Best Pre-Vet Majors and Courses

Choosing the right major can feel like one of the biggest decisions on the path to becoming a veterinarian. With so many opinions about the best major to choose, it's easy to feel unsure about which direction to take.

Veterinary schools require applicants to complete specific prerequisite courses as they build the scientific foundation needed for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. However, there is no single mandated veterinarian major. Students are free to choose any undergraduate program they desire as long as it allows them to fulfill prerequisite coursework while developing a strong academic base in the sciences.

Understanding how these academic choices align with veterinary school expectations is a critical first step for future vet students preparing for a competitive admissions process.

Understanding Pre-Veterinary Education

Pre-veterinary education refers to the undergraduate preparation students complete before applying to veterinary school. Unlike some professional tracks, there is no officially required "pre-vet" degree.

Students earn a bachelor’s degree, often in a science-focused field, while completing the prerequisite coursework veterinary programs require.

What Degree Do You Need to Be a Veterinarian?

For those wondering “What degree do I need to be a veterinarian?“ the path to earning a DVM typically requires:

• A bachelor's degree (ideally in a science-related field)
• Completion of prerequisite science courses
• Hands-on animal and veterinary experience
• Acceptance into an AVMA-accredited DVM program

Why Your Major Matters

Selecting an undergraduate major can influence how well your coursework aligns with veterinary school prerequisite expectations. While there is flexibility in choosing a major, not all degree programs naturally align with veterinary prerequisite requirements.

Choosing a major without careful planning can lead to scheduling conflicts, delayed graduation, or difficulty completing required laboratory sciences on time.

A strong major for veterinarian preparation should:

• Integrate core science coursework into the program
• Provide access to laboratory and research opportunities
• Support academic performance in rigorous subjects

A major that supports completion of prerequisite coursework and strong academic performance may help students present a well‑rounded application strength.

What Admissions Committees Look For

Admissions committees evaluate applicants on far more than one metric. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), key factors include:

• Overall GPA and science GPA
• Course rigor and completion of prerequisites
• Research involvement
• Veterinary and animal experience
• Leadership activities
• Letters of recommendation

The strongest applicants pair academic readiness with a clear understanding of the profession, demonstrated through meaningful hands-on exposure.

Top Pre-Vet Majors to Consider

When exploring what major for veterinarian goals makes the most sense, several academic paths consistently align well with veterinary school prerequisites. Among them are biology and animal science. That said, a major in veterinary preparation can take many forms depending on a student’s interests and career goals.

Biology

A biology curriculum maps closely to what DVM programs expect from day one. Coursework in genetics, microbiology, cell biology, and physiology mirrors the foundational knowledge students may encounter in pharmacology, pathology, and clinical diagnostics during vet school.

The flexibility within biology programs also often allows students to tailor their electives toward animal systems or biomedical research, sharpening clinical reasoning before a DVM program even begins.

Animal Science

Animal science is a particularly strong major for veterinarian candidates interested in large animal, equine, or food animal medicine. Courses in animal nutrition, reproductive physiology, livestock management, and animal behavior build species-specific knowledge areas that are commonly expanded upon during clinical and surgical training in a DVM program.

Many animal science programs also incorporate direct animal handling, which may help strengthen applications by demonstrating practical readiness alongside academic achievement.

Other Majors Worth Considering

Beyond biology and animal science, several other degree programs can provide rigorous preparation for veterinary school when paired with careful prerequisite planning:

Though these can all be valuable areas of study, remember that there is no single required veterinarian major. Veterinary schools value strong academic performance, completion of prerequisites, and demonstrated readiness for the scientific demands of the profession more than the specific title of the degree.

Essential Courses for Aspiring Veterinarians

Regardless of major, certain core courses are widely required and prepare future vet students for the intensity of a DVM curriculum.

Core Prerequisite Courses

Most veterinary schools expect applicants to complete a variety of prerequisite courses. Ross Vet’s prerequisite requirements include:

• General Biology (with lab)
• General Chemistry (with lab)
• Organic Chemistry (with lab)
• Physics (with lab)
• Biochemistry
• Genetics or Cell Biology
• Mathematics (often Statistics or Calculus)
• English Composition
• Humanities/social science electives

Prerequisites vary by institution, so students should compare admission requirements for each school they plan to apply to early in their undergraduate career.

Elective Courses That Enhance Veterinary Knowledge

Prerequisite sciences demonstrate baseline readiness, but upper-level electives signal depth of preparation and intellectual curiosity, two qualities commonly considered during holistic admissions review.

