Pre-Veterinary Degree Programs
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“To the best of your ability, try to get more than a single experience, such as large animal, small animal, and even research. Get varied experience so that you understand the breadth of what it means to go to vet school.”
Steve Zinn, PhD, Professor, University of Connecticut’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources
Becoming a doctor of veterinary medicine requires a deep understanding of science. But how do you prepare?
Some schools offer pre-veterinary school programs that focus on prerequisite classes in biology, chemistry, and physiology, but do not culminate in a degree. That can leave students in a lurch if they decide to switch careers or take alternate, specialized paths in working with animals. On the other hand, pre-vet degree programs offer a comprehensive breadth of classes that prepare graduates for every eventuality.
Veterinary schools do not require specific majors, such as biology or chemistry—they simply require prerequisite courses. As such, the requirements can be added to almost any major. The most common majors for pre-vet degree programs are animal science, biology, chemistry, and biochemistry. Many schools also offer specializations, concentrations, and emphases in pre-veterinary science, on top of the awarded degree.
Do note that some fields, like zoology, don’t necessarily include all the prerequisites necessary for veterinary school, despite being heavily animal-focused. Also be aware that for students with veterinary ambitions, undergraduate biology degrees should be bachelor of science (BS) rather than bachelor of arts (BA) programs.
To learn more about the details of pre-vet degree programs, read on.
Ask an Expert: Steve Zinn, PhD
Dr. Steve Zinn is a professor at the University of Connecticut’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. He is known for his significant contributions to livestock development and animal production efficiency. His research focuses on tissue-specific growth factor expression in livestock, shedding light on the physiological mechanisms involved in animal production efficiency. Additionally, he explores the impact of maternal nutrition on sheep offspring development and the multi-generational effects of poor maternal nutrition on feed efficiency.
Dr. Zinn’s educational background includes a BS in animal science from Cornell University and MS and PhD degrees in animal science from Michigan State University. His commitment to excellence has been acknowledged through accolades such as the 2023 University Outstanding Undergraduate Faculty Advisor Award and the 2023 AAUP Service Award.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What is something you wish the public understood about pre-veterinary programs?
Dr. Zinn: The biggest thing that people need to understand is that a pre-vet program is preparation for going to vet school. Vet school is an additional four years after you receive your undergraduate degree. Students aren’t confused about this, but their parents and the general public often are.
The most important part of a pre-vet program is the faculty advisors dedicated to advising students so that they can navigate both the undergraduate program at their institution and focus on veterinary school admission requirements for the schools they want to attend or may have success getting into.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring pre-veterinary students?
Dr. Zinn: Take as many science classes as you can and get as much experience as you can. Realize that it’s going to be a difficult road because you’re taking many more science classes than the general school population.
Also, try and get some experience with a veterinarian so you get a good understanding of what the profession truly is. To the best of your ability, try to get more than a single experience, such as large animal, small animal, and even research. Get varied experience so that you understand the breadth of what it means to go to vet school. Also, while students should strive to gain as much work experience as possible, they need to understand that it will most likely be voluntary and unpaid.
Admissions Requirements for Pre-Vet Degree Programs
Admissions requirements for pre-vet degree programs will vary from school to school, and from program to program. However, some common requirements include:
- Strong high school GPA (3.0 or greater)
- SAT and/or ACT scores
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Personal statement
Applicants who wish to distinguish themselves and prepare for undergraduate success in pre-vet degree programs should also consider extracurricular activities in the sciences.
Accreditation for Pre-Vet Degree Programs
Accreditation ensures that a university, school, or program meets quality standards. It also means that students and employers can trust the accredited institution. Pre-vet degree programs aren’t accredited by a particular professional accreditation society, but they should be regionally accredited.
