Online Program

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.

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.
  • Complete 12 hours in 12 weeks over the summer semester (all online). This is full-time.
  • Get support and mentoring before the next veterinary school application cycle  
  • Take 10 credit hours in the fall and 10 credit hours in the spring (online or on campus)  
  • Graduate in May  
• 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.
  • Fall cohort start  
  • Complete degree program in n your time, most commonly 2 years.
  • Coaching and mentoring for whatever is next in your journey in animal health

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. 

Designed for working professionals, this program provides a structured online learning experience with 20 credit hours of required coursework that builds a foundation in applied veterinary science. Students engage directly with faculty and peers in an immersive, collaborative online environment.

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) 
  • A 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.

Elective Courses, 12 Credit Hours

Total Degree Credit Hours for Completion: 32 Credit Hours

The online MVS degree program is designed to cater to the needs of working professionals. The courses are taught by experienced veterinarians who use case studies and real-world examples for class discussions. The program directors have over 25 years of experience in veterinary medicine and veterinary course curriculum design, which helps in the application of theoretical knowledge to practical solutions. The classes are scheduled in the late afternoons and evenings to accommodate work schedules, with class times set in the central time zone. For each 3-credit hour course, students are expected to spend 8-10 hours on coursework outside of class. The program offers opportunities to build a learning community and professional relationships with colleagues and faculty members from a distance.

Students in the online program still receive many of the same benefits of our on-campus students, including but not limited to:

• 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.

The Online Applied Veterinary Science Major is best for:

• Students interested in expanding their applied veterinary knowledge without relocating
• 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 a balance with other priorities.

Please visit the Costs and Aid Page for the most up to date information.

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.  Use the Illinois Cost Calculator for an estimated cost of attendance.