Veterinarians provide health care services to non-human animals, including companion animals, livestock, wildlife, and zoo animals.  They become skilled in microbiology, pathology, physiology, pharmacology, and surgery.  Many veterinarians are private practitioners, but training as a veterinarian can also lead to careers in animal research, public health, food safety, regulatory medicine, and education.

Becoming a veterinarian requires specialized training and licensure, or completing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD).  There are many veterinary schools in the United States, and each has somewhat different admissions requirements.  We recommend students visit the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges website to explore programs and learn more about what is needed to become admitted.  When pursuing a DVM, some programs offer the option to concurrently earn a master of science (DVM/MS), master of public health (DVM/MPH), or Ph.D. (DVM/Ph.D.). 

Biology Specializations - Veterinary Medicine (PDF)

Recommended Courses

The core courses of the Biology Program and appropriate advanced courses provide very good preparation for pre-veterinary students.  Students should closely examine the admissions requirements for their chosen schools and prioritize those classes when selecting advanced biology coursework.  

We recommend taking at least 9 credits from the list below (lab courses are denoted by • ): 

Suggested Supporting Science Courses

Pre-veterinary students should plan to take a full year of general chemistry, a full year of organic chemistry, and strongly consider taking more advanced biochemistry courses. Pre-veterinary students should also consider taking a full year of physics. Completing Biology Program requirements for math/statistics should meet most vet school entry requirements, but bear in mind that a few schools specifically require calculus.