6 Best Online Master’s of Veterinary Science Graduate Schools

If you want to embark on a career in a field that highly values compassion, consider earning a master’s degree in veterinary science.

A degree in veterinary science is best suited for people who love animals and science. It is a field of study designed to ensure the health and proper development of farm animals. It encompasses animal genetics, nutrition, physiology, and good agricultural practices.

As a graduate of a master’s degree in veterinary science, you may also choose private veterinary practice or find a career in these institutions:

• Animal hospitals
• Armed Forces
• Research laboratories
• Universities

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METHODOLOGY

Now more than ever, enrichment of skills and career competencies leads to better career options. If you’re pursuing veterinary practice or completing an undergraduate degree and seeking to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the discipline, take the next logical step: Find the most suitable online Master of Veterinary Science program!

In putting together the country’s Best Online Master’s in Veterinary Science, certain deciding factors were considered, all of which point to up-to-date learning processes and an excellent learning experience for each graduate student:

• Delivered as an online or blended program to highlight convenience for non-traditional students,
• A comprehensive array of Veterinary Science courses at the master’s level that provide the requisite skills toward a competent and ethical veterinary practice in different settings,
• A rigorous coursework featuring concentrations or specialized areas of the discipline,
• A dependable and up-to-date online learning platform on which the web-based classes are hosted, featuring easy-to-access student resources,
• Taught by a panel of Board-certified Veterinary Science experts and industry professionals,
• Financial aid programs for eligible online learners,
• Full recognition from accrediting academic bodies and veterinary associations.

Best Online Master’s of Veterinary Science Graduate Schools

University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

Master of Science in Entomology

The Master of Science in Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a program that aims to equip science professionals with the education and skillsets they need to decipher the role insects play in our ecosystem. 

Entomology can be a key to our understanding of agriculture, human diseases, biodiversity, etc. Knowledge of the biology of insects can help people understand certain diseases that insects can carry and spread.

• The online M.S. in Entomology is intended for students who cannot attend traditional on-campus classes. If you are an agricultural professional, pest control operator, or a high school biology teacher seeking to advance your career in your field, this program is for you.
• If you desire to enroll in UNL’s online M.S. in Entomology degree program, you need to follow the Option B requirements, as Option A is for students taking traditional classes. These are some of the essential requirements under Option B:
  • You will need five years and earn at least 30 semester credit hours to complete the degree, with 15 credit hours taken from UNL. Additionally, you must complete 15 credit hours on courses that are intended solely for graduate students.
  • Take ENTO 818 or Insect Identification & Natural History, and ENTO 888, or Master’s Degree Project for three credit hours. These will develop your abilities to apply your graduate training to perform independent projects.
  • The program qualifies you to take the Board Certified Entomology (BCE) general exam given by the Entomological Society of America.
• If you want to enroll in UNL’s Master of Science in Entomology program, these are the requirements for admission:
  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • A completed application for admission
  • Proof of English proficiency if English is not your first language
  • A Letter of Intent where you relate your:
    • Your personal and career goals
    • Your reasons for pursuing a master’s degree in entomology
    • Your present activities that relate to this degree
    • Your personal and professional expectations from this degree

Standout Features of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Master of Science in Entomology Degree Program

As a part of the school’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Master of Science in Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is active in research and teaching. Its faculty members are internationally recognized and are presently involved in basic and applied entomology. 

As a student of UNL’s Master of Science in Entomology program, you will learn the different facets of Entomology and develop knowledge and skills in related areas, including:

• Growing Food
• Saving Lives
• Helping Animals
• Understanding Nature
• Discovering Species
• Saving our Forests
• Fighting Crime
• Improving our Quality of Life

The area of UNL’s weight room is three-quarters of an acre. It is the largest exercise room in the United States.

University of Illinois

Urbana, IL

Online Master of Veterinary Science

The Master of Veterinary Science – Major in Livestock Systems Health (LSH) degree program at the University of Illinois, is offered at the College of Veterinary Medicine of the university. This 100% online degree program is for livestock professionals who are looking to advance their careers for less than $10,000.

