Master’s Degree
The Master of Science in Veterinary Forensic Sciences is designed for professionals who are interested in accelerating their careers in forensic medicine and veterinary sciences. The program prepares students for animal crime scene processing, handling and interpreting forensic evidence, and other skills that will help secure justice for victims of animal cruelty. The comprehensive program includes:
- Five 3-credit core classes covering animal forensic investigation and the presentation of evidence
- Five 3-credit electives in a number of subjects, such as animal law, wildlife conservation and forensic science, forensic animal behavior and welfare, and more
Most courses are online and can be completed from the comfort of your home. There is one campus visit required to complete the special topics course and a comprehensive final examination.
Master's Degree Benefits
- Earn a degree in as little as two years
- Non-thesis and thesis options
- Offered through UF’s Maples Center for Forensic Science, with a grant from the ASPCA
World-Class Faculty
Students will learn from experienced faculty who specialize in forensic entomology, crime scene investigation, pathology, psychology, and animal forensic science. The UF Veterinary Forensic Sciences Program faculty members have worked with law enforcement and animal protection agencies as crime scene analysts, archaeologists, medical death investigators, emergency veterinarians, legal advisors, and more.
Graduate Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Forensic Medicine can help broaden your career opportunities while developing the expertise to investigate crimes against animals. Students take five 3-credit core classes covering the different aspects of animal forensic investigation. These skills can help students advance their career and will be immediately applicable to their work in veterinary forensic sciences.
Graduate Certificate Benefits
- Completely online, interactive courses
- Earn a certificate in as little as one year
- Transfer credits earned with a “B” or higher to the master’s degree later
- Offered through UF’s Maples Center for Forensic Science, with a grant from the ASPCA
Make Your Passion a Career
The University of Florida in partnership with the ASPCA recognizes the development of animal advocate professionals is vital to investigate crime against animals. Earning a graduate certificate in veterinary forensic science will strengthen your awareness in processing and handling the critical evidence found in animal crime cases, while opening the door to new career opportunities in animal welfare.
Admissions
Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
The minimum requirements to apply to the program as a master’s degree student are:
- A bachelor’s degree in a natural science subject from a regionally accredited institution or a DVM degree. If the student does not have a degree in a natural science subject, email Dr. Jason Byrd at jhbyrd@ufl.edu, as they may still be eligible for admission.
- 3.0 upper-division GPA
- Acceptable GRE scores
Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements
The minimum requirements to apply to the program as a graduate certificate student are:
- A bachelor’s degree in a natural science subject from a regionally accredited institution or a DVM degree. If the student does not have a degree in a natural science subject, email Dr. Jason Byrd at jhbyrd@ufl.edu, as they may still be eligible for admission.
- 2.0 upper-division GPA
For more information about requirements, exceptions, and applying with a non-U.S. degree, visit the admissions page.
Veterinary Forensic Sciences Tuition Information
UF’s forensic science graduate program offers competitive in-state tuition for all students, regardless of location.
Application Fee: $37
Cost per Credit Hour: $525 plus fees
Credits Required for Master’s Degree: 30
Credits Required for Graduate Certificate: 15
Total Master’s Degree Tuition: $15,750 plus fees
Total Graduate Certificate Tuition: $7,875 plus fees
For more information about the costs of attendance and financial aid, visit the tuition page.
