Veterinary science

University of Missouri-Columbia
Undergraduate certificate
X-ray of an animal.
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Overview

The undergraduate certificate in veterinary science program has been developed to better prepare pre-veterinary medical students for success as a professional student in veterinary medicine and for a future career in veterinary medicine.

Quick facts

Official name

Undergraduate certificate in veterinary science

Campus

University of Missouri-Columbia

Program type

Undergraduate certificate

Academic home

College of Veterinary Medicine

Delivery mode

100% online

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission

Part time credit hours

16

Part time estimated cost

$8,672.00

*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.

A vet with cows.

Career prospects

Important: The goals of the undergraduate certificate in veterinary science are to enhance the knowledge of pre-veterinary medical students in preparation for application to a professional DVM program and to enrich the knowledge of veterinary technicians who have previously graduated with an associate degree in veterinary technology. The certificate in veterinary science is not a professional program in veterinary medicine and does not supplant professional training in veterinary medicine nor veterinary technology.

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 undergraduate certificate in veterinary science is 100% online: no campus visits required. Courses are semester-based. Students typically take two classes per semester and finish in two years.

The curriculum for this program is specialized to prepare students for application to a college of veterinary medicine. It provides information that many students may not have the opportunity to learn elsewhere, and is taught by veterinary professionals.

Course work includes

  • Biomedical terminology
  • Veterinary terminology
  • Animal handling
  • Sanitation
  • Animal welfare

Delivery

100% online

Calendar system

Semester-based

Typical program length

2 years

Typical course load

2 classes per semester

Accreditation

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

Faculty spotlight

David Cross

Dr. Cross graduated from the MU College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000 and has been part of the College of Veterinary Medicine since 2001. He coordinates and teaches anatomy courses for first-year veterinary students. His graduate training was in equine reproductive physiology and his PhD research involved developing ways to predict birth in mares via radiotelemetry. Dr. Cross was in private large animal practice in Michigan in addition to having his own equine practice in West Michigan.

David Cross, DVM, PhD
Assistant Teaching Professor
Joanne Kramer

A graduate of the University of Minnesota (DVM) and the University of St. Catherine (BA), Dr. Kramer completed specialty training at the University of Missouri. She joined the MU faculty in 1997. Her research interests are in veterinary education, lameness and podiatry. Her clinical interests include equine surgery, podiatry and student education. Dr. Kramer received the Harrison/Kaplan Award for Online Undergraduate Teaching. She is currently the assistant dean for clinical training.

Joanne Kramer, DVM, DACVS
Associate Teaching Professor, Equine – Surgery

Learn more about this program

This program is administered by the College of Veterinary Medicine