Degree Requirements and Specs

The University of Illinois’ online Master of Veterinary Science is a 32-credit-hour program composed of 12 credit hours of Veterinary Clinical Medicine courses and 20 credit hours of elective courses.

• The Veterinary Science Medicine covers subjects including:
  • Clinical and Diagnostic Medicine
  • Statistical Methods in Epidemiology
  • Clinical and Diagnostic Medicine
  • Laboratory Biomedical Experiments
  • Biostatistics
  • Information Management, and
  • Data Analytics for Livestock Production Systems
• You should consult your advisor to ensure that the elective you choose matches your interest, personal, and professional goals for your elective courses.
• To qualify for the university’s online Master of Veterinary Science degree program, there are specific requirements that you need to meet, including:
  • A bachelor’s from an accredited school, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • Official transcripts
  • A completed online application
  • A personal statement
  • Three professional references
  • Your latest resume

Standout Features of the University of Illinois’ Online Master of Veterinary Science Degree Program

The University of Illinois’ Master of Veterinary Science degree program aims to provide you with leadership, creativity, critical thinking, analytical, writing, and research skills. You’ll need these to take on the challenges of livestock operations management.

The state of Illinois has been the cradle of continuing education for veterinarians for more than a century.

Eastern Virginia Medical School

Norfolk, VA

Master of Laboratory Animal Science

The Master of Animal Science degree program at Eastern Virginia Medical School is committed to providing students with the competency they need to become experts in the care and management of laboratory animals. It aims to equip you with a strong foundation for success in laboratory animal science, including solid knowledge of regulations, ethics, facilities management, and research. It aims to enable you to apply your theoretical knowledge in animal science to actual practice.

• The online Master of Animal Science degree program at EVMS comprises 31 credits and over two years for full-time students to complete. Its courses, in particular, are the following:
  • Comparative Anatomy & Physiology
  • Applied Biostatistics & Research Design
  • Laboratory Animal Husbandry, Care & Ethics
  • Journal Club
  • Diseases of Laboratory Animals I & II
  • Anesthesia & Surgery
  • Internship – It is a 40-hour (one week) course you will spend at the EVMS campus in Norfolk, VA.
  • Facility Management
  • Biotechnology & Diagnostic Techniques
  • Graduate Seminar
  • Laboratory Animal Behavior and Behavioral Management
  • Cryopreservation
  • In Vitro Fertilization
  • Introduction IVF, Laboratory Tech and Skills Development
• To qualify for enrollment at EVMS’ Master of Laboratory Animal Science degree program, there are specific requirements that you need to comply with.
  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 
  • At least 500 hours or three months of hands-on animal experience 
  • Two letters of recommendation, one of which must vouch for your hands-on animal experience
  • A personal statement relating your academic and career goals

Standout Features of Eastern Virginia Medical School’s Master of Laboratory Animal Science Degree Program

The Master of Laboratory Animal Science degree program at EVMS intends to provide you with advanced modern technology multidisciplinary education and training. These will provide you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to meet the requirements of a sophisticated yet humane treatment of animals in biomedical research. The areas of focus of this degree include:

• Mastery of Laboratory Animal Science
• Command of Interdisciplinary Scientific Knowledge
• Application of Scientific Methodology

Opened in 1973, the Eastern Virginia Medical School was conceived by community leaders to respond to the shortage of local physicians. Instead of producing medical doctors, they were able to produce graduates for the Art Therapy and Counseling Program.

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR

Graduate Certificate in Fisheries Management

The Graduate Certificate in Fisheries Management at Oregon State University is not a master’s degree. We included it in this article because a graduate certificate is still higher than a bachelor’s degree, and this graduate certificate in fisheries management provides you with useful knowledge about the subject. Did you know that the graduate program is the first of its kind to be offered online?

Oregon State University’s Graduate Certificate in Fisheries Management intends to equip you with knowledge and skills to assess, understand, and provide means for sustainable fisheries on local and international grounds. It prepares students for a role that connects the major players in the fishing industry. One of your main tasks is to handle multifaceted issues related to managing fish habitats and commercial and recreational fisheries. 

