UCLA does not have a veterinary school or a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program

UCLA does not operate a school of veterinary medicine and does not award the DVM degree. If you are looking to study veterinary medicine in California, you will need to attend a different university.

California has only one veterinary school: the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (UC Davis). This is the only DVM-granting institution in the state. UC Davis is located in Davis, California, about 80 miles northeast of Sacramento.

Key Takeaways

  • UCLA offers no veterinary medicine degree program or veterinary school.
  • UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is the only veterinary school in California and the only place in the state where you can earn a DVM.
  • UCLA does offer animal-related undergraduate and graduate programs in biology, ecology, and animal behavior that may interest students considering veterinary careers.
  • Many students complete prerequisite coursework at UCLA before transferring or explore to veterinary school elsewhere.

Animal-Related Programs UCLA Does Offer

While UCLA has no veterinary program, the university does offer coursework and degrees in fields related to animal science and biology. Undergraduate students can pursue majors in biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, or physiology. Graduate programs include options in animal behavior, conservation biology, and molecular biology.

These programs can serve as strong preparation if you plan to explore to veterinary school at UC Davis or other schools outside California. Veterinary schools require specific prerequisite courses—typically general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and physics—and UCLA's science programs cover these requirements.

Prerequisite Coursework at UCLA for Veterinary School

Many students use UCLA to complete the science prerequisites that veterinary schools require before admission. UC Davis and other veterinary schools across the United States expect applicants to have completed courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, general biology, biochemistry, physiology, and microbiology, among others.

UCLA's College of Letters and Science offers all of these courses through its biology and chemistry departments. Taking these courses at UCLA can strengthen your transcript before you explore to veterinary school, whether at UC Davis or elsewhere. Keep in mind that veterinary schools evaluate your overall academic record, so maintaining strong grades in prerequisite courses is important.

UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine: Your California Option

UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is the only veterinary school in California. The program awards the DVM degree and is located on the UC Davis campus in Yolo County. The school also operates a veterinary teaching hospital where students gain hands-on clinical experience.

UC Davis admits students from California and from other states. The program is highly competitive, and admission requires strong academic performance, veterinary experience (such as shadowing or working in a veterinary clinic), and performance on the Veterinary Medical College Admission Test (VMCAT). The DVM program takes four years to complete.

Other Veterinary Schools in the Western United States

If you do not gain admission to UC Davis or prefer to explore other options, several veterinary schools operate in the western United States. These include Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine (located in California but separate from UC Davis).

Each school has its own admission requirements, process timelines, and tuition costs. Researching these programs early in your undergraduate years can help you plan which prerequisites to take and which schools align with your goals and circumstances.

Steps to Prepare for Veterinary School While at UCLA

If you are an UCLA student interested in veterinary medicine, start by completing your science prerequisites with strong grades. Take general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and other required courses through UCLA's science departments.

Beyond coursework, veterinary schools expect applicants to have direct experience working with animals in a veterinary setting. This might include volunteering at an animal shelter, shadowing a veterinarian, working as a veterinary assistant, or interning at a veterinary clinic. Aim to accumulate at least 100 to 200 hours of veterinary experience before explore. UCLA's career services office and biology department can point you toward local veterinary clinics and animal organizations that accept volunteers or hire students.

You should also prepare for the VMCAT, which most veterinary schools require. This standardized test covers biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and critical thinking. Many students begin VMCAT preparation during their junior year of undergraduate study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a veterinary degree from UCLA?

No. UCLA does not have a veterinary school or DVM program. You must attend UC Davis or another veterinary school outside California to earn a DVM degree.

Does UCLA have any animal science or biology programs?

Yes. UCLA offers undergraduate majors in biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, and physiology. Graduate programs include animal behavior, conservation biology, and molecular biology. These programs can prepare you for veterinary school but do not lead to a veterinary degree.

Can I take veterinary prerequisites at UCLA?

Yes. UCLA's College of Letters and Science offers all the science courses that veterinary schools require, including chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and physiology. Taking these courses at UCLA can strengthen your process to veterinary school.

How do I explore to UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine?

UC Davis uses the Veterinary Medical College process Service (VMCAS) for admissions. You will submit one process through VMCAS, which then sends it to UC Davis and other schools you select. The process requires your academic transcript, VMCAT scores, letters of recommendation, and information about your veterinary experience.

What if I want to go to veterinary school outside California?

Many veterinary schools across the United States accept students from California. Schools in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and other states have their own process processes and admission requirements. Research each school's prerequisites and process timeline early so you can plan your coursework accordingly.