Veterinary Forensic Sciences Master’s Curriculum

The Veterinary Forensic Sciences program equips students with specialized knowledge at the intersection of veterinary medicine and forensic science. The master’s degree and graduate certificate are designed for professionals pursuing careers outside traditional veterinary practice who can benefit from a forensic perspective. Such careers include animal control, law enforcement, veterinary medicine, shelter medicine, criminal justice, wildlife conservation, veterinary nursing, and legal advocacy related to animal welfare.

Core Courses

These courses (15 credits) are required for both the Master of Science and the Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Forensic Sciences.
Course NumberCourse TitleCreditsSpringSummerFall
VME6052Animal Crime Scene Processing3X
VME6054Scientific and Legal Principles of Forensic Evidence3X
VME6051Cruelty to Animals and Interpersonal Violence3X
VME6575Veterinary Forensic Medicine3X
ENY6706Forensic Entomology3X

Elective Courses

15 credits of electives are required for the MS program.
Course NumberCourse TitleCreditsSpringSummerFall
VME6053Skeletal Trauma Analysis in Animals3X
VME6056Animal Law3X
VME6571Forensic Applied Animal Behavior3X
VME6572Forensic Aspects of Agricultural Animal Welfare3X
VME6573Applications of DNA for Companion Animals and Wildlife Cases3X
VME6576Veterinary Forensic Pathology II (Prereq: VME 6577)3X
VME6577Practicing Pathology (Veterinary Forensic Pathology I)3X
VME6578Forensic Veterinary Osteology3X
VME6579Veterinary Forensic Radiology and Imaging3X

Additional Information

  • All master’s students are required to complete and pass a written and oral final exam in their last semester in order to graduate.
  • A 3.0 GPA is required for graduation.
  • Only grades of C or higher are considered passing.
  • Course offerings are subject to change.