What do vets major in

As an animal-focused branch of biology, the field of zoology encompasses basic science studies and coursework pertaining to animal studies particularly, such as animal behavior, invertebrate and vertebrate biology, marine biology and ecology, aquatic entomology, conservation of marine mammals and herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians.

Your undergraduate major should cover a wide range of research methods and prepare you for hands-on fieldwork as well as taking notes in class.

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Which degree is better: BA or BS? Which degree is better: AA or AS? What Do Veterinarians Major in as Undergraduates? Here are the factors you should consider when choosing an undergraduate major as a prospective veterinarian: How well will this major prepare me for veterinary school admissions tests?

Since these different standardized tests assess different skills and areas of knowledge, students should think about how a possible major will help them perform well on the different types of exams. How clearly does your major pertain to veterinary medicine? Hard science majors more obviously connect to the field than majors in the social sciences, the arts, the humanities, business and other fields. Can you meet all of the prerequisite coursework that is required for veterinary school while pursuing your intended major?

Solid veterinary school preparation involves plenty of classes in physics, biochemistry, organic chemistry, zoology, anatomy and physiology. Will this major help you be a better veterinarian? Must I complete all required courses before I can apply? All schools allow candidates to apply before completing all required courses you should be submitting your applications in September of your senior year.

An applicant who is admitted without evidence of completion of all requirements will receive a provisional admission. Evidence of satisfactory completion of requirements must be received at most schools by July 15 prior to the fall of matriculating in the DVM program. Does it matter where I obtain my undergraduate degree? No, but it will be necessary for you to take the required prerequisite courses, and you will need to provide evidence that you can handle a rigorous upper division science curriculum.

It would be to your advantage to select an institution that offers the required courses plus additional upper division science courses as part of an undergraduate degree program. The UMass program is specifically designed to meet all the necessary requirements. Is th e r e a preferred undergraduate major? Your choice of a degree-oriented major depends on your academic and vocational interests within veterinary medicine and on your alternate career plans.

It is possible to fulfill pre- veterinary requirements and at the same time complete departmental requirements for almost any science major; however, students can have any degree as long as they have completed required courses. Students are encouraged to select a baccalaureate program as early as possible in order to fulfill the requirements of their chosen departmental major. How can I be sure that the courses I take will fulfill the pre-veterinary requirements? The University of Massachusetts Pre-Veterinary Science major curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of most veterinary schools.

If there is a prerequisite listed that UMass does not appear to offer, it is recommended that you check with your academic advisor. Is th e r e an advantage in taking more science courses than the minimum prerequisites?

The first two years of study in veterinary medicine consist of challenging science course work. Students will find it beneficial to have had as much science course work in their undergraduate studies as possible, especially biological sciences. Wh a t electives I should take? Suggested electives include: anatomy, physiology, cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, nutrition, immunology, epidemiology, histology, embryology, parasitology, virology, animal reproduction, animal husbandry, toxicology, parasitology, mycology, endocrinology, entomology, bacteriology, zoology, neuroanatomy or neurophysiology.

Courses, practica, independent studies and internships that provide specific veterinary practice, animal experience and research experiences are highly recommended.

In addition many schools recommend business, computer science, statistics and communications courses. Professional veterinary curriculum is extremely demanding, it is highly recommended that prospective students enroll in challenging undergraduate courses that go beyond the pre- professional requirements; useful courses include comparative anatomy, embryology, and physiology.

Superior performance in these kinds of courses will not only enhance the academic image of the applicant, but will also help build a solid base for more detailed courses in the professional veterinary curriculum. Students may pursue honors in their major course of study.

To receive honors in biology you must have a 3. Most pre-vet students pursue a biology degree , but other degrees majors work, too. Most veterinary schools require a rounded undergraduate curriculum including classes in English, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, math, and humanities. The Department of Biology presents several scholarships and awards annually to outstanding biology majors. In some cases, they might need to quarantine infected animals to prevent illness from spreading to other animals and humans.

Still others are involved in testing the safety of medications and additives. According to a career overview from AVMA, these types of veterinarians may find themselves working for government organizations, biomedical research firms, or universities.

Vets who work at education institutions are often faculty members who teach vet students. Veterinarians employed by schools and government agencies may review past findings and techniques to work toward better methods for diagnosing, treating, and preventing health conditions.

Those who work with biomedical or pharmaceutical firms develop and test drugs and other biomedical products. You clearly have no shortage of career options as a DVM.