Certificate of Veterinary Science
Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Science
The graduate certificate in Veterinary Science is designed by veterinary professors for future veterinary students and animal health professionals.
This Graduate Certificate is for students who:
- Have completed their undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and are looking to enhance their Vet School application
- Are looking to build a strong foundation for success in veterinary school
- Are seeking to fill the gap between their undergraduate degree and veterinary school
- Are ready to deepen their confidence and competence in critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
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“I am not just a number or a random girl in Virginia taking on online course. Illinois does it different and I am a part of a community”-Shabria, current certificate student.
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What makes the program unique? You will:
- Take 4 graduate courses (12 credit hours) of material not covered in your undergraduate curriculum
- Gain veterinary student mentors who will work with you and advise you on surviving veterinary school and the admissions process
- Receive coaching on building academic competencies from faculty at the College of Veterinary Medicine
- Receive a head start to the first year of veterinary school-Day 1 Readiness
- Build your academic and professional networks and relationships
INFORMATION SESSION: Attend one of our online information sessions to learn more about the program!
Why the Certificate in Veterinary Science?
Our certificate is designed around the concepts of student success, active learning in community, career and professional development, leadership, and teamwork. Specific courses are focused on developing critical thinking skills, communication, and problem solving of animal health challenges. The required credit coursework involves classes in bioveterinary structure and function, clinical microbiology, infectious disease, host homeostasis and responses to health challenges.
The summer session is an intense 12-week period. Courses are entirely online, lasting three weeks each, and taught both synchronously and asynchronously. You should plan to spend 48 hours per week on coursework as it is a full-time commitment.
The 9-month cohort runs August-May following the traditional academic calendar. You will complete the same courses as offered in the summer program. You can expect to spend 10 hours/week working through the materials. This will be a part-time delivery format which allows for working and other experiences.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a transcript and certificate from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine to show future employers or admission committees.
Courses and Services
Course 1 - VCM 507: Veterinary Form and Function
Course 2 - VCM 509: Biology of Veterinary Pathogens
Course 3 - VCM 513: Science of Health Homeostasis
Course 4 - VCM 514: Science of Health Evaluation
Academic Development services offered for every student include:
- Veterinary Student Mentor (Near Peer Mentor)
- Teaching Faculty Mentor (pod leader)
- Guidance on writing personal statements, cover letters, and interviews
- Career Counseling
Admission Requirements
- Successful completion of your undergraduate degree
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Unofficial Transcripts: if you are in-progress of completing your degree, please include all in-progress coursework.
- Resume
- Cover Letter or Personal Statement: please include why you are interested in our certificate program and how it would assist you in your career goals.
Applications are now open!
Need more information before you decide? We're happy to chat with you - send us an email today or register for one of our online information sessions to learn more about the program!
Springboard to a Master of Veterinary Science degree
Completion of the certificate can count toward the hours needed for your Master of Veterinary Science (MVS) degree at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
Upon admission into the MVS degree program, you may petition for the 12 credit-hours from the certificate to count towards your degree. The MVS degree program requires 32 credit-hours. You could earn a Master of Veterinary Science after successfully completing the remaining 20 credit-hours.
Want to learn more information about the program?
We are happy to schedule a call with you.