I. CORE | II. CAPSTONE COURSE SERIES FOR MS | III. ELECTIVES FOR MS
Course Planner Form
This Course Planner Form documents the academic “flight plan.” Students build their plan based on core requirements and selected electives. Core courses are to be completed before electives to the degree course schedules allow. The draft plan is then submitted for advisor approval before the end of the first semester. Students will update course completions at the end of each semester. Changes to the plan require advisor approval prior to course registration. Download the Course Planner Form.
Note that the frequency and semesters of course offerings may change over time, and courses may be cancelled for low enrollment. Course schedule changes may be shared via announcements in the Online Shelter Medicine Graduate Students Canvas site, which is accessible following admission to the program. Complete UF policies and Shelter Medicine Program requirements are found in the UF Graduate Catalog and on this program website.
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 Name | Credits | Type | Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VME6810 | Integrating Veterinary Medicine with Shelter Systems* | 3 | Core | X | X | X |
| VME6811 | Shelter Animal Physical Health | 3 | Core | X | X | |
| VME6813 | Behavioral Health for Shelter Dogs and Cats | 3 | Core | X | X | |
| VME6815 | Animal Shelter Population Management by the Metrics | 3 | Core | X | X | |
| VME6816 | The Role of the Animal Shelter in Protecting Community and Public Health | 3 | Core | X | X |
*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 Name | Credits | Type | Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VME6910 | Supervised Research in Shelter Medicine* | 3 | Master’s elective | X | X | X |
| VME6951 | Communicating Research About Shelter Medicine** | 1 | Master’s core | X | X | X |
| VME6950 | Capstone Project Presentation*** | 3 | Master’s core | X | X | X |
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.
III. Electives – Required 15 credits for Master of Science
III-a – Electives in Shelter Medicine
To see a full list of available Shelter Medicine electives, please review the Course Tracker document.
III-b – Courses in the Certificate in Veterinary Forensic Sciences
Courses in the Certificate in Veterinary Forensic Sciences can also count as elective credits for the Master of Science in Veterinary Medical Sciences with a concentration in Shelter Medicine. To learn more about Veterinary Forensic Sciences courses, please visit the program website.