Admissions

The online Shelter Medicine graduate programs at the University of Florida offer flexible options for students and professionals seeking advanced training in shelter medicine, animal welfare, and shelter operations. Whether you are interested in pursuing a master’s degree, graduate certificate, or non-degree enrollment, this page will help you identify the admissions path that best fits your goals.

Admissions by Program Type

Which Path is Right for Me?

Master’s Degree

Best for students seeking a full graduate degree and comprehensive training in shelter medicine, animal welfare, and shelter operations.

  • 30 credits
  • Earn a Master of Science degree
  • Designed for long-term academic and professional advancement

Graduate Certificate

Ideal for professionals seeking specialized graduate-level training without completing a full master’s degree.

  • 15 credits
  • Focused area of study (Shelter Medicine or Animal Shelter Leadership)
  • Graduate-level academic credential

Non-Degree Enrollment

Designed for students interested in taking individual graduate courses before committing to a formal program.

  • Take select courses without formal program admission
  • 6 credit maximum
  • Explore graduate-level coursework before applying to a program

Application Deadlines

Applications are reviewed by admission term. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow time for application review, admission processing, and course registration.
TermDeadline
Spring 2027November 15, 2026
Summer 2027April 15, 2027