Regional accreditation bodies include:
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
List of Pre-Vet (Veterinarian) Schools
| School | City | State | Website | GRADS ('21) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arizona | Tucson | Arizona | https://www.arizona.edu | 89 |
| The Pennsylvania State University | University Park | Pennsylvania | https://www.psu.edu | 82 |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst | Massachusetts | https://www.umass.edu | 77 |
| University of Delaware | Newark | Delaware | https://www.udel.edu | 74 |
| The University of Findlay | Findlay | Ohio | https://www.findlay.edu | 42 |
| University of Nevada-Reno | Reno | Nevada | https://www.unr.edu | 36 |
| Kansas State University | Manhattan | Kansas | https://www.k-state.edu | 24 |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Lincoln | Nebraska | https://www.unl.edu | 21 |
| Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College | Miami | Oklahoma | https://neo.edu | 13 |
| Snow College | Ephraim | Utah | https://www.snow.edu | 8 |
| Otterbein University | Westerville | Ohio | https://www.otterbein.edu | 7 |
| South Plains College | Levelland | Texas | https://www.southplainscollege.edu | 5 |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing | Michigan | https://msu.edu | 4 |
| Northeast Community College | Norfolk | Nebraska | https://northeast.edu | 4 |
| Alpena Community College | Alpena | Michigan | https://discover.alpenacc.edu | 4 |
| Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville | Missouri | https://www.nwmissouri.edu | 4 |
| Butler Community College | El Dorado | Kansas | https://www.butlercc.edu | 3 |
| Eastern Oklahoma State College | Wilburton | Oklahoma | https://www.eosc.edu | 3 |
| Lubbock Christian University | Lubbock | Texas | https://lcu.edu | 2 |
| Dodge City Community College | Dodge City | Kansas | https://dc3.edu | 2 |
| University of Maryland-College Park | College Park | Maryland | https://www.umd.edu | 2 |
| Andrews University | Berrien Springs | Michigan | https://www.andrews.edu | 1 |
| University of Holy Cross | New Orleans | Louisiana | https://uhcno.edu | 1 |
| Grand View University | Des Moines | Iowa | https://www.grandview.edu | 1 |
| Huntington University | Huntington | Indiana | https://www.huntington.edu | 1 |
| Lees-McRae College | Banner Elk | North Carolina | https://www.lmc.edu | 1 |
| Metropolitan Community College Area | Omaha | Nebraska | https://www.mccneb.edu | 1 |
| MCPHS University | Boston | Massachusetts | https://www.mcphs.edu | 1 |
Online Pre-Vet Degree Programs
Arizona State University (BS Applied Biological Sciences – Pre-Veterinary Medicine)
ASU offers an online BS in applied biological sciences with an emphasis on pre-veterinary medicine. Students in the program will explore the anatomy and behavior of animals, and develop a firm understanding of biology and chemistry; graduates will be well-equipped for veterinary school and animal-focused careers.
Courses include animal physiology; animal nutrition; ecology and adaptations of vertebrates; veterinary medicine; and advanced principles of biochemistry. While most of the coursework and labs may be completed online, two organic chemistry lab courses must be completed at ASU’s Tempe campus; both in-person labs are compressed into a one-week format over the summer. The program consists of 120 credits in total.
- Location: Tempe, AZ
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Unity Environmental University (BS Animal Science)
Unity Environmental University offers an online BS in animal science that prepares students to apply animal biology, chemistry, nutrition, and physiology to the study of animal breeding, growth, behavior, genetics, and management. Graduates will be prepared for several animal-focused careers and well-equipped for veterinary school.
Courses include animal nutrition; animal comparative anatomy; animal comparative physiology; animal behavior; and environmental justice. Students may choose to add a concentration in animal health and behavior. The program consists of 120 credits, of which 90 may be transferred.
- Location: New Gloucester, ME
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Kansas State University (BS Animal Sciences and Industry – Pre-Veterinary Science)
KSU offers an online BS in animal sciences and industry that can be specialized in pre-veterinary science. Graduates will be prepared for admission to veterinary school.
The core curriculum includes the principles of animal science; general calculus; organic chemistry; and the fundamentals of nutrition. Elective courses cover topics such as anatomy and physiology; animal breeding principles; equine reproductive management; and behavior of domestic animals. The program consists of 120 credits.
- Location: Manhattan, KS
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
On-Campus Pre-Vet Degree Programs
University of Connecticut (BS Animal Science – Pre-Veterinary Medicine)
UConn offers an on-campus BS in animal science as part of its pre-vet program. Students will work with animals and learn how animals function through a study of genetics, anatomy, nutrition, medicine, and behavior.
