Pre-Veterniary Science Program
Students wishing to attend a veterinary science school should plan on four years of prerequisite work by completing a four-year undergraduate program focusing on biology, chemistry, and math. Accepted students generally have a GPA above 2.8 and no less than a C in prerequisite coursework.
Most programs no longer require a GRE. Instead, an open-ended situational test, called the CASPer, may be required. Most students complete this test in the spring before admission into the program. Students interested in applying to veterinary science schools will apply through an external program known as VMCAS in the summer or fall of their senior year.
Application deadlines are generally in mid-September. Students should confer with the school of their choice regarding specific requirements for admission.
Fast Facts
Degree: By earning your Bachelor’s Degree at Midland University in the Pre-Veterniary Science Program, you will be prepared to jump straight into graduate work in a professional program.
College/School: College of Health Professions/School of Health Sciences
Suggested Major at Midland University:
Biology – View the Sample Course of Study →
GPA required to enter occupational therapy school: Around a 2.8 and no less than a C in prerequisite coursework
Pre-Veterniary Science Course Information
These courses are recommended to be taken at Midland University, as students prepare for graduate school in the field of Veterinary Sciences as part of the Pre-Veterinary track. All course descriptions can be found in the Academic Catalog.
BIO125: General Biology I with Lab
BIO126: General Biology II with Lab
CHE103: General Chemistry I with Lab
CHE104: General Chemistry II with Lab
PHY151: General Physics I with Lab
CHE407: Biochemistry with Lab
BIO204: Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
BIO305: Genetics
BIO215: Microbiology with Lab (sometimes required)
MTH140: College Algebra
MTH210: Elementary Statistics (sometimes required)
BIO106: Zoology (sometimes required)
PHY152: General Physics II with Lab (sometimes required)
This course typically is not required for graduate school in the field of Veterinary Science, but is strongly recommended and may be helpful for students who intend to attend graduate school for Veterinary Science.
BIO415: Immunology
Program Faculty
Dr. Danielle Boelter
Assistant Professor of Health Science
Email Address: boelter@midlandu.edu
Phone Number: 402-941-6540
Dr. Chintamani S. Manish
Professor of Biology
Email Address: manish@midlandu.edu
Phone Number: 402-941-6305
Dr. Evangeline Rukundo, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Email Address: rukundo@midlandu.edu
Phone Number: 402-941-6322
Key Experiences
Along their academic journey, students take part in what we call “Key Experiences.” These experiences will spark learning outside of the classroom and beyond the textbook. They get students learning first-hand about a profession, seeing the process from an up-close perspective, and thinking outside the box.
Internships, Collaborative Courses & Projects, ePortfolios
- Students will design and conduct an experiment during their Biology Capstone course. Students will prepare audio-visual presentations and create a poster to present at the Luther College of Arts and Sciences Research Fair.
- Students create a completely original organism (plant or animal) for a given set of environmental and habitat conditions that are assigned to them. Students are provided with a set of environmental conditions, location, and other pertinent information about a region. Based upon the information provided, they have to design an organism that will be perfectly adapted to that setting (they must describe the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the organism including its morphology, external characteristics, digestion, respiration, circulation, reproduction, behavioral response, and any other characteristics that are “unique” to their organism. Once the students design the organism they have to write a paper describing it along with art work. Finally, the students have to create a presentation that will be shared with the entire class.
Careers with an Advanced Degree
Veterinary Science careers are more promising than ever before. For example, a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report states that employment of veterinarians is predicted to grow 19% between 2023 and 2033, much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
According to the BLS, increases in consumers’ pet-related spending, expanding treatment options, and a growing, aging pet population are expected to drive employment growth of veterinarians.
Some possible careers include:
The most common career path for veterinary science graduates is to work as veterinarians in clinical practice. They diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries in animals, perform surgeries, administer vaccinations, provide preventive care, and offer advice on animal nutrition and behavior.
Veterinarians can pursue specialization in various areas of veterinary medicine such as internal medicine, surgery, dermatology, oncology, ophthalmology, cardiology, or neurology. Specialists undergo additional training and certification in their chosen field and provide advanced diagnostic and treatment services for specific animal health conditions.
Veterinary pathologists study the causes and mechanisms of diseases in animals by examining tissue samples, conducting laboratory tests, and interpreting diagnostic findings. They play a crucial role in diagnosing diseases, investigating outbreaks, and advancing veterinary knowledge through research.
Public health veterinarians work in government agencies, public health departments, or international organizations, focusing on the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans) and ensuring food safety and security. They may conduct disease surveillance, investigate disease outbreaks, and implement public health interventions to protect both animal and human populations.
Veterinary scientists conduct research to advance knowledge in various areas of veterinary medicine, animal health, and biomedical sciences. They may work in academic institutions, research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, or government agencies, studying topics such as infectious diseases, vaccine development, genetics, or animal behavior.
Wildlife veterinarians work with non-domesticated animals in natural habitats, zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or conservation organizations. They provide medical care, conduct health assessments, and participate in wildlife conservation efforts to protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity.
Equine veterinarians specialize in the care and treatment of horses. They provide preventive care, diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses, perform surgeries, and offer reproductive services for horses in various settings such as equine clinics, racetracks, equestrian events, or breeding farms.
Veterinary science graduates can pursue careers in academia, teaching veterinary students, conducting research, and contributing to the development of veterinary education programs. They may work as faculty members in veterinary schools or colleges, mentoring students, and advancing veterinary knowledge through teaching and scholarship.
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