Courses

I. CORE   |   II. CAPSTONE COURSE SERIES FOR MS    |   III. ELECTIVES FOR MS   |   IV. THESIS-BASED REQUIREMENTS


Please view the Course Tracker document to see the full list of courses, course requirements, and access syllabi.

COURSE TRACKER


I. Core Courses – Required 15 Credits

These courses are required for both the Master of Science and the Graduate Certificate in Shelter Medicine.

Course #Course NameCreditsTypeFallSpringSummer
VME6810Integrating Veterinary Medicine with Shelter Systems*3CoreXXX
VME6811Shelter Animal Physical Health3CoreXX
VME6813Behavioral Health for Shelter Dogs and Cats3CoreXX
VME6815Animal Shelter Population Management by the Metrics3CoreXX
VME6816The Role of the Animal Shelter in Protecting Community and Public Health3CoreXX

*All students must take this course in their first semester as an introduction to the field of Shelter Medicine and course technology.


II. Additional Research, Communication, and Capstone Course Series for Non-Thesis Master of Science

Course #Course NameCreditsTypeFallSpringSummer
VME6910Supervised Research in Shelter Medicine*3Master’s electiveXXX
VME6951Communicating Research About Shelter Medicine**1Master’s coreXXX
VME6950Capstone Project Presentation***3Master’s coreXXX

In order to prepare for and deliver a successful capstone project, students are encouraged to take VME6910, VME6951, and VEM6950 in consecutive order over 3 semesters.

*VME6910: Supervised Research in Shelter Medicine (should have successfully completed at least 2 semesters in the program prior to enrolling; recommended to enroll at least 2 semesters prior to expected graduation term to select Capstone topic and begin Capstone Project research) Counts as elective for Master’s

**VME6951: Communicating Research About Shelter Medicine (recommend completing at least 1 semester prior to Capstone Project Presentation; requires preapproval of Capstone topic prior to enrollment) Core requirement for Master’s

***VME6950: Capstone Project Presentation (required in student’s graduation term) Core requirement for Master’s

 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 for Master of Science

III-a – Electives in Shelter Medicine

Course #Course NameCreditsTypeFallSpringSummer
VME6100Infectious Disease Management for Animal Shelters Prerequisite: VME6810, VME6811, VME68163ElectiveX
VME6801Principles of Management in Animal Shelters (PreReq: 6819)3ElectiveX
VME6812Problem-Oriented Approach to Shelter Animal Behavior and Welfare Prerequisite: VME68133ElectiveX
VME6814Principles of Teaching for Animal Shelters3ElectiveX
VME6817Humane Euthanasia Practices for Animal Shelters3Elective
VME6818High Quality High Volume Spay Neuter3ElectiveX
VME6819Principles of Leadership in Animal Shelters3ElectiveX
VME6830Principles of All Hazard Responding in Animal Welfare3ElectiveXX
VME6840Life-Enhancing Strategies of Animal Welfare Organizations3ElectiveX
VME6841Communications and Marketing for Animal Welfare Organizations3ElectiveX
VME6842Fundraising and Development for Animal Welfare Organizations3ElectiveX
VME6905Problems in Veterinary Medical Sciences (Seminar in Shelter Medicine) (S/U only) by request. Grading and Max Credits: Graduate Catalog Info VME69051-3ElectiveXX
VME6934Caring for Nontraditional Species in Animal Shelters
3ElectiveX
VME6939Topics in International Shelter Medicine3ElectiveX

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. Julie Levy.

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Courses and schedule are subject to change based on demand and availability.

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