MVS: Applied Veterinary Science
On Campus
You Belong Here.
Earn in
One Year
a MVS Degree
Take
10 Classes
to change your life
Invest
14K
To advance your career
Join Us at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine
Complete full-time coursework on the Urbana-Champaign campus. Master of Veterinary Science degree is offered as a traditional on-campus program. Students in this program will live on campus or in the Champaign-Urbana area and have access to all the resources offered by a Big 10, Research 1 University.
Complete your degree in two semesters: Fall and 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.
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.
Applied Veterinary Science On-Campus Program Details
About
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.
Program Path & Time Commitment
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)
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, 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 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
Who should apply?
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.
- 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.
Tuition
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.
A one-of-a-kind experience for on-campus students:
MVS Experiential Learning Opportunity (ELO)
Experience Applied Research in Action
Gain hands-on experience in applied veterinary research through the MVS Experiential Learning Opportunity (ELO). This mentored course connects you directly with active research projects in the Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, allowing you to turn classroom knowledge into practical, career-building experience.
Students work alongside mentors to design studies, analyze data, and communicate findings, all while developing skills that strengthen residency and career applications.
What You’ll Gain
- Tangible outcomes: Produce deliverables such as a poster, report, or manuscript section—valuable additions to your CV or applications for students desiring to continue their education.
- Real-world research experience: Contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects and develop skills in study design, data analysis, and scholarly communication.
- Mentorship & professional growth: Work one-on-one with a faculty mentor to explore research pathways and build your professional identity.
MVS Applied Learning Opportunities
On-campus MVS students will participate in structured, skill-building sessions in both the Anatomy Lab and the Clinical Skills Lab, working alongside faculty who also teach in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curriculum. These sessions allow MVS students to gain confidence and competence in practical techniques that complement their coursework.
What Makes This Experience Unique:
- Included as part of your MVS Degree: The hands on experience you’ve been searching for.
- Hands-on learning, every week: Spend one hour each week in active skill development throughout the academic year.
- Cross-disciplinary mentorship: Learn directly from CVM faculty who bring cutting-edge expertise and mentorship from the DVM curriculum.
- Career-focused training: Build tangible, workplace-ready skills that strengthen your confidence and professional profile.
Get Involved
- Enhance your network in the veterinary field by connecting with faculty and staff in the program, across the college, and within the veterinary industry
- Join clubs and organizations with the College of Veterinary Medicine or across the campus
- Personalized interactions with College of Veterinary Medicine instructors and faculty
- Attend career fairs and utilize the network of the university to define your future
- Appy to Work or Volunteer Here
- Connect with small animal clinics, mixed animal practices or production animal farms on campus or in the area to gain a variety of experiences
- Volunteer at the College of Veterinary Medicine Wildlife Medical Clinic
- Work at Vet Med with an hourly job opportunity while working on your degree
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.
A Day in the Life: On-Campus MVS Student
Whitney Kunz, MVS Class of 2025
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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