Veterinary Degrees Online

The minimum requirement to participate in the traditional program leading to the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) is the successful completion of pre-veterinary program in Universities or colleges.

The required pre-professional and science courses which should be taken and passed during the pre-veterinary program are:

General Chemistry with Laboratory
6 semester credits,

or 8 quarter credits.

Organic Chemistry with Laboratory
6 semester credits

or 8 quarter credits.

Biochemistry

(Emphasis on Animal Biochemistry and Metabolism)
3 semester credits

or 4 quarter credits.

Genetics
3 semester credits

or 4 quarter credits.

Zoology is the study of all animals, ranging from single-celled
animals (protozoans) to birds and mammals (vertebrates). The
zoology major is housed in the Department of Evolution, Ecology
and Organismal Biology, which offers courses in the major animal
groups such as invertebrates, fish, birds, and mammals, as well
as courses in physiology, ecology, behavior, aquatic biology, and
evolution.
Pursuing Zoology at Ohio State
Students interested in majoring in zoology should have a good
background in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and skills
in written and verbal communication. Students with such a
background and skills will find it much easier to complete the
college-level courses in the physical and biological sciences
required for the zoology major.
All Ohio State freshman applicants are considered within a
competitive admission process for the Columbus campus.
The primary criteria for admission are the completion of the
applicant’s high school college preparatory program, performance
in that program as indicated by class rank and/or grade-point
average, and performance on either the ACT or SAT. Students
interested in majoring in zoology should contact the coordinating
advisor of the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal
Biology. The department’s coordinating advisor will explain
the requirements for a zoology major and discuss career plans
and goals with the student. A member of the faculty will then
be assigned as the student’s major advisor. The student then
meets with the advisor to develop a major program based on the
student’s career plans and goals.
Zoology Requirements
A major in zoology requires preparation in chemistry, physics,
math, and biology. The chemistry requirement includes general
and organic chemistry. Two quarters of physics, math through
calculus, and two quarters of introductory biology are required.
The zoology major requires that students complete five core
courses in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal
Biology; the core includes courses in evolution, animal diversity
and systematics, ecology, animal form and function, and cellular
and developmental biology. Some of the core courses are
accompanied by a laboratory. A course in molecular genetics is
also required. The remainder of the 45 credit hours needed for
the zoology major includes additional zoology courses, and can
include courses in related areas (e.g., microbiology, molecular
genetics, plant biology, entomology, etc.) that must be approved
by the student’s major advisor.
Co-Curricular Opportunities
No other learning experience can match the value of a “handson”
research project. Students in the College of Biological
Sciences are encouraged to engage in meaningful undergraduate
research opportunities. Such opportunities allow students to
develop their scientific curiosity, and to discover whether a
career in research is a good fit. Information about choosing
an undergraduate research laboratory and faculty research
interests is available on the Department of Evolution, Ecology and
Organismal Biology web page and on the College of Biological
Sciences web page at www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/undergrad/
undergrad-research.php.
The Zoology Club and a College of Biological Sciences honorary
student organization enhance learning opportunities and the
quality of the undergraduate experience for zoology students.
These clubs provide opportunities for students to interact with
faculty, discuss careers and research areas with scientists from
the Ohio State campus and beyond, and participate in service
activities.
Zoology students may take courses at Ohio State University’s
“Island Campus,” Stone Laboratory. Located on Gibraltar Island
in Put-in-Bay harbor on Lake Erie, this freshwater biological field
station and research laboratory offers introductory and upperlevel
courses suitable for undergraduate students in biological
sciences.
Honors & Scholars Programs
The Honors Program in the Colleges of the Arts and Sciences
provides high-ability students opportunities to pursue challenging
academic programs. Honors students in zoology are encouraged
to meet with their faculty advisor on a regular basis and to
construct an enhanced curriculum that includes honors courses,
upper-division courses to meet general requirements, rigorous
sequences, honors seminars, and a strong major, including a
significant research experience.
The Ohio State Scholars Programs feature residential
communities for students who share academic interests and
career goals. Two of the Scholars programs of interest to zoology
students are the Biological Sciences and Health Sciences
Scholars Programs. The Biological Sciences Scholars Program
emphasizes research, with individualized advising and significant
lab and field experience. The Health Sciences Scholars Program is
focused on preparing students for careers in health sciences and
health care.

Colleges of Veterinary Medicine expect incoming students to have a broad background in the biological and physical sciences with students completing at least three courses in biology including general biology, genetics, microbiology as the most requested, two semesters of both general chemistry and organic chemistry, as well as at least one semester of biochemistry, and two semesters of general physics. A course in animal nutrition is required by nearly half of the schools. Bethany College courses that satisfy the usual requirements are: Biology 100, 180, 290, and 343; Chemistry 111 -11 2, 221-222, and 351-352; Physics 201-202; and General Science 473 and 474.

Other typical course requirements include at least one math class and two
semesters of English composition and literature. Another major requirement
is documented experience with animals and work with veterinarians. Some
large animal experience may be obtained by enrolling in General Science
293. Students can gain valuable experience working with area veterinarians.
Students who can claim West Virginia residency status may obtain a position as a
contract student at one of three schools: Ohio State University; University of Georgia;
and Tuskegee Institute. There are at present 13 contract seats among the three schools.

Eligible students must complete the application for the West Virginia Contract Seat, which can be obtained from the Division of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at West Virginia University when starting the application process for Veterinary School. All students interested in attending veterinary school should review the admission requirements of any veterinary college they may likely attend as requirements among the colleges vary widely.

All students must General Education core degree requirements (link to page 2 of general education core requirements), and they must complete the following courses specific to the concentration. Courses required for the concentration may also satisfy General Education requirements.
BIO 106 – Cellular Biology;
BIO 107 – Biological Organisms and Ecology;
CHE 111, CHE 112 – General Chemistry I and II;
CHE 223, CHE 224 – Organic Chemistry I and II;
MAT 114 – College Algebra, if needed;
MAT 115 – Trigonometry, if needed;
MAT 122, MAT 125 or MAT 223, – Calculus or Statistics; and
PHY 211, PHY 212 – General Physics I and II

Arcadia University offers several routes for completion of the requirements for admission to schools of veterinary medicine. Majors in Biology or Chemistry are most commonly taken by students interested in veterinary medicine, but schools will accept students with excellent records in other majors, provided they have adequate preparation in the basic sciences and mathematics. The pre-professional adviser assists students with the application process and choice of schools.
Minimum Recommended Courses

All schools of veterinary medicine recommend the following courses:
BI 101, 102 General Biology I, II
BI 211 Comparative Anatomy and Physiology
CH 101, 102 Modern Chemical Concepts I, II
CH 201 Organic Chemistry I
PH 201, 202 Fundamental Concepts of Physics I, II or PH 211, 212 Conceptual Physics I, II
MA 201 Calculus I

Some schools require additional Mathematics or Chemistry as well as Biochemistry and/or Microbiology. These requirements may be met with the following courses:
CH 202 Organic Chemistry II
CH 303 Biochemistry
MA 141 Elementary Statistics
MA 202 Calculus II
BI 323 Microbiology
BI 325 Cell Biology

Students are advised to check with the schools at which they intend to apply to determine which of the Mathematics, Chemistry, Biochemistry or Microbiology courses are pre-requisites for admission.

Satisfactory performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for admission. The GRE may be taken in the spring or summer of the junior year or the fall of the senior year for students who plan to enter veterinary school immediately following graduation.

In addition to prerequisite coursework, students are expected to have gained practical experience with veterinary medicine by either working or volunteering in facilities where veterinary medicine is practiced, such as veterinary clinics, zoos or animal husbandry facilities. Some schools may have specific hour requirements for these experiences.
A strong background in liberal arts and study abroad experiences are considered favorably.
Other courses recommended as electives include the following:

BI 327 Histology
BI 332 Animal Behavior
BI 335 Neurobiology
BI 337 Immunobiology

This is a specialized three-year program offered by FAFS to graduate students with proper knowledge in AVSCerinary microbiology, animal husbandry, nutrition, breeding and basic knowledge in other AVSCerinary disciplines. Graduates of this program do not receive the Diploma of Ingénieur Agricole.

Curriculum for the BS Degree in AVSCerinary Science1

AVSCerinary Science IFirst Semester Credits
BIOL 201 General Biology I 4
CHEM 201 Chemical Principles 3
CHEM 205 Introductory Chemistry Laboratory 2
MATH 201 or 204 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
Or Mathematics for Social Sciences II 3
PHYS 204 Classical Physics for Life Sciences 3
PHYS 204 L Classical Physics for Life Sciences Laboratory 1
Total 16

Second Semester Credits
AGSC 220 Principles of Plant Physiology 3
BIOL 202 General Biology II 4
CHEM 211 Organic Chemistry I 3
ENGL 203 Academic English 3
Humanities Elective 3
Total 16

Summer Session (AREC) Credits
AVSC 201 Microbiology I+II (Bacteriology & Virology) 2
AVSC 202 Animal Breeding & Genetics I 2
Total 4

AVSCerinary Science II
First Semester Credits
ARAB 201A or 201B, or higher2 3
BIOL 247 Animal Physiology 4
CHEM 212 Organic Chemistry II 3
ENGL 204 Advanced Academic English 3
Humanities Elective 3
Total 16

Second Semester Credits
BIOL 242 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy 4
CHEM 210 Organic Laboratory for non majors 2
NFSC 261 Introductory Biochemistry 3
AVSC 203 History of AVSCerinary Medicine 1
AVSC 204 Pathology I 2
Social Sciences 6
Total 18

Summer Session (AREC) Credits
NURS 310
Pathophysiology 2
AVSC 205 Topographic & Applied Anatomy 2
AVSC 206 Clinical Diagnostics 2
Total 6

AVSCerinary Science IIIFirst Semester Credits
BIOL 284 Developmental Biology 4
CMPS 209 Computers and Programming for the Sciences 3
PHRM 240 Pharmacology and Therapeutics
3
AVSC 207 Microbiology III (AVSCerinary Immunology) 2
AVSC 208 Animal Breeding & Genetics II 2
Humanities Elective 3
Total 17

Second Semester (AREC) Credits
BIOL 249 Parasitology 4
HUMR 209 Basic Histology
6
AVSC 209 Animal Nutrition & Dietetics I 2
AVSC 210 Applied Ethology 2
Humanities Elective 3
Total 17

Professional schools (medical, dental, pharmaceutical, veterinary) do not require a degree in the sciences for admission to their programs. These professional schools consider majors in almost any discipline to be acceptable for admission.

The basic “core” requirements for admission to most of these professional schools typically include the following:Chemistry 16-20 credits
Physics 8 credits
Biology 4-8 credits

Most medical schools require a minimum of:
1 year of General Chemistry with lab
1 year of Organic Chemistry with lab
1 year of General Biology with lab
1 year of College Physics with lab

Stetson University provides the required curricula for students planning careers in veterinary medicine, dentistry, general medicine and allied health fields. Students may work on any major as long as they include in their curriculum the required science core courses.

Stetson’s pre-health program is administered by the University’s Health Professions Advisory Committee, composed of faculty representatives from Biology, Chemistry, Integrative Health Sciences, and the Social Sciences. This committee oversees the student’s curriculum, advising and preparation for the professional school’s admissions process.

Course Information
The required science core courses may vary slightly from one professional school to another, but the prescribed courses include: Calculus, English, general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, general physics, among others. Core courses should be completed by the end of the junior year.

In addition to core courses and those required for the student’s major, academic work should be distributed to include humanities, social science and advanced science courses for a broad academic background.

Since there are many applicants for a limited number of openings at the professional schools in the health and allied health fields, students are urged to get a strong foundation in the basic sciences in their first two years and work toward a high G.P.A.

A broad background in humanities and social sciences will help students in communicating and relating with people. Students wanting to enter schools of medicine, veterinary science and dentistry need to complete a baccalaureate degree, with a major in biology, chemistry or other appropriate discipline. Students should make choices that meet the requirements of the 2+2 Benedictine University program or the program of study they plan to pursue at the senior college level.