Courses recommended for pre-vet students include Introduction to Animal Science; Principles of Animal Nutrition and Feeding; growth biology and metabolism in domestic animals; animal embryology and biotechnology; comparative exercise physiology; and endocrinology of farm animals. Graduates will be well-prepared for admission to veterinary school. The program consists of a minimum of 120 credits.
- Location: Storrs, CT
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
University of New Orleans (BS Biology)
The BS in biology program at the University of New Orleans can be customized toward pre-veterinary medicine. Students will also have the opportunity to join the Pre-Veterinary Society, which holds two to three meetings per semester and features guest speakers, offering insights into the vet school admissions process.
Core and elective coursework include advanced microbiology; evolutionary mechanisms; vertebrate physiology; comparative physiology; animal behavior; and marine biology. The program consists of 120 credits.
- Location: New Orleans, LA
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (BS Animal Sciences – Pre-Veterinary Science)
The BS in animal sciences program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a concentration in pre-veterinary science. The concentration emphasizes fundamental science courses and equips graduates for professional study as veterinarians.
Courses include animal stress physiology; applied bioinformatics; techniques in animal nutrition; muscle biology; and applied animal genetics. The program consists of 126 credits in total.
- Location: Urbana, IL
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
University of Massachusetts Amherst (BS Pre-Veterinary Science)
UMass Amherst offers an on-campus BS in pre-veterinary science. While all freshmen enter under the animal science major, they may qualify to transition into pre-veterinary science by taking relevant courses.
Classes in the pre-veterinary science category include an introduction to animal science; animal welfare; animal physiology and anatomy; basic animal nutrition; and cellular and molecular biology. The program consists of approximately 128 credits.
- Location: Amherst, MA
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Albion College (BS Biology – Pre-Veterinary Medicine)
Albion College offers a pre-veterinary medicine program through its Wilson Medical Institute. After selecting a major such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry, students will follow a detailed curriculum geared towards the advanced study of veterinary medicine.
The pre-vet program includes tailored coursework, service, clinical experience, and research; students will also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on experiences at the Held Equestrian Center, the only on-campus equestrian center at a private college in Michigan.
- Location: Albion, MI
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
East Texas A&M University (BS Animal Science Pre-Veterinary Medicine Option)
East Texas A&M offers a pre-veterinary medicine option as part of the animal science bachelor degree program. The 122-credit program features coursework that includes domestic animal anatomy and physiology; animal feeds and feeding; animal nutrition; animal genetics; biology; biochemistry; and introduction to the profession of veterinary medicine.
Students are not only prepared to pursue further education as veterinarians, they are qualified to seek other animal care careers. Coursework can be tailored to meet individual goals.
- Location: Commerce, TX
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Los Angeles Pierce College (AS Pre-Veterinary Medicine)
The college offers a pre-veterinary medicine associate degree program. The program is recognized for excellence in hands-on training. The campus includes a farm laboratory, teaching hospital, diverse teaching staff, and support programs. Students are also encouraged to join the Pierce Veterinary Sciences Club, which features “veterinary speakers from different areas of veterinary medicine such as small animal, small animal emergency, large animal, zoo animal, and public health.”
Pierce College primarily enrolls high school students and students with bachelor degrees who have decided to change their career paths to become veterinarians. Although Pierse students are admitted to graduate studies, such as University of California, however, as noted above, they are advised to ensure that they complete any required coursework required for admission. The curriculum includes subjects such as introduction to veterinary technology; principles of animal science; animal genetics; and equine health.
- Location: Woodland Hills, CA
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Aurora University (BS Human-Animal Studies, Pre-Veterinary Medicine)
Students in the pre-veterinary medicine program at Aurora University major in the human-animal studies Bachelor of Science program concurrent with the pre-veterinary medicine program. Their coursework focuses on a “curated collection of prerequisite courses necessary to be accepted into veterinary school.”
Coursework includes 1120 semester hours in subjects such as biochemistry; biology; genetics; organic chemistry; and statistics. Students have opportunities for an internship, clinical, or field experience at a veterinary facility. They also have an opportunity to conduct laboratory research with Aurora faculty.
- Location: Aurora, IL
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
