Master of Veterinary Science
Major in Applied Veterinary Science
Discover the Next Step in Your Veterinary Journey
The Master of Veterinary Science in Applied Veterinary Science at the University of Illinois is the first graduate program of its kind taught by veterinarians. Designed for students on the path to veterinary school, professionals seeking advancement, or those ready for a career change, our program bridges academic knowledge with real-world application.
Experience a Curriculum Built from Veterinary School Foundations
We bring the first two years of veterinary school to the graduate level, introducing the science of animal health through a rigorous and engaging curriculum:
- 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.
- Science of Health Evaluation – Build clinical reasoning skills through case-based analysis.
Learn in Small, Focused Groups
With a 1:8 faculty-to-student ratio, you’ll gain the personalized attention, mentorship, and collaboration that prepares you for success in advanced study or the workplace.
Beyond the Classroom
Each student is paired with a faculty mentor and receives professional career coaching to help map the next step—whether that’s veterinary school, a new role in animal health, or advancement in your current career.
Why Choose This Degree?
- Join the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
- Learn directly from experienced veterinarians and scientists who bring real-world expertise into the classroom.
- Designed for those seeking more than a degree. This is a launchpad for your future.
- Builds confidence and skills for professional growth in veterinary and related fields.
- Not sure exactly where you’re headed? That’s okay. Through faculty mentorship and career coaching, we’ll help you discover the path that fits you best and support you as you work toward your goals.
Take the Next Step
Whether you’re preparing for veterinary school or exploring new opportunities in animal health, the Master of Veterinary Science in Applied Veterinary Science equips you with the knowledge, support, and experience to reach your goals.
Guided Pathways: Discover Where You’re Meant to Go
You don’t have to know exactly where you’re headed to start this program. Maybe you’re preparing for veterinary school, thinking about a career change, or just ready for something more. Wherever you are, we’ll help you explore your options and chart a path that fits you.
How we’ll support you:
Faculty Mentorship
You’ll be matched with a faculty mentor who will guide you through the program, answer your questions, and share insights from real veterinary experience.
Career Coaching
Our coaches will help you uncover your strengths, connect you with opportunities, and create a personalized plan for your next step.
Small Group Learning
With just eight students per faculty member, you’ll get the support and attention you need to build confidence and skills.
Goal-Oriented Growth
Whether your future is in veterinary school, industry, government, or animal health leadership, we’ll help you get there.
You don’t need to have all the answers right now. What matters is that you’re ready to take the next step—and we’ll walk alongside you to help you reach your goals.
We offer two delivery options, which one is right for you?
One Year Campus Program
Full-time
16 credit hours/semester
Live on campus
Online Program
Set your schedule
1-3 years to complete (average)
Live and work where you are
Applied Veterinary Science Program Details
Program Objectives
- At the end of this program, learners will develop and demonstrate their ability to:
- Apply structured problem-solving and solution design methods within multidisciplinary teams to generate, communicate, and implement solutions for complex problems.
- Interpret and apply the foundational principles of animal science, husbandry, and health to real-world problems.
- 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.
Courses & Curriculum
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, 19 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 (3 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
Capstone Project
All students in our graduate programs complete a capstone project designed to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout their coursework. The format and timeline of the capstone vary by program and delivery mode, but each is structured to enhance students’ professional portfolios through experiential learning.
Online: In their final semester, students enroll in VCM 594, a one-semester, 4-credit capstone course. Each student contributes as a subject matter expert to a collaborative group project, demonstrating mastery of a specialized topic.
On Campus: Students engage in hands-on experiential learning through faculty-led lab partnerships and internships. These experiences culminate in a capstone project that showcases the application of their knowledge, skills, and abilities in real-world settings.
Coaching and Mentorship
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.
Learn More
AVS Online Program
AVS On Campus
Trying to decide if this program is right for you?
We’d be happy to answer any questions that you have.
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