Major: Livestock Systems Health

1. Interpret and apply the foundational principles of animal science, husbandry, and health to real-world problems. 
2. 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. 
3. Apply structured problem-solving and solution design methods to generate, communicate, and implement solutions for complex problems. 

Part-Time Online — Approximately Two Years
Take a flexible approach, 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 online MVS degree program is designed to cater to the needs of working professionals. 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 curriculum is flexible with 20 hours of electives to allow professionals to fill their own knowledge gaps to help them advance their careers.  

The MVS degree requires: 32 Credit Hours (12 at the 500 level) 

• 4 credit hours of biostatistics (VCM 565) 
• 8 credit hours of a capstone project (VCM 595) 
  • A highly independent and autonomous project, with faculty oversight, in which the students design, execute, and present a project that directly impacts livestock management practices. This project will span 2 semesters, 8 credit hours.
• 20 credit hours of electives 

*Transfer Credits: EVP alumni may transfer course work into this degree program. Contact our office to learn more.  

The Online Livestock Systems Health Major is best for:

• Veterinarians who desire to advance their career
• Professionals aiming to advance leadership roles within the livestock industry
• Animal health professionals and veterinarians working in production or livestock systems
• Students seeking to specialize in herd health and population management
• Livestock producers and managers
• Animal health industry professionals
• Research and development professionals working in product development
• Executive Veterinary Program (EVP) alumni

Admissions information and requirements can be found here.

For the Livestock Systems Health Major, applications will be evaluated, and top applicants will be invited to an interview.   

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.