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Academics
Coursework
Pre-requisite course requirements vary widely by individual school. You should determine specific requirements for programs of choice using the:
The summary below is a list of the most common pre-veterinary requirements.
| Course | Amount | Required for Schools |
|---|---|---|
| English / Writing Composition | 2 courses | Yes |
| Introductory Biology | 2 lectures, 2 labs | Yes |
| General Chemistry | 2 lectures, 2 labs | Yes |
| Organic Chemistry | 2 lectures, 2 labs | Yes |
| General Physics | 2 lectures, 2 labs | Yes |
| Biochemistry | 1 course | Yes |
| Cell Biology | 1 course | Some |
| Microbiology | 1 course | Some |
| Genetics | 1 course | Some |
| Physiology | 1 course | Some |
| Calculus or Statistics | 2 courses | Some |
| Animal Science or Advanced Biology | Varies | Few |
| Humanities and Social Sciences | Varies | Yes |
Dependent upon your academic home at UVA (College or School), specific course options to fulfill these requirements vary.
Self Assessment
Utilize the Pre-Health Pillars Candidacy Assessment to keep track of your progress.
AP Credit
Programs vary on whether they accept Advanced Placement (AP) credit as completion of a prerequisite requirement.
- You should complete lab courses for science coursework if UVA did not award lab credit for your AP science coursework.
- Many programs that accept AP credit require you to supplement that credit by completing an equal number of hours in the same discipline at the university level.
- Some students choose to retake science coursework they received AP credit for to prepare them for upper level coursework, as well as for entrance exams.
Dual Enrollment
Provided you earn a C or better in your dual enrollment coursework, you can receive credit for the purpose of health professional program admission requirements. We encourage you to complete upper level coursework in the science disciplines to supplement your dual enrollment credit.
Opportunities for Engagement
Engagement within the field of veterinary medicine will not only help you continue to explore and confirm your interest in the profession, but also demonstrate a commitment to serving others. We encourage you to review the sampling of opportunities below, as well as self-initiate opportunities of your own!
- Madison House Animals & Environment Volunteer Program
- Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA
- Blue Ridge Equine Center
- Wildlife Center of Virginia
- UVA Center for Comparative Medicine
- UVA Office of Animal Welfare
- US National Wildlife Refuge
- Volunteer or Intern at the National Zoo
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI)
- Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine BRUSH Summer Research Program
- Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine VetTRAC Summer Program
Consider gaining animal experience at any of the following types of settings:
- Zoo's
- Wildlife Centers
- SPCA
- Stables
- Farms
- Parks
- Pet Stores
- Labs
- Veterinary Offices
Find additional health-related opportunities for engagement on the clinical opportunities page.
Student Organizations
Getting involved in a student organization is a great way to network with peers who have similar interests, access resources such as programs, speakers, and shadowing opportunities, as well as gain leadership and teamwork skills. Whether you select an organization directly related to veterinary medicine or not, we encourage you to review these organizations and participate.
Find additional health-related UVA student organizations on the clinical opportunities page.
*Although this organization has members who are University of Virginia students and may have University employees associated or engaged in its activities and affairs, the organization is not a part of or an agency of the University. It is a separate and independent organization, which is responsible for and manages its own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise, or control this organization and is not responsible for the organization's contracts, acts, or omissions.
