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What Is The Best Undergraduate Degree Before Pursuing A DVM?

I know that there are several options for undergraduate degrees that I could do before pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. I could do Pre-Med, an undergraduate in Biophysical Sciences, or basically, anything else that satisfies the minimum requirements for the veterinary college I am to attend. I would like to know what the best option is that will prepare me the most for my chosen occupation of Veterinary Medicine.

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Rhaysa’s Answer

It could come as a surprise but the degree doesn’t matter. You can become a DVM with any degree. As long as you complete all the prerequisite courses required for vet school. Each school has a list of courses you must have completed with a favorable grade in order to be considered to be accepted. We had a lot of people in my class that had already a career and degrees that had nothing to do with animals or biology.
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Ryan’s Answer

Hi Michale, that is a good question and a seemingly logical one. However, in my opinion the basis for this answer is surprising to most.

Many folks will recommend pursuing degrees in the life sciences (Animal Science, Biology, Microbiology, etc). The advantage of pursuing a degree in this category is that the requirements for achieving that degree most closely align with the pre-requisites for acceptance into veterinary school. Thus minimizing the

The problem is you may not be particularly interested in that subject. Which means it's going to seem like a a big chore to get to your dream of being a vet. And thus more difficult to maintain a high GPA.

Despite what some may say, GPA is king when getting accepted into any professional school. And it's a helluva lot easier to study and achieve top scores on subject matter that interests you. The downside to getting a non-science degree is that you will have to take a few extra course in order to satisfy the pre-reqs for vet school.

But in my opinion someone that has a 3.9-4.0 GPA with a degree in Theater, but also has all of the pre-reqs for vet school, looks a whole more interesting and stands out from the crowd of 1500 other students who all have 3.95's with a degree in Animal Science. And that's what it's about...having excellent grades and standing out from the crowd.

However, if you pushed me, and said "TELL WHAT DEGREE TO GET!" I'd say get a business degree. That will do two things for you. 1. You are given no business classes in vet school. So if have any aspirations of owning your own practice, you will have to learn on your own, aka school of hard knocks. and 2. If you don't manage to get accepted in to veterinary school you will have a degree that will absolutely be of value.
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Kimberly’s Answer

I majored in Animal Science and had no idea what I was in for. It was very agricultural (think farming) and that was totally new for me. It ended up being helpful because I took all of the classes required for veterinary school and I was exposed to the side my future career I never knew (cows, horses, etc). Advice I heard later that may have inspired me to choose differently was to major in something that provides a good plan B or compliment to your DVM. I’ve worked with fellow vets that majored in Spanish, Chemistry, math, some never even completed their undergraduate degrees.
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Erika’s Answer

That is a good question, my son asked me the same thing. Your undergrade should be in one of the following:

Erika recommends the following next steps:

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry, physics, biochemistry, biology, animal biology, or zoology.
Please use the following link from PSU to get more in depth information: http://vbs.psu.edu/majors/vbs/steps-to-becoming-a-veterinarian
Reach out to you local university to see if there are any mentor programs.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Michale,

Best Undergraduate Degree Before Pursuing a DVM

When considering the best undergraduate degree to pursue before entering a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, it is essential to choose a field of study that will provide a strong foundation for the rigorous veterinary curriculum and future career as a veterinarian. While various undergraduate degrees can adequately prepare you for veterinary school, some options may offer more direct relevance and advantages in terms of coursework and skill development.

1. Animal Science or Biology: Pursuing a degree in Animal Science or Biology can be highly beneficial for aspiring veterinarians. These programs typically cover topics such as animal anatomy, physiology, nutrition, genetics, and behavior, which are fundamental aspects of veterinary medicine. Additionally, courses in microbiology, biochemistry, and genetics can provide a solid scientific background necessary for understanding animal health and diseases.

2. Pre-Veterinary Medicine: Some universities offer specific pre-veterinary medicine programs designed to prepare students for admission to veterinary school. These programs often include coursework tailored to meet the prerequisites of veterinary colleges, such as animal nutrition, animal husbandry, and veterinary anatomy. By enrolling in a pre-veterinary program, you can ensure that you are meeting all the necessary requirements for DVM programs while gaining relevant knowledge and skills.

3. Biomedical Sciences: A degree in Biomedical Sciences can also be an excellent choice for prospective veterinarians. This field of study focuses on human and animal health from a scientific perspective, covering areas such as physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and immunology. The knowledge gained through a Biomedical Sciences program can be directly applicable to veterinary medicine and provide a strong foundation for understanding disease processes and treatment modalities.

4. Additional Considerations: In addition to the specific undergraduate degrees mentioned above, it is crucial to consider other factors when choosing the best major before pursuing a DVM. Some key considerations include:

Relevance to Veterinary Medicine: Selecting a major that aligns closely with the core principles of veterinary medicine can help you develop a deeper understanding of the field.

Prerequisite Coursework: Ensuring that your chosen major includes prerequisite courses required by veterinary schools is essential to meet admission criteria.

Research Opportunities: Engaging in research projects related to animal health or biology during your undergraduate studies can enhance your academic experience and demonstrate your commitment to the field.

In conclusion, while there is no definitive “best” undergraduate degree for aspiring veterinarians, majors such as Animal Science or Biology, Pre-Veterinary Medicine programs, and Biomedical Sciences can provide valuable preparation for pursuing a DVM degree. Ultimately, choosing a major that aligns with your interests and strengths while meeting the prerequisites for veterinary school is key to setting yourself up for success in your future career as a veterinarian.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): The AVMA is a leading authority in veterinary medicine education and accreditation. Their guidelines on prerequisite coursework and recommended majors provide valuable insights into preparing for veterinary school.

Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC): AAVMC sets standards for veterinary medical education and offers resources on admissions requirements for DVM programs. Their recommendations on undergraduate majors are highly regarded in the field.

National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE): NACE provides data on employment trends and skills desired by employers in various industries, including veterinary medicine. Their insights on relevant majors for aspiring veterinarians offer valuable guidance for students planning their academic paths towards becoming veterinarians.

GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
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