Pre-Veterinary Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Pre-Veterinary Studies is an academic pathway designed to equip students with the foundational scientific knowledge and practical experience essential for successful admission to professional veterinary medicine programs. This interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizes rigorous training in biological and physical sciences, fostering the analytical and problem-solving skills required for advanced study in animal health and welfare.
- Animal Anatomy and Physiology: In-depth exploration of the structure and function of animal body systems, providing a critical understanding of how living organisms operate at cellular, tissue, and organ levels.
- Microbiology and Immunology: Study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, alongside the mechanisms of immune response in animals, essential for understanding disease prevention and treatment.
- Chemistry and Biochemistry: Comprehensive coverage of chemical principles and reactions, particularly as they apply to biological processes, including metabolic pathways and molecular interactions in living systems.
- Genetics and Molecular Biology: Examination of hereditary traits, gene expression, and genetic variation in animals, offering insight into breeding, disease susceptibility, and modern veterinary diagnostics.
- Animal Behavior and Ethology: Investigation into the natural behaviors of animals, including social interactions, instinctual patterns, and environmental influences, supporting effective animal care and clinical assessment.
- Research Methods and Laboratory Techniques: Hands-on training in scientific inquiry, data analysis, and experimental design, preparing students for research-based components of veterinary education and practice.
Pre-Veterinary Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Pre-Veterinary Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Pre-Veterinary Studies degrees, including . These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements.
Career salary data is not available for this program.
Top Universities for Pre-Veterinary Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 37 institutions offering Pre-Veterinary Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Pre-Veterinary Studies is found at The University of Findlay (UF) (84 graduates), University of Arizona (82 graduates), Pennsylvania State University, Main Campus (80 graduates), University of Massachusetts, Amherst (78 graduates), and University of Delaware (UD) (68 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 560 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
The University of Findlay (UF) |
Bachelor's
|
84 | Findlay, Ohio | Private | findlay.edu |
University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
|
82 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
|
80 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
University of Massachusetts |
Bachelor's
|
78 | Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
University of Delaware (UD) |
Bachelor's
|
68 | Newark, Delaware | Public | udel.edu |
University of Nevada (UNR) |
Bachelor's
|
29 | Reno, Nevada | Public | unr.edu |
Kansas State University (K‑State) |
Bachelor's
|
19 | Manhattan, Kansas | Public | k-state.edu |
University of Nebraska (UNL) |
Bachelor's
|
19 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | unl.edu |
Northwest Missouri State University |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Maryville, Missouri | Public | nwmissouri.edu |
Itawamba Community College (ICC) |
Associate's
|
11 | Fulton, Mississippi | Public | iccms.edu |
Lees-McRae College |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Banner Elk, North Carolina | Private | lmc.edu |
Snow College |
Associate's
|
10 | Ephraim, Utah | Public | snow.edu |
University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
Otterbein University |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Westerville, Ohio | Private | otterbein.edu |
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO A&M) |
Associate's
|
4 | Miami, Oklahoma | Public | neo.edu |
Huntington University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Huntington, Indiana | Private | huntington.edu |
Butler Community College |
Associate's
|
3 | El Dorado, Kansas | Public | butlercc.edu |
MCPHS University (MCPHS) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | mcphs.edu |
Centenary University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Hackettstown, New Jersey | Private | centenaryuniversity.edu |
Casper College |
Associate's
|
3 | Casper, Wyoming | Public | caspercollege.edu |
Ellsworth Community College |
Associate's
|
2 | Iowa Falls, Iowa | Public | ecc.iavalley.edu |
Michigan State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Perkinston, Mississippi | Public | mgccc.edu |
Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Senatobia, Mississippi | Public | northwestms.edu |
Northeast Community College |
Associate's
|
2 | Norfolk, Nebraska | Public | northeast.edu |
South Plains College |
Associate's
|
2 | Levelland, Texas | Public | southplainscollege.edu |
Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Torrington, Wyoming | Public | ewc.wy.edu |
North Idaho College (NIC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Coeur d'Alene, Idaho | Public | nic.edu |
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana | Private | smwc.edu |
Grand View University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Des Moines, Iowa | Private | grandview.edu |
Asbury University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Wilmore, Kentucky | Private | asbury.edu |
University of Southern Maine (USM) |
Other Award
|
1 | Portland, Maine | Public | usm.maine.edu |
Unity Environmental University |
Other Award
|
1 | New Gloucester, Maine | Private | unity.edu |
Alpena Community College (ACC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Alpena, Michigan | Public | alpenacc.edu |
Montcalm Community College (MCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Sidney, Michigan | Public | montcalm.edu |
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Rocky Mount, North Carolina | Private | ncwc.edu |
Lubbock Christian University (LCU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Lubbock, Texas | Private | lcu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Pre-Veterinary Studies programs
Which universities have the largest Pre-Veterinary Studies programs?
Currently 37 accredited institutions offer Pre-Veterinary Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include The University of Findlay (UF) (84 graduates), University of Arizona (82 graduates), and Pennsylvania State University, Main Campus (80 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
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