Why ODU for Laboratory Animal Science?

Working with animals in biomedical research requires compassion, precision, and advanced training. As the demand for ethical and technically skilled professionals grows, ODU's online master's program in laboratory animal science prepares you to lead in this evolving field.

Our program focuses on all aspects of laboratory animal science including:

  • Husbandry and care
  • Common laboratory animal diseases
  • Facility management
  • Research design and data analysis
  • General research and diagnostic techniques
  • Behavior and management

When you graduate, you will be prepared to lead animal care programs, support biomedical research and advance ethical practices in laboratory animal science with your Master of Science in Laboratory Animal Science from a respected R1 research institution. This degree can also help prepare you for veterinary school.

International students can also explore the Laboratory Animal Anesthesia and Handling Techniques (Certificate).

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Shape the Future of Animal Research

Whether you are seeking job advancement in an animal laboratory setting or you are looking to enhance your veterinary school application, let us help you take the next step in your career.

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Program Information

Total
31 Credit Hours

Our online Laboratory Animal Science (MS) program can be completed in 31 credit hours. Courses include:

  • Comparative Anatomy & Physiology
  • Laboratory Animal Husbandry, Care & Ethics
  • Anesthesia & Surgery
  • Biotechnology & Diagnostic Techniques
  • Cryopreservation

An optional Clinical Reproductive Biology (CRB) track is available and requires two additional courses for six additional credit hours.

Explore Courses in the Graduate Catalog

The Early Assurance Program (EAP) offers early acceptance to undergraduate students in their junior year of participating institutions.

By granting early assurance of acceptance into the program, students will be able to broaden their academic focus, engage in extracurricular leadership activities and pursue first-hand, lab experience. 

Partnership Institutions

  • Old Dominion University
  • Hampton University
  • Virginia Wesleyan University

This online Laboratory Animal Science (MS) program is ideal for veterinary students, technicians, and research associates who want to advance in laboratory animal science, research design, and animal care management. 

Applicants should have experience in lab animal care (minimum 500 hours) in settings such as research facilities or biomedical labs.

Access course materials online from any location. Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

Enrolled students must attend a mandatory one-week internship on campus in the summer semester between the first and second year of the program.

Total
31 Credit Hours

Our online Laboratory Animal Science (MS) program can be completed in 31 credit hours. Courses include:

  • Comparative Anatomy & Physiology
  • Laboratory Animal Husbandry, Care & Ethics
  • Anesthesia & Surgery
  • Biotechnology & Diagnostic Techniques
  • Cryopreservation

An optional Clinical Reproductive Biology (CRB) track is available and requires two additional courses for six additional credit hours.

Explore Courses in the Graduate Catalog

The Early Assurance Program (EAP) offers early acceptance to undergraduate students in their junior year of participating institutions.

By granting early assurance of acceptance into the program, students will be able to broaden their academic focus, engage in extracurricular leadership activities and pursue first-hand, lab experience. 

Partnership Institutions

  • Old Dominion University
  • Hampton University
  • Virginia Wesleyan University

This online Laboratory Animal Science (MS) program is ideal for veterinary students, technicians, and research associates who want to advance in laboratory animal science, research design, and animal care management. 

Applicants should have experience in lab animal care (minimum 500 hours) in settings such as research facilities or biomedical labs.

Access course materials online from any location. Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

Enrolled students must attend a mandatory one-week internship on campus in the summer semester between the first and second year of the program.

Cost & Aid

Veterinarian playing with a dog
Calculating Cost
In-state Virginia Residents
$486 per credit hour*
Out-of-State Students
$1041 per credit hour

Rates are effective Fall 2025 and subject to change.
* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

Explore evms Tuition & Fees

The newest class of graduates through ODUGlobal celebrated commencement in May 2024.
Scholarships & Aid

Scholarship Opportunities for Online Students

At ODUGlobal, we offer a variety of scholarships to support and empower you in achieving your academic and career goals, making quality education accessible wherever you are. 
 

Learn more about our scholarships

Careers in Laboratory Animal Science

Scientific and research companies urgently need highly-qualified personnel to lead and manage their laboratory animal research activities. Opportunities exist in fields such as:

  • Veterinary care
  • Teaching
  • Animal resource management
  • Refinement of animal models
  • Development of alternatives to animals in research
  • Independent research
Animal Scientists
Growth
7.9%
Median Salary
$70,140
Clinical Research Coordinators
Growth
7.5%
Median Salary
$157,740
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Growth
18.8%
Median Salary
$105,650

Note: Applicants who desire a future as a Laboratory Animal technologist are strongly encouraged to continue a full-time experience/employment during the two (2) years of the program to be eligible for LAT and LATG certification through American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).

Ready to Apply?

Applicants must have:

  • A bachelor’s or graduate degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher from a regionally accredited institution
  • Two semesters each of college-level Biology and Chemistry, and one semester of Mathematics
  • A minimum of three months or 500 hours of hands-on experience working with animals in a research or lab setting

Additional requirements for International applications include a course-by-course evaluation of foreign transcripts (WES or ECE preferred), TOEFL scores (if applicable), and translated transcripts if not originally in English.

Explore all admission requirements in the Graduate Catalog.

Apply by March 1 for early consideration. Applications will be reviewed until all spots are filled. Students seeking financial aid are encouraged to apply early.

Apply Now
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Transfer of credit may be allowed for coursework taken at a regionally accredited institution of higher learning, such as an accredited member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, for courses in which a grade of B (3.0) or higher was received and for a maximum of 9 transfer credits. Course grades obtained from another institution will not be counted in the GPA. All applicants seeking to transfer credit(s) should contact the program for special application or credential requirements. Decisions regarding applicability of transfer courses/credits will be made by the program director in consultation with faculty as deemed appropriate.

The program is completely online except for a one-week internship course held at the school during the summer semester between the first and second years of the program.

Experienced basic science and clinical faculty teach courses using the Blackboard learning platform and Adobe Connect for online presentations, such as Journal Club and Graduate Seminar presentations. Lectures are typically either streamed or voiced over PowerPoint presentations.

You will need to dedicate about 15 to 20 hours per week for reviewing lecture materials, reading textbooks and working on projects.

Yes, this program is an international program.

Yes.

Tuition is due before the beginning of each semester. Find more information about ODU's student account billing deadlines and policies.

Yes. Contact ODU's Financial Aid department for more information.

Although, as graduate students, the students are not eligible for the federal Pell Grant, there are some resources for need-based grants for state residents. There are also some institutional scholarships available. Students in the Laboratory Animal Science (M.S.) program are eligible for the Administrative Resource Council Scholarship, one of the Institutional Scholarships for the School of Health Professions.

Students are urged to continue searching for scholarships and grants from outside resources using reputable search engines like Fast Web. Other scholarship sources include the Military Scholarship and the National Health Service Corps Scholarship programs. In exchange for service commitment, these scholarship programs pay tuition and fees, plus a monthly stipend.