While pre-veterinary majors aren't available, students can select a related major and complete the prerequisites for veterinary school. Many colleges and universities offer a pre-veterinary curriculum.
10 Schools with Pre-Veterinary Programs
Students can earn a bachelor's degree that prepares them for a veterinary program at any of these ten schools:
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Tuition and Fees (In-state, 2015-2016)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State University | Fargo, ND | 4-year, Public | $8,098 |
| Hollins University | Roanoke, VA | 4-year, Private | $35,635 |
| Rutgers University | Newark, NJ | 4-year, Public | $13,597 |
| Tufts University | Medford, MA | 4-year, Private | $50,604 |
| Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | 4-year, Private | $48,093 |
| Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | 4-year, Private | $49,116 |
| University of Wisconsin River Falls | River Falls, WI | 4-year, Public | $7,937 |
| University of New Hampshire | Durham, NH | 4-year, Public | $16,986 |
| Mercy College | Dobbs Ferry, NY | 4-year, Private | $18,076 |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg, VA | 4-year, Public | $12,485 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
School Selection Criteria
Consider the following when looking for pre-veterinary schools:
- Students should check that a prospective school has a strong science department to ensure that they receive adequate preparation.
- Prospective students should look for a pre-veterinary school that offers the opportunity to complete an internship at a local veterinary clinic, animal shelter, zoo or farm.
- Students may also wish to look for research opportunities related to veterinary medicine.
- Students might want to consider certificate programs in areas closely related to veterinary medicine, such as animal health management, which are designed to supplement a bachelor's degree program.
Pre-Veterinary Medicine Program
A pre-veterinary course of study includes science and math courses along with the general education requirements. It usually takes three years to complete the requirements, and a student may apply to veterinary school as soon as the requirements are met, even if they have not yet completed a bachelor's degree. Upperclassmen may have the best chances at landing research and volunteer opportunities.
By completing specific coursework in the sciences and taking advantage of outside opportunities related to veterinary medicine, like internships and research, undergraduates can prepare for enrollment in a veterinary medicine program.
