What Can You Do With a Masters in Veterinary Science?

Introduction

Veterinary science is a field of study that focuses on the health and well-being of animals. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines, from veterinary medicine and surgery to nutrition and animal behavior. Veterinary scientists are responsible for diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries in animals, as well as providing preventative care and promoting animal welfare.

Those who pursue a Master’s degree in Veterinary Science have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of veterinary medicine and gain expertise in their chosen field. With a Masters in Veterinary Science, graduates can pursue a variety of career paths, including research, clinical practice, education and teaching, regulatory affairs, animal welfare, and public health.

How to Become a Veterinarian with a Masters in Veterinary Science

To become a veterinarian with a Masters in Veterinary Science, individuals must first complete an accredited Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. This typically requires four years of undergraduate studies followed by four years of professional studies. After completing the DVM program, graduates must then pass a series of examinations and obtain a state license in order to practice veterinary medicine.

The job outlook for veterinarians with a Masters in Veterinary Science is favorable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of veterinarians is projected to grow 18 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for veterinarians was $95,460 in May 2019.

Career Opportunities for Those with a Masters in Veterinary Science

Graduates with a Masters in Veterinary Science have a wide range of career opportunities available to them. These include:

Research

Veterinarians with a Masters in Veterinary Science can pursue careers in biomedical research. They may work in a laboratory setting, conducting research on diseases, treatments, and other topics related to animal health. They may also work in the field, conducting research on wildlife and farm animals.

Clinical Practice

Veterinarians with a Masters in Veterinary Science can pursue careers in clinical practice. They may work in private practices, providing medical and surgical care to companion animals such as dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, rabbits, and other small animals. They may also work in clinics specializing in large animals such as horses, cows, and pigs.

Education/Teaching

Veterinarians with a Masters in Veterinary Science can pursue careers in education and teaching. They may teach at veterinary schools, educating future veterinarians on the principles of veterinary medicine. They may also work as instructors in continuing education programs, teaching practicing veterinarians new techniques and skills.

Regulatory Affairs

Veterinarians with a Masters in Veterinary Science can pursue careers in regulatory affairs. They may work for government agencies, ensuring that food products, pharmaceuticals, and other products are safe for animals. They may also work for pharmaceutical companies, helping to develop new medications and treatments for animals.

Animal Welfare

Veterinarians with a Masters in Veterinary Science can pursue careers in animal welfare. They may work for animal welfare organizations, advocating for humane treatment of animals and promoting animal rights. They may also work in shelters and rescue centers, caring for homeless and abused animals.

Public Health

Veterinarians with a Masters in Veterinary Science can pursue careers in public health. They may work in public health agencies, monitoring the spread of zoonotic diseases and advising on ways to reduce the risk of transmission. They may also work in food safety programs, ensuring that food products are safe for human consumption.

Exploring the Different Specialties of Veterinary Science

Veterinarians with a Masters in Veterinary Science can choose to specialize in one or more areas of veterinary medicine. Some of the most common specialties include:

Small Animal Medicine

Small animal medicine focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries in companion animals such as cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, rabbits, and other small animals. Veterinarians specializing in small animal medicine may work in private practices, animal shelters, and rescue centers.

Large Animal Medicine

Large animal medicine focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries in farm animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. Veterinarians specializing in large animal medicine may work in rural clinics, farms, and ranches.

Equine Medicine

Equine medicine focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries in horses. Veterinarians specializing in equine medicine may work in private practices, racetracks, and equestrian centers.

Exotic Animal Medicine

Exotic animal medicine focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries in exotic animals such as snakes, lizards, turtles, and amphibians. Veterinarians specializing in exotic animal medicine may work in private practices, zoos, and aquariums.

Veterinary Pathology

Veterinary pathology focuses on the diagnosis of diseases using laboratory tests and biopsies. Veterinarians specializing in veterinary pathology may work in laboratories, universities, and research institutions.

Veterinary Radiology

Veterinary radiology focuses on the diagnosis of diseases and injuries using imaging technology such as X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds. Veterinarians specializing in veterinary radiology may work in private practices, hospitals, and specialty clinics.

Veterinary Anesthesiology

Veterinary anesthesiology focuses on the administration of anesthesia and pain management for animals undergoing surgery. Veterinarians specializing in veterinary anesthesiology may work in private practices, referral centers, and veterinary colleges.

Veterinary Oncology

Veterinary oncology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in animals. Veterinarians specializing in veterinary oncology may work in private practices, referral centers, and veterinary colleges.

The Benefits of Pursuing a Masters in Veterinary Science

Pursuing a Masters in Veterinary Science provides numerous benefits, including:

Increased Earnings Potential

Veterinarians with a Masters in Veterinary Science tend to earn higher salaries than those without a graduate degree. In addition, they may be eligible for bonuses and other forms of compensation.

Improved Job Opportunities

Veterinarians with a Masters in Veterinary Science may have access to better job opportunities. They may be able to find positions in specialized fields such as research, clinical practice, and teaching.

Higher Level of Expertise

Veterinarians with a Masters in Veterinary Science may have a deeper understanding of veterinary medicine and a greater level of expertise in their chosen field. They may also be able to provide more comprehensive care to their patients.

The Impact of Veterinary Science on Animal Health and Welfare

Veterinarians with a Masters in Veterinary Science play an important role in improving animal health and welfare. They are involved in disease prevention and treatment, improving animal quality of life, and reducing the spread of zoonotic diseases.

By providing preventative care and early diagnosis and treatment, veterinarians with a Masters in Veterinary Science can help to ensure that animals remain healthy and free of disease. They can also provide advice on proper nutrition and exercise, which can help to improve animal quality of life.

In addition, veterinarians with a Masters in Veterinary Science can help to reduce the spread of zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. By diagnosing and treating these diseases in animals, veterinarians can help to protect both animal and human health.

Conclusion

A Master’s degree in Veterinary Science can open up a world of career opportunities and provide the opportunity to make a positive impact on animal health and welfare. Graduates with a Masters in Veterinary Science can pursue a variety of career paths, including research, clinical practice, education and teaching, regulatory affairs, animal welfare, and public health. They can also choose to specialize in one or more areas of veterinary medicine, such as small animal medicine, large animal medicine, equine medicine, exotic animal medicine, veterinary pathology, veterinary radiology, veterinary anesthesiology, and veterinary oncology. In addition, pursuing a Masters in Veterinary Science can lead to increased earnings potential, improved job opportunities, and a higher level of expertise. Finally, veterinarians with a Masters in Veterinary Science can play an important role in improving animal health and welfare by preventing and treating diseases, improving animal quality of life, and reducing the spread of zoonotic diseases.