The Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Forensic Sciences is a 15-credit online program designed to provide professionals with foundational and practical knowledge in the investigation of animal-related crimes. This program is ideal for those in fields outside traditional veterinary practice who encounter animal welfare concerns in their work.
Who Should Apply:
- Animal control officers
- Law enforcement personnel
- Shelter medicine staff
- Criminal justice professionals
- Wildlife conservationists
- Veterinary technicians/nurses
- Legal advocates focused on animal welfare
Program Highlights:
- 100% online and flexible for working professionals
- Includes five 3-credit core courses (15 credits total)
- Offers practical and science-based training in animal crime investigation
- Eligible credits (B or higher) may transfer to UF’s master’s program in Veterinary Forensic Sciences, pending admission.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a natural science subject or social sciences, including criminal justice, psychology, anthropology, and law
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.
Required Courses (15 Credits)
- VME6051 Cruelty to Animals and Interpersonal Violence
- VME6052 Animal Crime Scene Processing
- VME6054 Scientific and Legal Principles of Forensic Evidence
- VME6575 Veterinary Forensic Medicine
- ENY6706 Forensic Entomology
Note: Students are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA in the program

Learn More
Learn More – Vet Forensics Page Bottom RFI
An Application Coordinator will contact you with all the details about the online graduate program in Veterinary Forensic Sciences.
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