Veterinary Science Programs and Courses
Advance your knowledge in animal health through graduate degree programs, a graduate certificate, and online courses offered by the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Learning Center. Explore flexible academic pathways designed for students, professionals, and lifelong learners.
Which veterinary science program fits your goals?
All three MVS paths lead to the same degree: a Master of Veterinary Science from the University of Illinois. They differ in format, pace, and who they are built for.
Preparing for veterinary school and need flexibility
Applied Veterinary Science | Online
- Credits 32
- Format 100% online, live and self-paced
- Length 12 or 24 months
- Starts Summer or fall
- Capstone Team project with faculty coaches
Preparing for veterinary school and want in-person
Applied Veterinary Science | On Campus
- Credits 32
- Format In person, Urbana, Illinois
- Length 10 months
- Starts Fall
- Capstone Individual project with instructor or faculty
Working in animal agriculture or animal health
Livestock Systems Health | Online
- Credits 32
- Format Online, part time, evening classes (CT)
- Length About 2 years
- Starts Fall
- Capstone Project built on your organization’s challenge
Not ready to commit to a master’s degree
Certificate in Veterinary Science
- Credits 12, may count toward the MVS
- Format 100% online, live classes
- Length
12 weeks (summer) or 2 semesters - Starts Summer or fall
- Capstone None
What courses do Applied Veterinary Science students take?
Applied Veterinary Science students complete 20 credit hours of required courses and 12 credit hours of electives, online or on campus. Courses are taught by College of Veterinary Medicine faculty and use case-based, Grand Rounds-style discussion.
- VCM 504 Introduction to Veterinary Science (3)
- VCM 507 Veterinary Form and Function (3)
- VCM 509 Biology of Veterinary Pathogens (3)
- VCM 513 Science of Health Homeostasis (3)
- VCM 565 Biostatistics, Information Management, and Data Analytics (4)
- VCM 594 Applied Veterinary Science Capstone (4)
Livestock Systems Health students follow a more customized plan of study with a larger share of approved electives.
Can I start with one course and work up to a master’s degree?
1. Take a single course
Enroll as a non-degree student to see how graduate veterinary science courses work before you apply. Ask our team which courses are open.
2. Earn the certificate
Complete four sequenced courses, VCM 507, 509, 513, and 514, for a 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Science.
3. Finish the MVS
All 12 certificate credits are approved MVS courses, leaving 20 credits to complete the 32-credit degree.
How much do the programs cost, and who can apply?
MVS tuition and fees are listed on the Cost and Aid page. MVS students may qualify for federal financial aid through the FAFSA, and limited scholarships are available to admitted students.
For 2026–27, Certificate in Veterinary Science tuition is $798 per credit hour for the summer program and $755 per credit hour for the two-semester program, based on University of Illinois Online estimated costs. Certificate students are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in any field; a science major is not required, and an associate degree alone does not qualify. MVS applicants need a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. See admissions requirements and deadlines.
Talk with an admissions advisor
Not sure which path fits? Book a one-on-one conversation and we’ll help you compare formats, timelines, and costs.