Q: What degree do I earn from this program?  

A: On successful completion of the program, you will earn a Master’s degree in Veterinary Science from the University of Illinois. 

Q: What kind of careers does the MVS degree prepare students for?  

A: The MVS program prepares students for work in livestock production management, farming, ranching, corporate production, research and development, information technology, education, veterinary medicine, government, quality control regulation, and practice management.  

Q: Will the program prepare me to be a veterinarian?  

A: No. While the program focuses on veterinary issues, it is not a DVM program and does not grant a veterinary license.

Q: I have a degree in a non-science field. Can I still apply?  

A: Yes. The degree requirements are at minimum a bachelor’s degree in any field.

Q: I have an associate degree. Can I still apply?  

A: No. You must have at minimum a bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent degree for international students).  

Q: Do I have to come to campus?  

A: No. You may choose from a completely online program delivery that does not include an in-person requirement, or an on campus/hybrid program delivery option. We strive to deliver you the Illini experience to wherever you may be across the globe.  

Q: How long does it usually take to complete the degree?  

A: Students completing our program fulltime can complete the degree within a year. It takes students completing our program part time, on average, 2-3 years to complete.

Q: What is the average credit load per semester?  

A: Part time students complete 2 courses per semester, which equates to 6 – 8 credit hours per semester. 

Q: How much time should I plan to commit to the program?  

A: Please visit the learning experience page to see time commitment requirements per credit hour to estimate your time commitment.

Q: If I choose the online path, will my diploma state that I was enrolled in an online program?  

A: No, your diploma will not indicate that you completed an online degree. It will simply state that you earned a Master of Veterinary Science from the University of Illinois.  

Q: What are the requirements for admission?  

A: The requirements are detailed on the admissions page.

Q: Do I have to take the GRE to apply?  

A: No. However, you may choose to submit a score as part of your application, but it is entirely at your discretion. You are not penalized if you choose not to do so.  

Q: Do I need to have an undergraduate degree?  

A: Yes, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution in another country.  

If you earned your degree(s) from outside the United States, please refer to the following webpage for academic requirements by country: http://www.grad.illinois.edu/admissions/countries.  

Q: Do I need to have a veterinary degree?  

A: No. The MVS is applicable to both veterinarians and non-veterinarians. 

Q: Can course credits be transferred to the the MVS degree from another department or institution?  
A: Sometimes. Please contact us to see if your situation would qualify for a petition to transfer credits.

Q: Do I need to do an interview?  

A: No, we do not interview our candidates as part of our admissions review.  

Q: When can I apply for admission?  

A: The MVS program accepts applications for a Fall semester start. Please check the admissions page for upcoming application deadlines.  If you’re interested in taking a course but are not enrolled in the MVS program, please contact us for options to take a course as a non-degree seeking student.

Q: What is the admissions process?  

A: Please visit the admissions page for the details regarding the process.

Q: Whom can my letters of recommendation come from?

A: Your letters of recommendation should come from professional contacts. We strongly recommend that your references come from individuals who know you in a professional setting and can speak to your leadership abilities and to your commitment to succeed in a rigorous program. If you are struggling to source three professional letters of recommendation, contact us .

Q: Are letters of recommendation required?  

A: Yes, you will need three letters of recommendation. If you run into any delays in getting recommendations, we encourage you to submit your application anyway. We can begin an initial review of your application once it is received.  

Q: What are the tuition and fees for the MVS degree?  

A: For the online MVS program, the cost is $755 per credit hour with no additional fees. For the on-campus MVS program, we follow the graduate base rate. The base rate does not include any additional fees*. We recommend using the Illinois Cost Calculator to estimate costs. 

*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.

Q: Will I be required to purchase textbooks and other materials?  

A: Most learning materials are included in the cost of tuition. Occasionally, you will need to purchase a textbook or case study. If so, this will be indicated in the course syllabus.  

Q: Does the program offer scholarships or financial aid?  

A: Students may qualify for financial aid for our program and can learn more about the FAFSA process here. Limited scholarships are available upon admission to our program. Please contact us to learn more. 

Q: How will I be billed for tuition payments?  

A: You will be assessed tuition by the University of Illinois and receive a bill for tuition from the University. Please refer to https://paymybill.uillinois.edu/makingpayments  for information regarding your options for tuition payment.  

Q: What if I cannot pay my tuition fee in one single payment?  

A: The University of Illinois offers payment plan options. Please refer to https://paymybill.uillinois.edu/PaymentPlan  for more information.  

Q: I am an international applicant. Do I need to take the TOEFL?  

A: Maybe. Please see the English Proficiency Requirement For Admission page on the Graduate College’s website for more information and exemptions. The following information is taken directly from the Graduate College’s website:  

Applicants who meet one of the following criteria are exempt from submitting an approved English proficiency score and from taking the English as a Second Language Placement Test (EPT) prior to enrolling at Illinois:  

Completion of at least two years of post-secondary full-time study, as defined by the home institution, in an approved country where English is the primary language and at an institution where English is the primary medium of instruction, within five years of the proposed term of initial enrollment.  
Completion of at least two years of professional work experience in an approved country where English is the primary language within five years of the proposed term of initial enrollment.  
Completion of a post-secondary degree in an approved country where English is the primary language and at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, within five years of the proposed term of initial enrollment.