Penn State does not have a veterinary school
Penn State University does not operate a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. The university offers animal science and pre-veterinary coursework, but students who want to earn a veterinary degree must attend a veterinary school elsewhere and then transfer their credits or start fresh.
If you are a Penn State student interested in becoming a veterinarian, you can complete your pre-veterinary requirements at Penn State — courses in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and animal science — and then move to an accredited veterinary school for your professional degree. Many Penn State pre-vet students have been admitted to veterinary programs at other universities.
Key Takeaways
- Penn State has no DVM program, so you must attend veterinary school at another university to become a licensed veterinarian.
- Penn State offers pre-veterinary coursework and an animal science major that prepare students for veterinary school entrance exams and applications.
- The nearest veterinary schools to Pennsylvania are Cornell University in New York and Ohio State University in Ohio.
- Pre-veterinary courses at Penn State count toward veterinary school prerequisites, but each veterinary school sets its own admission standards.
Pre-Veterinary Programs at Penn State
Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences offers an animal science major and pre-veterinary course sequences. These programs are designed to prepare students for veterinary school entrance exams (the GRE or veterinary-specific exams) and to meet the prerequisite coursework that veterinary schools require.
The pre-veterinary track includes courses in general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, and animal science. Students also take electives in anatomy, pathology, and other animal health topics. Penn State does not formally "admit" students to a pre-veterinary program — instead, you declare animal science as your major or take pre-veterinary courses alongside another major.
Penn State also offers opportunities to gain veterinary experience through internships at the university's animal facilities, local veterinary clinics, and research laboratories. Veterinary schools look at hands-on experience with animals, so these internships strengthen your process to DVM programs elsewhere.
Veterinary Schools You Can Attend After Penn State
The closest veterinary schools to Pennsylvania are Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York, and Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbus, Ohio. Both are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and admit students from across the country.
Other veterinary schools within a reasonable distance include the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia (which is in Pennsylvania but highly competitive), Purdue University in Indiana, and Michigan State University. The AVMA recognizes 32 veterinary schools in the United States, so you have options beyond your region if you are willing to relocate.
Each veterinary school sets its own admission requirements, GPA thresholds, and prerequisite courses. Some schools require specific animal experience; others prioritize research or clinical work. Before you choose your pre-veterinary courses at Penn State, research the schools you are interested in and confirm that Penn State's offerings meet their requirements.
How Penn State Credits Transfer to Veterinary School
Credits from Penn State will transfer to a veterinary school, but the receiving school decides whether to accept them and how to count them toward your degree. Most veterinary schools accept prerequisite courses (chemistry, biology, biochemistry) from accredited universities like Penn State without issue.
However, some veterinary schools require you to complete certain courses within a set timeframe — for example, organic chemistry within the last five years — or at a school they have evaluated. If you take pre-veterinary courses at Penn State and then wait several years before explore to veterinary school, some schools may ask you to retake certain courses to may support your knowledge is current.
The safest approach is to contact the veterinary schools you are interested in before you graduate from Penn State and confirm which of your courses they will count toward admission and which they will count toward your DVM degree.
Penn State's Animal Science Resources
Penn State operates the Dairy Cattle Research and Education Center and other animal facilities where students can gain hands-on experience. The university also has partnerships with local veterinary clinics and animal hospitals where pre-veterinary students can shadow veterinarians and learn about clinical practice.
The College of Agricultural Sciences maintains a pre-veterinary advising office that helps students plan their coursework, prepare for veterinary school entrance exams, and strengthen their applications. Advisors can tell you which Penn State courses are most respected by veterinary schools and which schools are the best fit for your interests and background.
Alternative Paths if Veterinary School Is Not Your Goal
If you complete pre-veterinary coursework at Penn State but decide not to pursue a DVM, your credits still count toward other degrees. Many students use pre-veterinary courses as the foundation for a degree in animal science, agricultural science, or biology. These degrees lead to careers in animal nutrition, livestock management, agricultural research, and food safety — all fields that value the coursework you complete.
Penn State also offers graduate programs in animal science and related fields. If you earn your bachelor's degree at Penn State and then decide veterinary medicine is not for you, you can pursue a master's degree in animal science or a related field without starting over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a veterinary degree entirely at Penn State?
No. Penn State has no DVM program. You must complete your pre-veterinary coursework at Penn State and then attend a veterinary school elsewhere to earn your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
What is the closest veterinary school to Penn State?
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York, is approximately 200 miles from Penn State's main campus. Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbus, Ohio, is about 350 miles away. Both are accredited and admit students nationwide.
Do I have to major in animal science to take pre-veterinary courses at Penn State?
No. You can major in any field and take pre-veterinary courses as electives or as part of a minor. Many students major in biology, chemistry, or another science and complete pre-veterinary requirements alongside their major.
How competitive is it to get into veterinary school from Penn State?
Veterinary school is competitive nationwide. Admission depends on your GPA, entrance exam scores, animal experience, and letters of recommendation — not on where you completed your pre-veterinary coursework. Penn State's pre-veterinary courses are well-regarded, but you will need strong grades and relevant experience to be competitive.
What should I do if I am a Penn State student interested in veterinary medicine?
Contact the pre-veterinary advising office in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. Advisors can help you plan your coursework, identify veterinary schools that match your interests, and build a strong process. Start gaining animal experience early through internships and volunteer work.