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Preveterinary Medicine
A career in veterinary medicine gives students the opportunity to model the best in themselves through their compassionate attention to animals' health, welfare, and conservation. Never before has animal life been of greater interest to our increasingly urbanized society or of greater importance to our agricultural production of food. And, never before has our obligation to care for animals been higher.
Program Overview
Although not a requirement for veterinary school admissions, students pursuing veterinary medicine may major in biology with a preveterinary emphasis and receive the advising they need to be well-prepared for veterinary schools around the world.
Early consultation with preveterinary advisors in the biology department and CLAS Academic Advising Center is strongly encouraged. It is also important to determine program specific requirements for the veterinary schools where you will apply.
Why Study Preveterinary Medicine at Grand Valley?
- Grand Valley State University has been sending students to graduate programs in veterinary medicine for years. Our experienced faculty and staff are able to advise students on how to complete the requirements for and get into veterinary school in the most efficient way possible.
- Most GVSU students complete their professional veterinary training at Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. The courses outlined in the preveterinary studies emphasis in biology meet all MSU course requirements.
- Students are encouraged to become involved in the Grand Valley Preveterinary Club, a student organization devoted to providing a collegiate atmosphere at Grand Valley to assist students seeking careers as veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
- The program prepares students well for veterinary schools around the world and usually with only minor adjustments.
Location & Format
Undergraduate students in this major study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.
- Face To Face
Coursework
In addition to completing core biology courses, preveterinary medicine students take courses in:
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Organic chemistry
- Physics
Career Options
Students become veterinarians, or professionals in related fields, such as:
- Agribusiness
- Graduate school in science
- Public health
- Research
- Wildlife conservation
- Zoology
Combined Degree Programs
This undergraduate degree can be combined with a master's degree to save you time and money, and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, students save $8,500 in our combined degree programs and take up to four fewer classes than if earning the degrees separately.
You can even build your own combined degree from programs in different disciplines to further personalize your education and meet specific career goals.
Admission Requirements
Visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements.
Helpful Links
For More Information
Biology Department
gvsu.edu/biology
3300a
Kindschi Hall of Science
Dr. Joseph J. Jacquot
(616) 331-2470
jacquotj@gvsu.edu
“Because of small class sizes and a wonderful teaching environment, we look forward to students from Grand Valley.”
HILDA MEJIA ABREU, PH.D.
ASSISTANT DEAN, ADMISSIONS, SCHOLARSHIPS, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION, MSU COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
ASSISTANT DEAN, ADMISSIONS, SCHOLARSHIPS, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION, MSU COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE