Academics

Most veterinary schools in the United States and Canada require similar prerequisite coursework for admissions. Pre-vet students should work with a PMHSC advisor to include the courses that both meet prerequisite requirements. The courses listed below do not constitute a major nor minor. If you are looking for suggestions while choosing a major or minor, you might find this blog article, "Students: How do I pick a major?" or list of minors. For a full list of veterinary education programs (and program websites) in the US and Canada, please visit the link for the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges.

Biology

One year of basic biology with laboratory. One semester of microbiology. Additional, upper-level courses are recommended such as genetics and an upper level biology course (BIO 3200, BIO 4120)

BIO 1500 and 1501 – Basic Life Diversity – 4 credits

BIO 1510 and 1511 – Basic Life Mechanisms – 4 credits 
BIO 2270/2271 – Microbiology – 5 credits
BIO 3070 – Genetics – 4 credits
BIO 3200 – Physiology – 3 credits

Chemistry

Two semesters of general chemistry with lab; two semesters or organic chemistry with lab; MSU College of Veterinary Medicine does not require General Chemistry 2 but other vet schools do require this course.

CHM 1100 and 1130 – General Chemistry 1 – 5 credits 
CHM 1140 and 1150 – General Chemistry 2 – 5 credits 
CHM 1240 and 1250 – Organic Chemistry 1 – 5 credits 
CHM 2220 and 2230 – Organic Chemistry 2 – 5 credits

Biochemistry

One semester of biochemistry 

BIO 3100 – Cellular Biochemistry – 3 credits 
CHM 5600 – Survey of Biochemistry – 3 credits

Physics

Two semesters of physics with lab 

PHY 2130 and 2131 – Physics for the Life Sciences 1 – 5 credits 
PHY 2140 and 2141 – Physics for the Life Sciences 2 – 5 credits 
Please note: PHY 2170/71 and PHY 2180/81 are also acceptable

Math

One semester of Pre-Calculus

MAT 1800 – 4 credits

English (Composition)

One semester

ENG 1020 – Basic Composition – 3 credits

General Education Requirements

Two Arts & Humanities courses (history, literature, art, music, and theater history or appreciation, philosophy or religion). Two Social Science courses (cultural anthropology, economics, human geography, political science, psychology or sociology)

Additional classes may be required depending on the particular veterinary program. Please check with a Pre-Vet Advisor for more details on these classes.  