Pre-Veterinary

What Is Pre-Veterinary ?

Pre-veterinary medicine is a pre-professional track that consists of courses in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics which are required for admission consideration by veterinary schools. Veterinary schools do not require specific majors such as biology or chemistry. Students can choose any major and fulfill the pre-veterinary requirements. At UC, the requirements may be added to any degree program in any major. For some majors, this may add extra time to complete all academic requirements. Most veterinary schools require a baccalaureate degree. 

Success Factors

While ability in the basic sciences of biology, chemistry and physics and success on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are important in gaining admission to veterinary school, animal/veterinary experience is crucial. This is important in assisting applicants to explore if they are well-suited for the profession. Veterinary schools also explore a prospective candidate's interpersonal skills, integrity, motivation and empathy. 

Career Possibilities

There are literally hundreds of careers in health, many of which require little or no college experience, or only a bachelor's degree. Veterinary medicine, as well as other graduate health professions, requires additional schooling beyond the four-year college degree, usually four more years. Professional licensure may come at this point or may require additional specialized training. Once licensed, health professionals enter fields undergoing great scientific and social change. Because competition for these professional schools is keen, and because the time and expense involved is significant, students are encouraged to plan for alternative careers.

Major Details

For identification purposes, prospective UC students should indicate an interest in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine on the UC application where prompted. 

Minor Details

Curriculum

This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this major. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.

If you are currently enrolled at UC, you can audit your degree online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school use the course applicability system (CAS) to see how credits you have earned will apply to this major at UC. For course descriptions by college, click here.

Not all veterinary schools have the same prerequisites; therefore, prospective veterinary school applicants are urged to review requirements for schools to which they plan to apply. A general pre-vet sciences curriculum consists of the following:

• BIOL 101/111; 102/112; 103/113 - Biology and lab (15 cr hrs)
• CHEM 101/111; 102/112; 103/113 - First-year chemistry and lab (15 cr hrs)
• CHEM 201/211; 202/212; 203/213 - Organic chemistry and lab (15 cr hrs)
• PHYS 101/111; 102/112; 103/113 - College (or general) physics and lab (15 cr hrs)
• Mathematics (9-15 cr hrs) - Math requirements vary according to major. UC students should meet with a pre-professional advisor to determine appropriate math courses. Most pre-vet students are encouraged to take calculus or statistics.
• All veterinary schools require additional science courses such as biochemistry, genetics, microbiology and anatomy, as well as social sciences/humanities. Students should refer to individual school requirements and meet with a pre-professional advisor to determine appropriate equivalents.

Special Opportunities

UC students enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-extensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, tri-state location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies, and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Special Programs

Pre-vet students are encouraged to meet with a pre-professional advisor to discuss hands-on experience. There are numerous research opportunities available on campus.

Admission Requirements

Students who are admissible to a UC bachelor's degree program are eligible to be pre-vet. As prospective students complete their application to UC they should indicate an interest in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine where prompted.

Transfer Requirements

Prospective transfer students must apply through the Office of Admissions. Applicants must submit transcripts for all secondary school and college-level work. Admission criteria are determined by the program to which one is applying.

Changing Major Requirements

Admission criteria are determined by the program to which one is transitioning.

Current UC students who are interested in being pre-vet are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor at the Pre-Professional Advising Center as soon as they consider a possible career in veterinary medicine.

Graduation Requirements

In addition to meeting the university's General Education requirements, the requirements listed in the McMicken College Core Requirements are common to all potential graduates of the college, whether they are pursuing the bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, or bachelor of interdisciplinary studies degree.

Application Deadlines

UC operates on a quarter system, with 10-week grading periods beginning in late September, early January, late March and mid-June. Admissions deadlines can be found at www.admissions.uc.edu.

Current UC students who are interested in being pre-vet are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor at the Pre-Professional Advising Center early in their academic career.