To become a veterinarian, you must earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary school to qualify to apply for veterinary licensure.1 Before applying to a program, you will need to complete your undergraduate degree, typically focusing on science and math.
While veterinary schools don’t require a specific undergraduate major, they do require prerequisite coursework in areas like biology, chemistry, physics and animal science. Choosing a major that aligns with these subjects can help you meet admission requirements and be better prepared for vet school.
Common majors for aspiring vets typically include science-related topics. These may include options like biology, animal science, zoology or chemistry, as these programs typically cover essential prerequisites needed for veterinary school.2 Some universities, like Grand Canyon University, also offer specialized pre-veterinary tracks within these majors, designed to align with veterinary school admission requirements.
Sandy Bledsoe, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and instructor in the College of Natural Science at GCU, adds that students may not always choose this “traditional” path of a science-related major. “There are a variety of majors that can prepare students for [veterinary] school… many schools will accept non-traditional science majors as long as they have completed all the prerequisites for that school,” she adds. She also reiterates that having a “back-up career plan” is recommended, as veterinary school is competitive and may not work out for everyone.
This pre-veterinary degree is suitable for students aspiring to attend veterinary school. Its curriculum focuses on building a strong foundation in the sciences along with specialized pre-vet coursework.
A biology major provides a broad understanding of living organisms, which can be invaluable to a veterinarian. This major can help you build a strong scientific foundation that aligns well with veterinary school prerequisites.
An animal science degree focuses specifically on the biology, care and management of domestic and agricultural animals. You can gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge that is directly applicable to veterinary medicine.
A chemistry major can equip you with an in-depth understanding of chemical processes and laboratory practices. This degree can be especially helpful in understanding challenging chemistry coursework required for veterinary school.
