What can you do with a masters in veterinary science

Overview

A master’s degree in veterinary sciences from MU can help you further your existing career in veterinary medicine. If you are a veterinarian or veterinary technician and aspire to be a supervisor in a hospital or research laboratory or to teach in a professional curriculum, this may be the degree for you.

Quick facts

Official name

Master of science in biomedical sciences with an emphasis in veterinary sciences

Campus

University of Missouri-Columbia

Program type

Master's degree

Academic home

College of Veterinary Medicine

Delivery mode

100% online

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission

Estimated cost

$18,609.00

*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.

Career prospects

This program has potential benefits for careers in

• Academic research
• Animal feed companies
• Governmental agencies
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Veterinary medical industry
• Veterinary journalism

Burning Glass Technologies. 2021. Salary numbers and employment growth numbers are based on models that consider advertised job posting salary, Bureau of Labor Statistics data and other proprietary and public sources of information for multiple occupations.

15.71%

Employment growth

Burning Glass Technologies. 2021. Salary numbers and employment growth numbers are based on models that consider advertised job posting salary, Bureau of Labor Statistics data and other proprietary and public sources of information for multiple occupations.

$66,000

Median salary

Program structure

The online master’s in veterinary sciences is 100 percent online: no campus visits are required.

Classes are semester based. Students typically take one or two classes each semester and finish the program in three to four years.

Course work covers

• Chemistry
• Cytology
• Emergency and clinical care
• Nutrition
• Surgery
• Toxicology
• Zoonotic diseases

Calendar system

Semester-based

Typical program length

3-4 years

Typical course load

1 or 2 classes each semester

Accreditation

The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.

Application criteria

Applicants interested in the VMED graduate program should review the following preferred performance standards:

• A minimum grade performance average (GPA) of 3.25 (on a four-point scale); 
• Laboratory experience is strongly preferred but not required;
• DVM or equivalent degree preferred, but not necessary;
• GRE test scores are not required to apply.

International applicants 

Prospective students whose native language is not English will be considered if they have received the following minimal scores obtained within the past two (2) years of the graduate program start date from one of the following English proficiency examinations:

• TOEFL: total score of 79; reading subscore of 19; and writing subscore of 21
• MELAB: 80
• IELTS: total score of 6.5, reading subscore of 6.5, writing subscore of 6.5

Note: Review the Graduate School's English Language Proficiency page to review other acceptable tests to demonstrate language proficiency.

Ready to apply?

Please review the “Application Instructions” document to assist you in completing your MS or PhD application. 

• Application deadline: December 1. Applications for new students are generally considered for the Fall term only. 
• New application fees:
• U.S. citizen / permanent resident ($75)
• International ($95)

Required application materials include the following: 

• Resume or CV
• Names and email addresses of three people who can comment on your academic and research skills
• Personal  statement of research experiences and interests
• Unofficial transcripts or academic records from each post-secondary learning institution attended, including incomplete or partial academic records
• English proficiency test scores (e.g. TOEFL, MELAB, or IELTS), if applicable 

Start your application

What to expect

Veterinary Medicine PhD degree

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Veterinary Medicine (VMED) is granted in recognition of scholarly scientific research attainments. Graduates will be prepared for leadership positions in academia, government, or the private sector.

• Formal coursework for PhD students varies according to their field of study, interests, and career goals. 
• Students also take an additional 24 thesis credits once they have completed their preliminary oral examination.
• Training culminates in the preparation and defense of an original doctoral dissertation.
• On average, students complete the PhD in VMED degree in four years.

For more information see the VMED PhD degree timeline and course requirements

Veterinary Medicine MS degree

A Master of Science degree in Veterinary Medicine (VMED) is granted in recognition of scholarly scientific research attainments and prepares graduates with strong technical skills for careers in industry or veterinary medicine. 

• Students complete a total of 30 credits (including 10 thesis credits) and submit a thesis based on original laboratory research. 
• On average, students complete the MS degree in less than three years. 

For more information see the VMED MS degree timeline and course requirements

Tuition, fees and funding

• First year: The VMED graduate program supports incoming PhD students during their first academic year with a Research Assistantship position, which includes a $29,000 annual stipend, tuition waiver, and healthcare benefits.
  
• Subsequent years: Faculty advisors provide financial support. After successfully passing preliminary exams given during the second year of a PhD program and if the student is paid at the base stipend level, students are eligible for a $1,000 increase. 
• MS students must identify a faculty advisor who will provide financial support during their training.
• A number of grants and fellowships are also available. Interested students should consult the U of M Graduate School and the college’s graduate program grant and fellowship opportunities.
• Additional information on tuition and fees are detailed on the U of M OneStop.

Housing Information

• Graduate Student Housing
• University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus Graduate Student Housing Guide

Meet the Veterinary Medicine faculty

Our faculty will help to provide you with individualized training to gain new knowledge in the understanding of comparative aspects of biology and pathology across animal species, animal models of human disease, and animal diseases and populations.

Meet our faculty

Meet our Veterinary Medicine graduate students

MS and PhD students in the Veterinary Medicine (VMED) graduate program are engaged in research related to animal and human health and welfare, as well as ecosystem health. Our students study infectious and zoonotic diseases, the development of novel treatments for cancer and other diseases, genetic research and therapies, virology and bacteriology, population medicine, and ecosystem and wildlife health, among other areas of research.

Meet our graduate students

Need additional information or advice?

Interested students should contact Dr. Ned Patterson, Veterinary Medicine Director of Graduate Studies, or Dr. Sandra Godden, Interim Associate Dean of Graduate Programs.

What is the highest paying vet position?

What is the best degree to get in vet?

What does MS stand for in veterinary medicine?