Prerequisites
High school studies should include:
3 years of math, including second year algebra, geometry and trigonometry;
3 years of science, including one each in biology, chemistry and physics;
Other science courses (highly recommended);and
2 years of foreign language (highly recommended)

Requirements
All students must General Education core degree requirements (link to page 2 of general education core requirements), and they must complete the following courses specific to the concentration. Courses required for the concentration may also satisfy General Education requirements.
BIO 106 – Cellular Biology;
BIO 107 – Biological Organisms and Ecology;
CHE 111, CHE 112 – General Chemistry I and II;
CHE 223, CHE 224 – Organic Chemistry I and II;
MAT 114 – College Algebra, if needed;
MAT 115 – Trigonometry, if needed;
MAT 122, MAT 125 or MAT 223, – Calculus or Statistics; and
PHY 211, PHY 212 – General Physics I and II

Recommended Additional Courses
Other science courses to consider are BIO 108, BIO 109 – Anatomy and Physiology I and II and BIO 215 – Microbiology.

PRE-VETERINARY CONCENTRATION
Two Year Plan Course Plan

First Year
First Semester
ENG 111 – Comp. & Rhetoric [3]
BIO106 – Cellular Biology [4]
CHE 111 – Gen. Chemistry I [4]
Humanities Elective [3]
MAT 114 – College Algebra [3] OR MAT 223 – Calculus I [5]
Total Hours 17-19

Second Semester
ENG 112 – Comp. & Research [3]
BIO 107 – Biological Organisms & Ecology [4]
CHE 112 – Gen. Chemistry II [4 ]
Social Behavior Elective [3]
MAT 115 – Trigonometry [3] OR MAT 224 – Calculus II [4]
Total Hours 17-18

Second Year
First Semester
CHE 223- Organic Chemistry I [4]
Social Behavior Elective [3]
PHY 211 – General Physics I [4]
Fine Arts elective [3]
Elective [3]
Total Hours 17

Second Semester
CHE 224- Organic Chemistry II [4]
SPH 110 – Fund. of Speech [3]
PHY 212 – General Physics II [4]
Humanities or Fine Arts elective [3]
Social Behavior Elective [3]
Total Hours 17

Recommended Social/Behavioral Science courses
PSC 210: American Government, PSC 210: General Psychology, PSY 215: Growth & Development, SOC 210: Introductory Sociology

Recommended Humanities/Fine Arts
PHI 213: General Ethics, PHI 201: Introduction to Philosophy, REL 230: Contemporary Moral Problems, HUM 183 & 184: Exploration of Human Values I & II.

Undergraduate programs of study at St. Lawrence lead to professional training in medicine, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, nursing, physical therapy and veterinary medicine. Arrangements may be made to enter an accredited health professional school upon the completion of 24 course units at St. Lawrence. In these cases, – St. Lawrence University will award the bachelor’s degree upon graduation from the professional school and on further condition that all distribution requirements prescribed by the University have also been fulfilled. Medical, dental and veterinary medical schools, however, are increasingly advising students to complete the four-year college courses before beginning their professional training.

The courses required by most medical and dental schools are:
General biology (Biology 101, 102)
General chemistry (Chemistry 103, 104 or 105)Organic chemistry (Chemistry 221, 222)
English (two 200-level courses)
College physics (Physics 103, 104 or 151, 152)

These courses should be completed before the student takes the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or the Dental Admission Test (DAT).
In addition, a number of medical schools recommend one or two semesters of mathematics, with some schools requiring calculus. Most veterinary schools require biochemistry and microbiology in addition to the requirements listed for medical and dental schools.

For students interested in medical school, St. Lawrence has an Early Assurance Program with the College of Medicine of the SUNY Upstate Medical University at Syracuse. With this program, sophomores may be eligible for a guaranteed admission into medical school after the completion of their senior year. Students can also apply to the Early Assurance Program at the College of Medicine at SUNY Buffalo.

For students interested in dental school, an Early Assurance Program at the SUNY Buffalo School of Dentistry is available. In this program, sophomores may be eligible for a guaranteed admission into this dental school after completion of their senior year.

Students interested in health careers should also use their time at St. Lawrence to gain as much in-depth experience as possible in the humanities and social sciences. For further advice, consult the department of biology or chemistry or any member of the health careers committee.