What Do You Have to Major in to Be a Vet?
The veterinary profession is growing at a faster-than-average rate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with an increase of 22,000 jobs anticipated between the years 2010 and 2020. For an animal enthusiast who's considering a career as a vet, the right college major is key. Although you'll need a professional degree to practice veterinary medicine, having a bachelor's-level education that corresponds to your interests and aspirations is crucial to getting into grad school.
Before you choose a major that you think will help you to get into vet school, it's essential to understand the options available. The BLS notes that, as of 2013, there are 28 accredited veterinary medicine programs in the U.S. These graduate-level programs typically include a four-year course of study that focuses on classroom science classes as well as clinical and laboratory experiences. This means that you'll need a significant knowledge of science prior to beginning your vet degree. Majors applicable to this type of professional education include science-related degrees that include coursework in biology, chemistry and similar subjects.
While a pre-vet major isn't the only requisite course of study for becoming a veterinarian, having one can help in the application process. Pre-vet majors provide the necessary pre-professional training that you'll need to tackle a graduate course load. Additionally, these majors typically fulfill all of the prerequisites that veterinary grad and professional schools demand. Classes in this type of major typically include general science, animal science and general education courses. For example, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst's pre-veterinary major is a four-year program that includes classes in basic animal science, biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, animal welfare, anatomy and physiology of animals, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology and animal management.
Veterinary schools accept a number of different science majors when looking at potential students' educational experience. Some colleges offer a general science major that includes an array of different science-focused courses. For example, Alfred University's general science major requires students to take classes in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. If you're looking for a more specific focus, a program in biology, chemistry or ecology will also typically fit the bill. These majors should include not only lecture-based courses, but also hands-on laboratory classes as well.
A liberal arts major allows the undecided student to explore an array of classes from different departments throughout a college. If you're on the fence about applying to vet school, or simply want to investigate your options, a liberal arts major allows you to take prerequisite classes while still trying out other disciplines. Most liberal arts majors require students to complete some science classes. Keep your possible vet school application in mind, and take basic classes in biology and chemistry. Additionally, some vet schools will take your science-specific GPA in mind when reviewing your application. This means you need to take your bio, chem or organic chem classes seriously, scoring high marks in all of them.
- U.S. Burea of Labor Statistics: Veterinarians
- U.S. Burea of Labor Statistics: Veterinarians, How to Become a Veterinarian
- AVMA: Veterinary School Admission 101
- Alfred University: General Science: Major/Minor
- Colorado State University: The Liberal Arts (Interdisciplinary) Major
- Ohio State University: Admissions Process
Based in Pittsburgh, Erica Loop has been writing education, child development and parenting articles since 2009. Her articles have appeared in "Pittsburgh Parent Magazine" and the website PBS Parents. She has a Master of Science in applied developmental psychology from the University of Pittsburgh's School of Education.