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 | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Findlay (UF) |
Bachelor's
|
84 | N/A | Findlay, Ohio | Private | findlay.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
|
82 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 21-30 |
Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
|
80 |
SAT: 1220-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Bachelor's
|
78 |
SAT: 1300-1480 ACT: 29-33 |
Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| University of Delaware (UD) |
Bachelor's
|
68 |
SAT: 1200-1360 ACT: 27-31 |
Newark, Delaware | Public | udel.edu |
| University of Nevada (UNR) |
Bachelor's
|
29 | N/A | Reno, Nevada | Public | unr.edu |
| Kansas State University (K‑State) |
Bachelor's
|
19 |
SAT: 1040-1260 ACT: 20-27 |
Manhattan, Kansas | Public | k-state.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNL) |
Bachelor's
|
19 |
SAT: 1090-1330 ACT: 22-28 |
Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | unl.edu |
| Northwest Missouri State University |
Bachelor's
|
13 |
SAT: 970-1200 ACT: 18-23 |
Maryville, Missouri | Public | nwmissouri.edu |
| Itawamba Community College (ICC) |
Associate's
|
11 | N/A | Fulton, Mississippi | Public | iccms.edu |
| Lees-McRae College |
Bachelor's
|
10 | N/A | Banner Elk, North Carolina | Private | lmc.edu |
| Snow College |
Associate's
|
10 | N/A | Ephraim, Utah | Public | snow.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1370-1520 ACT: 32-35 |
College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| Otterbein University |
Bachelor's
|
7 | ACT: 23-28 | Westerville, Ohio | Private | otterbein.edu |
| Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO A&M) |
Associate's
|
4 | N/A | Miami, Oklahoma | Public | neo.edu |
| Huntington University |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1000-1190 ACT: 21-25 |
Huntington, Indiana | Private | huntington.edu |
| Butler Community College |
Associate's
|
3 | N/A | El Dorado, Kansas | Public | butlercc.edu |
| MCPHS University (MCPHS) |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1080-1340 ACT: 23-33 |
Boston, Massachusetts | Private | mcphs.edu |
| Centenary University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | N/A | Hackettstown, New Jersey | Private | centenaryuniversity.edu |
| Casper College |
Associate's
|
3 | N/A | Casper, Wyoming | Public | caspercollege.edu |
| Ellsworth Community College |
Associate's
|
2 | N/A | Iowa Falls, Iowa | Public | ecc.iavalley.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1150-1350 ACT: 26-31 |
East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) |
Associate's
|
2 | N/A | Perkinston, Mississippi | Public | mgccc.edu |
| Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC) |
Associate's
|
2 | N/A | Senatobia, Mississippi | Public | northwestms.edu |
| Northeast Community College |
Associate's
|
2 | N/A | Norfolk, Nebraska | Public | northeast.edu |
| South Plains College |
Associate's
|
2 | N/A | Levelland, Texas | Public | southplainscollege.edu |
| Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) |
Associate's
|
2 | N/A | Torrington, Wyoming | Public | ewc.wy.edu |
| North Idaho College (NIC) |
Associate's
|
1 | N/A | Coeur d'Alene, Idaho | Public | nic.edu |
| Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 875-1070 ACT: 15-18 |
Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana | Private | smwc.edu |
| Grand View University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | N/A | Des Moines, Iowa | Private | grandview.edu |
| Asbury University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | N/A | Wilmore, Kentucky | Private | asbury.edu |
| University of Southern Maine (USM) |
Other Award
|
1 |
SAT: 995-1280 ACT: 23-26 |
Portland, Maine | Public | usm.maine.edu |
| Unity Environmental University |
Other Award
|
1 | N/A | New Gloucester, Maine | Private | unity.edu |
| Alpena Community College (ACC) |
Associate's
|
1 | N/A | Alpena, Michigan | Public | alpenacc.edu |
| Montcalm Community College (MCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | N/A | Sidney, Michigan | Public | montcalm.edu |
| North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | N/A | Rocky Mount, North Carolina | Private | ncwc.edu |
| Lubbock Christian University (LCU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 900-1160 ACT: 19-25 |
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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