I. CORE | II. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS | III. ELECTIVES | IV. THESIS-BASED REQUIREMENTS
Please view the Course Tracker document to see the full list of courses, course requirements, and access syllabi.
I. Core Courses – Required 15 Credits
These courses are required for both the Master of Science and the Graduate Certificate in Shelter Medicine.
VME 6810: Integrating Veterinary Medicine with Shelter Systems (available for Spring 2022) All students must take this course in their first semester as an introduction to the field of Shelter Medicine and course technology.
VME 6811: Shelter Animal Physical Health (available for Spring 2022)
VME 6813: Behavioral Health for Shelter Dogs and Cats (available for Spring 2022)
VME 6815: Population Management by the Metrics (available for Spring 2022)
II. Additional Requirements for Master of Science
VME 6950: Capstone Project (available for Fall 2021) (required in student’s final semester and can be taken for variable credit of 1-3 hours)
A course or prior publication that documents ability to write in the sciences, such as VME 6951 Communicating Research About Shelter Medicine (available for Fall 2021), or OpenEdX Writing in the Sciences (0-1 credit)
Non-thesis students are expected to (1) meet with their online advisor at least once annually to review progress, (2) keep an e-portfolio to document their learning and professional growth, and (3) to develop a “Capstone Project” approved by their advisor before the final semester of their program.
Thesis students are expected to (1) meet online with their committees at least twice annually to review their progress, (2) document teaching efforts, (3) attend online national rounds, and (4) develop and defend their thesis.
III. Electives – Required 15 credits or more for Master of Science
III-a – Electives in Shelter Medicine
VME 6812: Problem-Oriented Approach to Shelter Animal Behavior and Welfare
VME 6814: Principles of Teaching in Animal Shelters
VME 6817: Humane Euthanasia Practices for Animal Shelters
VME 6818: High Quality High Volume Spay Neuter
VME 6819: Principles of Leadership in Animal Shelters
VME 6820: Introduction to Veterinary Disaster Response
VME 6934: Fundraising and Development for Animal Welfare Organizations
VME 6934: Communications and Marketing for Animal Welfare Organizations
VME 6934: Principles of Management in Animal Shelters (starting Fall 2022)
VME 6934: Life-Enhancing Strategies of Animal Welfare Organizations
VME 6934: Infectious Disease Management for Animal Shelters (starting Spring 2022)
VME 6934: Principles of All-Hazard Responding in Animal Welfare
VME 6939: Topics in International Shelter Medicine
VME 6951: Communicating Research about Shelter Medicine
To see a full list of available Shelter Medicine electives, please review the Course Tracker document.
III-b – Electives counted towards Certificate in Veterinary Forensic Sciences
Electives that count toward a Certificate in Veterinary Forensic Sciences can also count as your elective credits for your Master of Science in Shelter Medicine. To learn more about Veterinary Forensic Sciences courses, please visit the program website.
IV. Thesis-based Degree Requirements – 10-14 Credits
Students can choose to complete a thesis if they have outside funding. To learn more about completing a thesis with outside funding, please contact Dr. Terry Spencer.
Courses and schedule are subject to change based on demand and availability.