Written By
Courtney Johnson
Digital Content Specialist,
Grand Canyon Education
Choosing the right major is key for aspiring veterinarians. While no specific major is required, some degree paths better prepare students for vet school’s challenges. Explore top pre-vet majors to build a strong academic foundation.
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Approved and verified accurate by the Associate Dean of the College of Natural Science on Aug. 26, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
Choosing the right undergraduate major is an important first step for students who plan to attend veterinary school. While there is not one specific required major for pre-vet students, some degree paths can better prepare you for the rigorous coursework and admission requirements. Exploring the best majors for pre-vet can help you prepare to build a strong academic foundation for your future veterinary career.
You may now be wondering exactly how long it can take to become a vet. Becoming a veterinarian requires a significant time commitment. It typically takes a total of eight years of postsecondary education, beginning with a four-year bachelor’s degree that includes coursework in biology, chemistry and animal science. Veterinary school takes another four years to complete, which will then result in the DVM degree.1 Time to completion will vary for each student based on multiple factors, including the institution, program requirements and student enrollment status.
"Programs want to know that students understand that the demands of the profession go beyond just loving animals and wanting to help them."
— Sandy Bledsoe, Instructor, College of Natural Sciences, Grand Canyon University
Becoming a veterinarian requires more than strong academic knowledge. It also requires a set of personal and professional skills. These can help future vets provide compassionate, quality care and navigate the challenges of veterinary medicine.
Some of these important skills include:1
Bledsoe adds that students should possess “a strong science-based education.” She states that students also need “good study skills and the ability to cope with the demands of the program.” She adds that “they should be open to learning about all animal species, not just what they think they will be doing.”
With these skills comes the importance of gaining experience and hands-on skills throughout your program. Bledsoe shares: “It has become extremely important for pre-vet students to get hands-on experiences with a variety of animal settings such as small animal clinics, emergency medicine, large animals, exotics, zoos and aquariums, as well as research settings involving animals.”
GCU offers a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Veterinary Medicine for aspiring vets to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to apply for their veterinary program.
Along with this, GCU offers specialized opportunities for aspiring vets to gain even more experience. “We also have a pre-vet club so students can interact with other students pursuing the same career path. Being located in a major metropolitan area allows for many opportunities to gain hands-on experiences outside the university setting,” Bledsoe shares. Contact us today to learn more and begin your journey to becoming a veterinarian.
Start Your Path to Veterinary School
Choose the best major that can help prepare you for a career in veterinary medicine.
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.
