Veterinary Studies Programs by Degree Level

Veterinary studies degree programs are offered at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree levels. Programs offer instruction for students pursuing careers as veterinarians, educators, researchers and gamekeepers. Students may also pursue careers in animal nutrition, wildlife conservation, pharmaceutical development and sales.

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Bachelor's Degree in Veterinary Science

Bachelor's degree programs in veterinary studies are often designed as pre-veterinary programs that provide training to students who intend to become veterinarians. Undergraduate programs may also prepare students for graduate school or careers in the animal industry. Veterinary studies bachelor's degree programs have a strong foundation in basic sciences and provide instruction in animal health, welfare and nutrition, including common illnesses and rare diseases. Bachelor's degree programs are often offered through the agricultural or animal science colleges of universities.

Educational Prerequisites

Many undergraduate veterinary studies programs do not have additional admission requirements beyond those required by the educational institution, which typically include submission of high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. High school coursework in biology, algebra and chemistry is often helpful to veterinary students.

Program Coursework

Bachelor's degree programs in veterinary studies focus on science and lab work related to animal science. In addition to math, physics, biology and chemistry, students learn about various types of animals, their anatomy and diseases that affect them. Course topics may include:

  • Biochemistry
  • Animal parasite biology
  • Livestock and companion animal diseases
  • Molecular virology
  • Genetics of microorganisms
  • Microbial-host interactions

Popular Career Options

A bachelor's degree in veterinary studies can qualify graduates for some animal care and research positions, as well as entry-level management, sales and administration careers in animal-related industries. Career options may include:

  • Pet pharmaceuticals sales representative
  • Animal welfare organization administrator
  • Animal keeper
  • Pet food development
  • Livestock product management
  • Veterinary assistant
  • Veterinary technician or technologist

Master's Degrees in Veterinary Science

Master's degree programs in veterinary science typically take two years to complete and often focus on a particular area, such as animal anatomy and physiology, pathology, microbiology, radiological health sciences or biomedicine. Master's degree programs may also focus on nonmedical issues, such as public policy regarding animal welfare. Some master's degree programs are combined with Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs and offer a concentration in a particular area, such as biomedical research, neuroscience, oncology, epidemiology, bioethics and environmental health. Combined programs may take five years or more to complete.

Educational Prerequisites

A bachelor's degree with coursework in organic chemistry, physics, calculus, statistics and biological sciences is typically required for admission to graduate veterinary studies programs. A minimum grade point average and letters of recommendation are usually required as well.

Program Coursework

Master's degree coursework in veterinary studies programs often combines lecture classes, lab experience and the completion of a research report or thesis. Students become familiar with laboratory techniques and research methods, learn to identify infectious diseases and take advanced courses in animal physiology and anatomy. Course topics may include:

  • Disease mechanisms
  • Molecular biology
  • Biology of disease agents
  • Parasitology
  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Animal genetics

Popular Career Options

Master's degree programs in veterinary studies prepare students for careers that include education, research, public health and conservation. Career options may include:

  • Animal biotechnologist
  • Animal product development
  • Veterinary genetic research
  • Cell culture specialization

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree

According to the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) (www.aavmc.org), there are 28 accredited veterinary colleges in the United States. Veterinary school takes four years to complete and requires a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, research and clinical rotations. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs train large and small animal health care providers as well as research scientists. Some schools offer concurrent master's degrees and Ph.D.s along with a DVM degree. Veterinarians can pursue careers in private practice, food safety, wildlife medicine, animal surgery, epidemiology and disease control.

Educational Prerequisites

While it is not always necessary to complete a bachelor's degree for acceptance to veterinary school, most schools require the completion of undergraduate coursework in calculus, organic chemistry, genetics, physics and biochemistry. Admission to veterinary school is very competitive, requiring a high undergraduate grade point average and several letters of recommendation. Most veterinary colleges require Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores; however, a few may require Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT) or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores. Many programs also require applicants to have experience working with animals as an employee or volunteer at an animal shelter, zoo, farm, or in a vet's office.

Program Coursework

The first three years of a 4-year veterinary doctoral program are often devoted to coursework in science, medical practice and research, including medicine for small animals, equine medicine, clinical pathology, radiobiology, diagnostic imaging, neurobiology and surgery principles. The final year provides an opportunity for hands-on clinical rotations in a variety of areas, including:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Medicine for dairy and beef production
  • Oncology
  • Neurology
  • Medicine for small animals
  • Surgery
  • Ophthalmology
  • Emergency medical care

Employment Outlook and Salary Information

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (www.bls.gov) has predicted job growth of 33% for veterinarians throughout the 2008-2018 decade--more than three times the average growth rate predicted for all occupations during the same period. The BLS has attributed the projected growth to a greater demand for nontraditional veterinary services such as preventive medicine, transplant surgery, cancer treatment and dental care. Most veterinarians work in private practice, while about twenty percent work for educational institutions, research labs and government agencies.

Continuing Education Information

After completing a DVM degree, students often participate in internship and residency training programs, which may be offered in specific disciplines, such as small and large animal practices, equine medicine or biomedical sciences. According to the BLS, veterinarians must obtain licensure in all states in order to practice. Licensure requirements typically include a DVM degree and a passing grade on the North American Veterinary Licensing exam.

Doctorate Degree Programs in Veterinary Studies

Doctoral programs in veterinary studies provide in-depth coursework in research disciplines related to animal science. Veterinary Ph.D. programs can be completed in about four years; however, some schools offer combined DVM and Ph.D. programs that can be completed in six years. In addition to coursework and lab experience, programs may also include a residency and dissertation requirement.

Educational Prerequisites

A master's degree in veterinary sciences or a related field may be required for admittance to veterinary doctorate programs. However, some institutions offer Ph.D. programs in veterinary studies concurrently with DVM and master's degree programs. Students may be admitted to these programs without a master's degree if they have completed prerequisite coursework at the undergraduate or graduate level. Required coursework typically includes biological sciences, organic chemistry, statistics, calculus and physics.

Program Coursework

Doctoral programs may focus on a variety of areas, including biomedical sciences, reproductive biology, vaccine development, environmental medicine, public health, nutrition or informatics.

  • Bacteriology
  • Genetics
  • Surgery
  • Virology
  • Vascular system biology
  • Animal oncology
  • Pathology
  • Nutrition

Popular Career Options

Students who complete Ph.D. programs in veterinary studies often pursue research careers, in which they compete for federal funds and grants. Those who also complete DVM degrees may work as research veterinarians. Other job titles may include:

  • Veterinary medicine independent investigator
  • Veterinary pathologist
  • Food production development specialist
  • Professor of veterinary medicine
  • Senior biotechnologist
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