Start with science in high school, then choose an animal science or biology major in college

To become a veterinarian, you need to take science courses starting in high school and then choose a science-based major in college. Most veterinary schools require you to complete specific undergraduate courses before you can even explore — so your major matters less than which courses you take alongside it. You can major in biology, animal science, chemistry, or even something unrelated, as long as you complete the required science sequence.

The real path is not about the major name on your diploma. It is about completing organic chemistry, biochemistry, general chemistry, physics, and biology courses that veterinary schools demand. Many students major in animal science or biology because those programs bundle these courses together, but you could major in English and still get into veterinary school if you take all the required science classes as electives.

Key Takeaways

  • Veterinary schools require specific science courses (organic chemistry, biochemistry, general chemistry, physics, and biology) regardless of your major.
  • Animal science and biology majors are common paths because they include required courses as part of the degree, not because they are mandatory.
  • You can major in any subject as long as you complete all prerequisite science courses alongside it.
  • High school science courses like chemistry and biology prepare you for college-level prerequisites and improve your chances of strong grades in those courses.
  • Your GPA in science courses matters more to veterinary schools than your overall GPA, so focus on performing well in chemistry, physics, and biology.

High school courses that prepare you for college prerequisites

Take chemistry and biology in high school if they are offered. These courses teach you the fundamentals you will see again in college-level general chemistry and organic chemistry. Students who skip high school chemistry often struggle more in college chemistry, which is one of the hardest prerequisite courses for veterinary school.

Physics and advanced math (algebra II or precalculus) also help. Veterinary schools require physics, and a solid math foundation makes chemistry easier. If your school offers AP Chemistry or AP Biology, taking those courses can give you college credit and show veterinary schools that you pursued rigorous science work.

Common undergraduate majors for future veterinarians

Animal science is the most direct path. This major covers animal biology, nutrition, genetics, and behavior — all topics that show up in veterinary school. The major is designed around the prerequisite courses, so you complete them naturally as part of your degree requirements. Many land-grant universities (state schools with agricultural programs) offer strong animal science programs.

Biology is another common choice. A biology major requires most of the same science courses as animal science, but gives you more flexibility to take electives in ecology, genetics, or microbiology. Some veterinary schools view biology majors as slightly more competitive because the major is broader, but the difference is small.

Chemistry or biochemistry majors work too, though they require more chemistry courses than veterinary schools demand. If you choose chemistry, you will have very strong preparation for organic chemistry and biochemistry, which are often the hardest prerequisites.

Other majors are possible if you plan carefully. Some students major in environmental science, microbiology, or even non-science fields, then take the required science courses as electives. This approach requires more planning because you have to fit prerequisites into a schedule that is not built around them, but it is not uncommon.

The prerequisite courses veterinary schools require

Every veterinary school requires you to complete these courses before you explore, though the exact number of credits or lab hours varies by school:

  • General chemistry (usually two semesters with lab)
  • Organic chemistry (usually two semesters with lab)
  • Biochemistry (one semester, sometimes with lab)
  • Biology (usually two semesters with lab, covering general biology and sometimes cell biology)
  • Physics (usually two semesters with lab)
  • Mathematics (algebra, precalculus, or calculus — varies by school)
  • English or writing (usually one or two courses)

Some schools also require microbiology, genetics, or animal nutrition. Check the specific requirements for the veterinary schools you are interested in, because they do vary. A few schools require statistics or biochemistry with lab, while others do not.

You typically complete these courses over three to four years of college. Most students take general chemistry and biology in their first year, organic chemistry in their second year, and biochemistry in their third year. Physics can fit in year one or two depending on your math preparation.

Why your science GPA matters more than your major

Veterinary schools calculate your science GPA separately from your overall GPA. Your science GPA includes only grades in chemistry, physics, biology, biochemistry, and math courses. Most veterinary schools want to see a science GPA of 3.5 or higher, though this varies by school and competition in your region.

This means that if you major in animal science but earn a C in organic chemistry, that C will hurt your science GPA more than it would hurt your overall GPA (if you have strong grades in non-science courses). Conversely, if you major in English and earn an A in organic chemistry, that A counts toward your science GPA even though English is your major.

The takeaway: choose a major you can succeed in, then prioritize earning strong grades in your science prerequisites. A student who majors in animal science but struggles with chemistry is in a worse position than a student who majors in something else but excels in chemistry.

How to choose between animal science and biology

If you are unsure which major to pick, consider what you want to learn beyond veterinary school. Animal science programs focus on livestock, companion animals, and animal management — useful if you think you might work in agriculture, animal welfare, or research. Biology programs are broader and include ecology, evolution, and human biology — useful if you want flexibility or are uncertain about veterinary medicine.

Both majors prepare you equally well for veterinary school. The difference is in the electives and the focus of the program. Talk to advisors at colleges you are interested in and ask what the animal science and biology majors actually cover. Some schools have strong animal science programs; others have stronger biology programs. Your choice should depend on which program at your specific school is better taught and better aligned with your interests.

You can also double major or add a minor if you want. Some students major in animal science and minor in chemistry, or major in biology and minor in business (useful if you plan to own a practice). This is possible as long as you complete all veterinary prerequisites and maintain a strong science GPA.

Preparing for veterinary school beyond your major

Your major and prerequisites are only part of what veterinary schools evaluate. You will also need hands-on experience with animals, which usually means volunteering at a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or research facility. Many schools require 100 to 500 hours of veterinary experience before you explore.

Shadowing a veterinarian (following them during their workday) is also valuable and often easier to arrange than a formal volunteer position. Some students work as veterinary assistants or kennel staff, which counts as experience and pays you at the same time.

You will also take the Veterinary Medical College Admission Test (VMCAT), which is a standardized test similar to the SAT or ACT. Your VMCAT score, science GPA, overall GPA, and animal experience together determine whether you get into veterinary school. No single factor is enough on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I major in something other than animal science or biology?

Yes. You can major in any subject as long as you complete all the required science courses. Some students major in chemistry, environmental science, or even non-science fields. The key is planning your schedule so you fit in all prerequisites while completing your major requirements. Talk to an academic advisor early to make sure this is possible at your school.

What if I do not do well in chemistry in high school?

High school chemistry is not a barrier. Many students struggle in high school chemistry but do well in college chemistry because college courses are taught differently and you have more time to study. Take college chemistry seriously, consider tutoring if you need it, and do not assume your high school grade predicts your college performance. That said, if you find chemistry very difficult, talk to a veterinary school advisor about whether this path is right for you.

Do I need to take AP or honors science courses?

AP and honors courses are helpful but not required. They show veterinary schools that you pursued challenging coursework, and AP credit can save you time and money. However, a strong grade in a regular chemistry course is better than a weak grade in AP chemistry. Focus on understanding the material and earning good grades rather than taking the hardest course available.

How many years of college do I need before explore to veterinary school?

Most students complete their bachelor's degree (four years) before explore to veterinary school. You need to finish all prerequisite courses before you explore, and most students need all four years to complete a major plus prerequisites. Some students take longer if they change majors or need extra time in science courses. A few students explore after three years if they have completed all requirements early, but this is uncommon.

What if I want to specialize in a certain type of veterinary medicine?

Your undergraduate major does not lock you into a specialty. You choose your specialty during veterinary school or after graduation through residency programs. That said, if you know you want to work in a specific area — like equine medicine, wildlife, or research — you can take electives that support that interest. For example, if you want to work with horses, taking an equine science course or getting experience at an equine facility strengthens your process.