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.

Note: Students are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA in the program

Graduate Certificate Benefits

  • Completely online, interactive courses
  • Earn a certificate in as little as one year
  • Transfer credits a Max of 15 credits earned with a “B” or higher to the master’s degree later
  • Offered through UF’s Maples Center for Forensic Medicine

Make Your Passion a Career

The University of Florida 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.

What is this program?

The University of Florida’s online Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Forensic Medicine is open to qualified local, national, and international professionals who work in forensic sciences and veterinary medicine.

This graduate certificate is comprised of five 3-credit courses. Graduate certificate students must earn a “B” or higher in order for credits to transfer toward a higher degree. Earning this degree can open up new job opportunities and potentially can increase wages. Graduate certificate students can transfer a maximum of 15 credits toward a master’s degree for even more career benefits. All required classes are offered completely online, so students may take them from anywhere in the world.

Who is this program for?

The Veterinary Forensic Sciences Graduate Certificate is designed for professionals who work in forensic medicine and veterinary science, including, but not limited to:

  • Practicing veterinarians
  • Veterinary technicians
  • Individuals involved in shelter medicine operations
  • Animal control officers
  • Law enforcement officials
  • Forensic investigators
What will students learn?

Graduate certificate students learn how to properly process an animal crime scene, recognize animal abuse, and handle forensic evidence. The five required courses are:

If a student decides to pursue a master’s degree, all credits are transferable to the MS in Veterinary Forensic Sciences.

Admission Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in a natural science subject (If the student does not have a degree in a natural science subject, email the Program Director, Dr. Jason Byrd at jhbyrd@ufl.edu, as they may still be eligible for admission.)
    OR
    A DVM degree
  • An upper-division GPA of a 2.0 or better
How much will it cost?

Tuition is $525 per credit hour. An approximate cost of the graduate certificate is $7,875, plus fees and textbooks.

Learn more about financial aid and tuition reimbursement opportunities.