The choice of an undergraduate major while preparing for veterinary school is not especially critical for successful admission, but the selection of certain coursework and the right combination of sciences, social and behavioral sciences and electives is important.
Certain basic requirements must be fulfilled before you can be accepted to a veterinary school. This is a GUIDE only. Students must consult with their advisors AND the appropriate veterinarian schools on a regular basis for revisions to course requirements and to identify and ensure completion of all required courses.
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1 year general Chemistry with labs
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1 year Organic Chemistry with labs
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1 year Physics with labs
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1 year Biology with labs
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1 year English
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1 semester Biochemistry
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1 semester Genetics
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1 semester Mathematics
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1 semester Statistics
Below are the CMU courses we recommend to meet these requirements:
General Chemistry: CHM 131 & 132,
8 credits
Organic Chemistry: CHM 345, 346, 349,
8 credits
Physics: PHY 130, 131, 170, & 171,
10 credits
Biology: BIO 111 & 112,
8 credits
Biochemistry: CHM 425 or 521 & 522,
3-6 credits
English: ENG 101 & 201,
3 credits
Genetics: BIO 211,
4 credits
Statistics: BIO 500 or STA 282 or higher,
4 credits
Math: MTH 107 & 109 or MTH 130 or MTH 132 (varies depending on the school),
4-6 credits
Some veterinary schools may have additional courses required or recommended. Review the admission requirements of the veterinary schools you plan on applying in advance.
All required courses must be taken for a grade. Each school has its own policy regarding AP credit. Usually, AP credit in these areas should be followed with additional upper level work in the discipline including labs.
Additional Courses
To further strengthen you application and your ability to succeed in veterinary school, here are some additional courses you could take:
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy: BIO 337
Cell Biology: BIO 324
Physiology: BIO 392
Animal Nutrition: