Undergraduate majors that prepare you for veterinary school

You do not need a specific major to become a veterinarian. Veterinary schools care about the courses you take, not the name on your degree. Most students major in biology, chemistry, or animal science, but you could major in English, business, or physics and still get into vet school if you complete the required science courses.

What matters is finishing the prerequisite courses that every veterinary school demands. These are almost always: general biology (with lab), organic chemistry (with lab), general chemistry (with lab), biochemistry, physics (with lab), and microbiology. Some schools also require animal anatomy, physiology, or statistics. You need to check the specific requirements for each school you are considering, because they vary.

Your major determines how many of these prerequisites fit naturally into your degree plan. If you major in biology, most prerequisites count toward your degree. If you major in something unrelated, you will take these courses as electives and may need extra semesters to finish them all.

Key Takeaways

  • Veterinary schools require specific science courses (biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, microbiology) but do not require a specific major.
  • Biology, chemistry, and animal science majors align most closely with prerequisite requirements and leave room for other coursework.
  • You can major in any field and still attend veterinary school if you complete all required science courses, though it may take longer.
  • Each veterinary school publishes its own prerequisite list, and requirements differ between schools, so you must check before enrolling.
  • Your GPA in prerequisite courses matters more to admissions than your overall GPA, so performance in science classes is critical.

Biology and chemistry majors: the most direct path

A biology major covers most veterinary prerequisites as part of the degree requirements. You will take general biology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and often microbiology and physiology as required courses. This leaves room in your schedule for electives, shadowing hours, and volunteer work at animal clinics — all things veterinary schools look for.

A chemistry major works similarly. You will complete general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry as core requirements. You will need to add biology, microbiology, and physics as electives, but the chemistry foundation is already built into your degree plan.

Both majors let you finish prerequisites on time and still graduate in four years. Neither one locks you into a narrow career path if you decide veterinary school is not right for you.

Animal science and pre-veterinary majors

Animal science is designed specifically for students heading to veterinary school or animal agriculture careers. It includes most prerequisites plus courses in animal nutrition, reproduction, and behavior. Some animal science programs are housed in agriculture colleges and may include farm management or livestock handling, which gives you practical experience with large animals.

Some universities offer a pre-veterinary track or concentration within biology or chemistry. This is not a separate major but a guided course sequence that ensures you hit all prerequisites while leaving time for veterinary school preparation. If your school offers this, it simplifies planning.

Both options work well, but animal science is more specialized. If you change your mind about veterinary school, a biology degree opens more doors than an animal science degree does.

Why your major matters less than your prerequisites

Veterinary schools rank applicants on several factors: prerequisite GPA, overall GPA, Veterinary Medical College Admission Test (VMCAT) score, clinical experience, and personal fit. Your major does not appear on that list. A student who majored in philosophy and earned an A in organic chemistry is stronger than a student who majored in biology and earned a C in the same course.

This means you have flexibility. If you are already enrolled in a major that does not align with veterinary prerequisites, you can still pursue veterinary school by taking the required courses as electives. It will cost more time and money, but it is possible.

The trade-off is scheduling. If your major requires 40 credits and prerequisites require 30 credits, you may need five years instead of four to finish both. Some students take prerequisites during summer sessions or at community colleges to speed up the timeline.

Double majors and minors: worth the extra work?

Some students double major in biology and chemistry, or major in biology and minor in chemistry. This is not necessary for veterinary school admission. Admissions committees see that you completed the prerequisites and performed well in them. A double major does not strengthen your process unless it reflects genuine interest in the field.

If you are considering a double major, ask yourself whether the extra coursework leaves time for clinical experience. Shadowing a veterinarian, volunteering at an animal shelter, or working as a veterinary assistant matters more to admissions than a second major. Time spent on clinical hours is time better spent than time on extra coursework.

A minor in a related field — such as chemistry, microbiology, or animal behavior — can make sense if it fits your schedule without crowding out experience. But it is optional.

How to choose a major that supports veterinary school

Start by looking up the prerequisite list for the veterinary schools you are interested in. Most schools post this on their admissions website. Write down every required course. Then look at your university's major requirements and see which major includes the most of those courses.

If you are already declared in a major, meet with your academic advisor and ask them to map out a four-year plan that includes all prerequisites. If prerequisites do not fit, ask about summer courses or community college options. Some prerequisites taken at community colleges transfer, but not all schools accept them, so confirm before enrolling.

Talk to current veterinary students or recent graduates from your school. They can tell you which major they chose, how long it took, and whether they would choose differently. Many universities have pre-veterinary clubs or mentorship programs that connect you with people further along the path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I major in something completely unrelated to science and still go to vet school?

Yes. You can major in history, English, business, or any other field as long as you complete all required science courses. You will take them as electives outside your major, which may require extra semesters. Your prerequisite GPA still matters, so performance in those science courses is critical regardless of your major.

What if my school does not offer all the prerequisite courses?

You can take missing courses at a community college or another university and transfer the credits. Check with your target veterinary schools first to confirm they accept transfer credits for prerequisites. Some schools require certain courses to be taken at a four-year institution.

Does veterinary school care about my overall GPA or just my science GPA?

Both matter, but your prerequisite GPA (the grades in required science courses) is weighted more heavily. A 3.8 in biology and chemistry with a 3.2 overall GPA is stronger than a 3.8 overall GPA with a 3.0 in science courses. Focus on performing well in prerequisites first.

Is a pre-veterinary major better than a biology major?

Not necessarily. A pre-veterinary track is a guided sequence of courses, not a separate degree. If your school offers it, it simplifies planning. If not, a biology major accomplishes the same thing. Choose based on what your school offers and what interests you most.

Should I take prerequisites at community college to save money?

It depends on the school. Some veterinary schools accept community college prerequisites; others require certain courses at a four-year university. Check your target schools' policies before enrolling. If they accept transfer credits, community college can save money, but if they do not, the credits may not count toward your prerequisites.