Commitment: Part-time
Time to Completion: Approximately 2 years
Curriculum:
Focused on herd and population health, this program blends animal science, epidemiology, and data-driven management to improve livestock systems. Students learn to assess risk, implement biosecurity measures, and optimize production health through applied coursework with 12 credit hours of required coursework.
Elective Offerings:
Select specialized courses to tailor your learning to your interests and career path with 20 credit hours of electives.
Capstone Experience:
A highly independent and autonomous project, with faculty oversight, in which the students design, execute, and present a project that directly impacts livestock management practices. This project will span 2 semesters, 8 credit hours.
Best For:
- Professionals aiming to advance leadership roles within the livestock industry
- Animal health professionals and veterinarians working in production or livestock systems
- Students seeking to specialize in herd health and population management
Why choose the Illinois MVS?
- Industry-focused curriculum: Courses are grounded in real clinical and business cases that mirror challenges in modern veterinary and animal health fields.
- Expert faculty: Learn from instructors with more than 25 years of experience across animal health, livestock management, and education.
- Collaborative community: Connect with peers from diverse educational and professional backgrounds to grow your professional network.
- Flexible pathways: Choose the format and timeline that align with your personal and professional goals, either online or on campus, part-time or full-time.
Lead with purpose
Whether you’re advancing in your current role, preparing for veterinary school, or exploring a new career direction, the Master of Veterinary Science gives you the knowledge, connections, and confidence to make a meaningful impact in the field of animal health.
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