Applied Veterinary Science Major

A Curriculum Built from Veterinary School Foundations
The MVS curriculum mirrors the core scientific principles of the first two years of veterinary school, introducing the science of animal health through engaging, graduate-level coursework:

Science of Health Evaluation – Build clinical reasoning skills through case-based analysis.

Veterinary Form and Function – Explore the structure and systems that drive animal health.

Biology of Veterinary Pathogens – Understand the organisms that challenge animal well-being.

Science of Health Homeostasis – Study how animals maintain balance in health and disease.

• Personalized, Small-Group Learning
  With a 1:8 faculty-to-student ratio, students benefit from close mentorship, interactive discussions, and individualized feedback that build confidence and deepen understanding.
• Beyond the Classroom
  Every student is paired with a faculty mentor and receives career coaching to help define and pursue their next steps, whether that’s veterinary school, a new role in animal health, or advancement in your current field.

Choose the Route That Fits You
The MVS in Applied Veterinary Science offers multiple paths to fit your schedule, goals, and learning style. Whether you want to move quickly toward veterinary school or balance your studies with work, there’s a format designed for you.

• Accelerated Online — Summer to Spring
  Complete your degree in less than a year through an intensive online format that runs from summer to spring. This option is ideal for students preparing for veterinary school or eager to advance quickly in their careers.
• Part-Time Online — Two Years
  Take a flexible approach with a two-year online pathway designed for working professionals. You’ll progress at a sustainable pace while balancing personal and professional commitments.
• On-Campus — Fall to Spring
  Immerse yourself in the full campus experience at the University of Illinois. Study alongside peers, connect with faculty in person, and access the rich resources of the College of Veterinary Medicine from fall through spring.

At the end of this program, learners will develop and demonstrate their ability to:  

1. Apply structured problem-solving and solution design methods within multidisciplinary teams to generate, communicate, and implement solutions for complex problems. 
2. Interpret and apply the foundational principles of animal science, husbandry, and health to real-world problems. 
3. Concisely define, assess, and prioritize problems, formulate specific testable questions about problems, and seek out and critically evaluate evidence to support conclusions about answers to questions. 

The courses taught in this degree program are new courses not taught in veterinary school or undergraduate programs. Our veterinary faculty developed new courses on infectious disease management, business operations, and veterinary science foundation principles. We also partnered with colleagues across campus to offer you a variety of elective course options to truly help build the degree best for you. 

Required Courses, 20 Credit Hours:

• VCM 504 Introduction to Veterinary Science (3 Credit Hours) 
• VCM 507 Veterinary Form and Function (3 Credit Hours)  
• VCM 509 Biology of Veterinary Pathogens (3 Credit Hours) 
• VCM 513 Science of Health Homeostasis (3 Credit Hours) 
• VCM 565 Biostatistics, Information Management, and Data Analytics (4 Credit Hours) 
• VCM 594 Applied Veterinary Science Capstone (4 Credit Hours) 

Elective Courses, 12 Credit Hours

Total Degree Credit Hours for Completion: 32 Credit Hours

Our graduate programs are built on a foundation of personalized mentorship, academic rigor, and holistic support. Faculty and staff are deeply committed to guiding students through each stage of their educational journey—from orientation to capstone completion. We challenge students to think critically, innovate within their fields, and apply their learning in meaningful ways. Through regular advising, collaborative learning environments, and accessible office hours, we ensure students are supported both academically and professionally. Whether online or on campus, our goal is to foster a learning community where students feel empowered, connected, and prepared to succeed. 

Our program is designed for individuals seeking to fill knowledge gaps to help them achieve their career goals. We offer electives that help students tailor a curriculum to meet their specific needs and desired goals. Our students come from a diverse range of backgrounds and complete the program, finding success in both the animal health and agriculture industries.