Pre-Veterinary Medicine
From Undergraduate Study to Veterinarian
As a Pre-Veterinary student at SIU, you can begin building the knowledge and compassion necessary for a future in veterinary medicine. While licensed veterinarians evaluate, diagnose, and treat diseases in animals, our undergraduate tracks provide the essential scientific foundation required to reach that goal. Beyond the classroom, we emphasize the importance of gaining diverse experience through clinical observation, assisting in kennels, or volunteering at animal shelters and wildlife refuges to ensure a competitive application. Whether your interest is in animal production, companion animals, or wildlife and exotic animal healthcare, SIU is dedicated to helping you reach your full academic and professional development potential.
Choose Your Path to Veterinary Medicine at SIU
As a Pre-Veterinary student, you have the flexibility to choose any major, provided you carefully align your curriculum with the admission requirements of your intended veterinary programs. SIU offers two primary academic pathways designed specifically to meet these rigorous requirements. Students can choose to immerse themselves in the world of livestock and production through our Animal Science degree or explore the biological complexities of exotic species and conservation through Zoology, each offering a distinct, specialized route to a successful veterinary application.
Animal Science
School of Agricultural Sciences
The Animal Science degree through the School of Agricultural Sciences is specifically designed for students who envision a career in livestock or companion animal health. This pathway emphasizes the practical application of biological principles to domestic animals, covering essential topics such as animal nutrition, reproductive physiology, and genetics.
By choosing this curriculum, you will gain a deep understanding of the agricultural industry and the science behind animal production. It is an ideal choice for future veterinarians who are interested in working with horses, cattle, or household pets within a clinical or industrial setting.
Zoology
School of Biological Sciences
The Zoology Pre-Veterinary Science program through the School of Biological Sciences is specifically designed for students who envision a career in wildlife rehabilitation, zoo medicine, or exotic animal care. This pathway emphasizes the study of the animal kingdom within the broader biological context, covering essential topics such as comparative anatomy, ecology, and animal behavior.
By choosing this curriculum, you will gain a deep understanding of the natural world and the preservation of diverse species. It is an ideal choice for future veterinarians who are interested in working within companion animal, wildlife, and exotic animal medicine and studying the evolutionary relationships and ecological roles of various species within a variety of environments.
Resources for Navigating Your Pre-Veterinary Journey
Application Resources
Student Organizations
Professional Organizations
Standardized Testing Requirements
In recent years, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) has become much less common in veterinary admissions. Many programs have removed the requirement entirely or made it optional, focusing instead on a holistic review of your clinical hours, animal experience, and academic performance.
Because requirements vary by institution and can change each cycle, it is essential to check the VMCAS Program Directory or individual school websites before deciding whether to take the exam.