Courses worth considering include:

• Immunology and Parasitology, directly applicable to clinical veterinary medicine
• Advanced Anatomy and Physiology, which deepens understanding of body systems across species
• Animal Behavior, relevant to companion and exotic animal practice
• Epidemiology and Public Health, which support interests in zoonotic disease or regulatory medicine
• Business Management or Practice Management, which signals long-term leadership or ownership ambitions

Thoughtfully selected electives show admissions committees that preparation for veterinary medicine has been intentional, not accidental.

Laboratory and Field Experience

Undergraduate research projects, faculty laboratory work, fieldwork with animal populations, and independent research studies develop critical thinking and technical skills that classroom learning alone cannot replicate. These experiences also demonstrate initiative and commitment to veterinary medicine, qualities that could strengthen any application.

Preparing for Veterinary School

Strong academic performance is essential, but competitive applicants build well-rounded profiles that go beyond coursework. Leadership, service, and real-world clinical exposure each help build a compelling application.

Extracurricular Activities to Boost Your Application

Participation in pre-vet organizations, animal welfare groups, campus leadership roles, and community service initiatives demonstrates commitment and professional development. Communication, teamwork, and ethical responsibility are central to veterinary medicine, and these are skills often cultivated outside the classroom.

Internship and Volunteer Opportunities in Veterinary Settings

The AVMA recommends that aspiring veterinarians gain meaningful exposure to the profession before applying to a DVM program. Valuable experience includes:

• Shadowing licensed veterinarians in private practice
• Working or volunteering in veterinary clinics
• Volunteering at animal shelters or wildlife rehabilitation centers
• Assisting with animal research in a university setting

Ross Vet requires at least 150 hours of veterinary professional experience or veterinary research as part of its admissions process. That standard reflects how central hands-on exposure is to evaluating applicant readiness.

Building Relationships With Mentors in the Field

Science professors, academic advisors, and practicing veterinarians can provide career insight, academic guidance, and strong letters of recommendation. Thoughtful mentorship can also help refine the choice of a major for veterinarian preparation and ensure all prerequisite requirements are completed on time.

Resources for Pre-Vet Students at Ross Vet

Ross Vet offers resources designed to help clarify preparation pathways and strengthen professional readiness for aspiring veterinarians. As an AVMA-accredited institution with three flexible start dates per year, Ross Vet offers a DVM program built to meet students where they are.

Academic Support Services

Ross Vet provides structured guidance on prerequisite planning, admissions requirements, and academic expectations within a DVM program, helping vet students answer the question of “What degree do I need to be a veterinarian?” and build a clear path to get there. The admissions resource hub offers tools like a candidacy assessment, application checklists, and detailed prerequisite guides.

Networking and Career Services

Ross Vet connects students with alumni, clinical partners, and professionals across the veterinary field through its alumni network and career resources. These relationships can help support clinical training opportunities, career exploration, and long-term employment outcomes, giving vet students a professional foundation that extends well beyond graduation.

Student Organizations and Clubs

With more than 30 student clubs and organizations on campus—from the American Association of Bovine Practitioners chapter to the Zoo, Exotics, and Wildlife Medicine Club—Ross Vet provides hands-on engagement opportunities outside the classroom. Participation in these groups fosters collaboration, leadership development, and a deeper professional identity.

Ready to take the next step? Explore how to apply to Ross Vet or apply through the AAVMC’s VMCAS application service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best pre-vet majors?

There is no single required veterinarian major, but the strongest major for veterinarian preparation is one that allows completion of all prerequisite coursework while maintaining a competitive GPA. This may include biology, animal science, zoology, chemistry, biochemistry, or biomedical sciences.

What classes should I take before vet school?

Students should complete core science prerequisites such as general biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, mathematics, and English composition. These courses make up the bulk of the required education for veterinarians and prepare students for advanced veterinary studies.

Prerequisites vary by school, so review requirements early and plan accordingly.

What is the #1 college for veterinarians?

There is no universally recognized “#1” college for veterinarians. Rankings vary depending on research output, clinical opportunities, and specialization strengths.

Prospective students should evaluate programs based on AVMA accreditation, curriculum quality, clinical training, and career outcomes rather than relying solely on rankings.

What major should I choose if I want to be a vet tech?

Students who want to become a veterinary technician typically enroll in an accredited veterinary technology program rather than pursuing a traditional bachelor’s degree aimed at becoming a veterinarian. Veterinary technicians follow a different educational pathway than those earning a DVM.

Look for programs accredited by the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities® (AVMA CVTEA®).

Is vet med harder than human med?

Both veterinary medicine and human medicine are academically rigorous. Veterinary students must learn to diagnose and treat multiple species with varying anatomy and physiology, while human medical students focus on one species.

Each path presents unique challenges and requires significant dedication, scientific expertise, and clinical training.