• The Graduate Certificate in Fisheries Management is an 18-credit program that includes a capstone project and online coursework covering three major areas: fisheries sciences and management, human dimensions, and fisheries biology.
• To qualify for admission to the program, you need to meet the following requirements:
  • A completed online application for graduate studies in fisheries management
  • Payment of a $75 nonrefundable application fee
  • Submission of official transcripts from institutions attended
  • Submission of names and email addresses of three professional references
  • Submission of your current resume or CV

Standout Features of Oregon State University’s Graduate Certificate in Fisheries Management Program

The Graduate Certificate in Fisheries Management at Oregon State University is a nationally recognized program. It encompasses quality courses to acquire biology, economy, law, and social science skills. It is offered through the school’s College of Agricultural Sciences, which is respected globally as a leader in the fisheries education industry.

Oregon State University is one of the only two universities in the United States to have a Space Grant, Sea Grant, and Sun Grant designations.

American College of Applied Science

Crescent City FL

Master of Science in Companion Animal Behavior Analysis and Counseling

The Master of Science in Companion Animal Behavior Analysis and Counseling is designed for professionals who look to advance their education and career by learning animal behavior analysis.

• The Master of Science in Companion Animal Behavior Analysis and Counseling degree program is comprised of a total of 51 credits hours consisting of:
  • Major courses delivered online – 21 credits
  • Animal behavior and intervention electives – 6 credits
  • Animal behavior residency electives – 6 credits
  • Thesis – 12 credits
  • Externship practicum capstones – 6 credits

• The program uses blended learning or a combination of online and face-to-face classes plus a capstone research project.
• The program is designed specifically for individuals who aspire to pursue a master’s degree but can’t attend traditional on-campus programs due to work and other commitments.
• To qualify for admission to the program, you should comply with these requirements:
  • A bachelor’s from a regionally accredited school, and a minimum GPA of 2.0 
  • A completed online application 
  • Payment of a $75 nonrefundable application fee
  • A 500-word Goals Essay
  • Official transcripts
  • Computer with a webcam and stable internet
  • Your MAT scores

Standout Features of American College of Applied Science’s Master of Science in Companion Animal Behavior Analysis and Counseling Degree Program

Through combined face-to-face and online lessons, the Master of Science in Companion Animal Behavior and Counseling degree program will teach you about the principles of applied behavior analysis. It is also committed to training you and equipping you with the knowledge and skills you need to work as a companion behavior analyst and counselor.

The program will also prepare you for leadership positions in animal institutions, animal behavior businesses, humane societies, educational institutions, health institutions, wildlife parks, and animal control organizations of the government. 

Among all schools in the country, the American College of Applied Science is the only school to offer graduate, undergraduate, and non-degree programs in companion animal science and behavior based on a working relationship with a community.

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL

MS In Veterinary Medical Sciences – Concentration in Shelter Medicine

The online Master of Science (MS) in Veterinary Medical Sciences of the University of Florida is a new program. It is designed specifically for qualified shelter professionals and individuals who desire to embark on a career in shelter medicine.

The first of its kind made available online, the Master of Science in Veterinary Medical Services with a Concentration in Shelter Medicine, is created to provide you with comprehensive training to develop your expertise in shelter medicine. 

• The program is beneficial for practicing veterinarians, shelter operations staff, animal welfare professionals, veterinary technicians, or veterinary students who have a passion for the care of shelter animals. If you have this passion, this program can certainly help to enhance your knowledge and career opportunities.
• All courses in the University of Florida’s MS in Veterinary Medical Sciences with a Concentration in Shelter Medicine are available online.
• The program requires 30 credits and about two years to complete. None of its courses require you to spend time on campus.
• These are the core courses of this master’s degree program:

• Integrating Veterinary Medicine with Shelter Systems – 3 credits
• Shelter Animal Physical Health – 3 credits
• Behavioral Health of Shelter Dogs and Cats – 3 credits
• Population Management by the Metrics – 3 credits
• Role of Animal Shelter in Protecting Community & Public Health – 3 credits
• To qualify for admission to the program, these are the requirements that you need to comply with:
  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • A completed online application
  • Official transcripts from previously attended schools
  • Three letters of recommendation from your academic or professional contacts who can speak for your experience and potential to succeed in the program
  • Proof of English proficiency (if the first language is not English)

Standout Features of the University of Florida’s Master of Science in Veterinary Medical Sciences with a Concentration in Shelter Medicine Degree Program

The need for skilled shelter medicine professionals continues to grow each year. With the University of Florida’s Master of Science in Veterinary Medical Sciences with a Concentration in Shelter Medicine, you will be at the forefront of the evolving field of veterinary care. 

This master’s degree program is designed to develop your expertise in preventing and managing infectious animal diseases, diagnosing and treating animal behavior and welfare problems, and assessing shelter practices against the Standards of Care in Animal Shelters set by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV).

The University of Florida has lots of famous alumni. These include Erin Andrews – the host of FOX College Football, politician Marco Rubio, and three-time Golden Globe winner Faye Dunaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Master of Veterinary Science Degree?

The Master of Veterinary Science (MVSc) is a post-baccalaureate degree. It aims to equip students with advanced research skills in animal sciences. It covers a wide array of subjects that include:

• Livestock production and management
• Animal nutrition
• Biochemistry and physiology
• Veterinary medicine, and many more

The goal of the Master of Veterinary Science degree program is to provide students with high-quality education and research skills. These are essential elements that can help them develop the technology needed to improve and sustain animal care.

Who are the ideal beneficiaries of the Master of Veterinary Science degree program?

The Master of Veterinary Science degree program is beneficial for veterinarians and animal health workers. It provides them with advanced training to improve their knowledge, skills, confidence, and competitiveness in livestock production and management, animal pathology, or clinical sciences.

What is an online Master in Veterinary Science degree program?

An online Master in Veterinary Science degree program is the same as its traditional on-campus counterpart. The main difference is in the method by which the host school delivers the lessons. An online program educates you through the use of a computer and the internet. These will facilitate continuous yet flexible delivery of instructions, assignments, and lessons.

Classes are conducted online at the student’s chosen time and place. If you are a working professional or someone tied to other personal commitments, you can still pursue a master’s degree in veterinary science through an online program. It can help you attain your goal without having to quit your job or relocate to a place closer to your chosen college or university.

What are the differences between Veterinary Science and Veterinary Medicine?

There is a slight difference between veterinary science and veterinary medicine. Both involve animal care and are designed to solve animal health problems. To many people, both refer to the same thing.

However, for veterinarians or graduates of veterinary science, they’re a bit different for several reasons:

• Veterinary medicine is focused on hands-on animal care, while veterinary science focuses on research.

• Veterinary medicine deals with the diagnosis and medical treatment of animal diseases, while veterinary science, on the other hand, generally involves all aspects of animal care. These include breeding, pathology, livestock management, and pharmacology.

What is the job outlook of a Veterinarian?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment opportunities for veterinarians will grow by 20% from 2022 to 2032. It will be reinforced by an average of about 17,700 veterinary job openings each year for the same period.  

What career paths can graduates of a Master of Veterinary Science degree program expect? 

As a graduate of veterinary science degree, you will have several job and career opportunities. Here are some of the jobs you will most likely encounter as a graduate of veterinary science:

• Researcher – As a veterinary science graduate, you don’t always have to work directly with animals. Intensive research work needs to be done in universities and involved private companies. There’s a high demand for jobs related to animal food, pharmaceuticals, and other essential products.
• Small Animal Veterinarians – These are the ones that we often see in private clinics. They are the professionals who provide medical and health care to house pets and other small animals.
• Large Animal Veterinarians – These are the vets responsible for the health and well-being of large animals such as horses, cattle, etc. Some of them work in an office, but many of them work in farms and ranches.
• Zoo Veterinarian – It’s a job that requires a specialist in medicine for exotic animals. As a zoo vet, you should know more about animal species than vets for small or large animals.