Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science - Pre-Veterinary Concentration

The pre-veterinary concentration allows the student to receive a Bachelor's Degree in Veterinary Science, meeting the requirements for most Veterinary Schools as well as the requirements for the two-year, AVMA-accredited program in Veterinary Technology. Students are advised that the requirements of each Veterinary School are different, and that they may need to take additional courses to meet the pre-requisite requirements of a specific school. Students should be prepared to begin the application process at the end of the Junior year and may receive feedback at that time on how they might make their application stronger.

An integral part of the program is the Lenfest Animal Health Center. This on-campus veterinary clinic treats hundreds of animals annually and allows students to gain valuable hands-on clinical experience as part of the curriculum. In addition to the veterinary clinic on campus, field trips are made to local shelters and farm animal facilities.  These out-reach programs give the students experiences with a wide range of animal species.  

Click here for Animal Health Programs department page.

This sample curriculum sequence illustrates how a student might progress through the concentration.  Course sequence may vary as long as prerequisties are met.

Freshman Year

 
Fall Semester
Credit Hours
Spring Semester
Credit Hours
 
BIOL1001
Biology I
4
BIOL1002
Biology II
4
 
CHEM1001
Chemistry I
4
CHEM1002
Chemistry II
4
 
ENGL1001
English Composition I
3
ENGL1003
Writing about Literature
3
 
ACAD1001
First Year Experience
2
INFO1001
Technology and Society
3
 
MATH1200
College Algebra
3
MATH2202

Calculus or

3

 
 
 

 

MATH2200
Statistics
 
     

16

   

17

 

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester
Credit Hours
Spring Semester
Credit Hours
VTSC1101
Clinical Veterinary Experience I
4
VTSC1102
Clinical Veterinary Experience II
4
BIOL1005
Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals I
4
BIOL1006
Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals II
4
CHEM2100
Organic Chemistry I
4
CHEM2101
Organic Chemistry II
4
 
Humanities elective
3
VTSC1200
Veterinary Pharmacology
2
 
 3 
 
English Elective (2000+)
3
 
 
18
 
 
17

 

Junior Year

Fall Semester
Credit Hours
Spring Semester
Credit Hours
VTSC2001
Veterinary Radiology
2
 
VTSC elective
3
VTSC2101
Veterinary Hematology
3
VTSC2500
Veterinary Anesthesia and Surgery
 4 
VTSC2000
Laboratory Animal Science
2
VTSC2102
Clinical Pathology
3
VTSC2201
Farm Animal Practice
2
VTSC2904
Practical Experience II
1
CHEM3003
Biochemistry
3
BIOL2502
Microbiology
4
VTSC2900
Career Internship
2
 
3
VTSC2902
Practical Experience I
 
 
 
PHIL3200
Ethics in Veterinary Medicine
3
     
 
 
18
 
 
18

 

Senior Year

Fall Semester
Credit Hours
Spring Semester
Credit Hours
VTSC3401
Pathophysiology of Disease
3
 
open elective
3
VTSC3600
Veterinary Nutrition
3
 
VTSC elective
3
BIOL3500
Genetics
3
PHYS2002
Physics II
4
PHYS2001
Physics I
4
VTSC4500
Senior Seminar
2
 
3
VTSC4900
Preceptorship Module I
3
 
 
 
VTSC4901
Preceptorship Module II a
3
   

16

   

 18

 
 
 
 
Total Credits:
138

Special Requirements: 

All full and part-time students are required to demonstrate proof of medical insurance, a tetanus booster within the last ten (10) years, and a tuberculosis test within one (1) year to participate in animal laboratories, veterinary clinic rotations and career externship. Rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis immunization is highly recommended. Students are required to either show proof of rabies immunization or sign a declination form. Students must be able to lift 50 pounds and be able to demonstrate the physical capabilities to work closely and safely with animals of all sizes. Students with limitations to movement, sight or hearing may find it difficult to meet all course requirements. For the health and safety of students appropriate attire will be addressed in all classes with laboratories.

Students who fail to achieve a C or better in any core Veterinary Technology course after two attempts will be dropped from the program. The required Veterinary Technology courses include all courses with a ANSC, BIOL, MATH or CHEM designation.  Program electives require a C or better but courses being used as open electives do not.

Please refer to the specific admission requirements for all Health Science programs in the Admission section of the academic catalog, under the Veterinary Applicants section.

Veterinary Science electives include (no more than 1 elective at the 2000 level):

ANSC2403
Equine Nutrition
3 Credits
ANSC3503
Equine Reproduction and Breeding
3 Credits
ANSC2701
Equine Anatomy & Physiology
3 Credits
BIOL 3001 Cell Biology 3 Credits
BIOL3201
Primatology

3 Credits

BIOL3202
Histology
4 Credits
EQST3701 Equine Biomechanics and Conformation 3 Credits
EQST4201 Equine Pathology and Disease 3 Credits
PSYC2603
Brain and Behavior
3 Credits
VTSC3100
Laboratory Animal Management
3 Credits
VTSC3200 Clinical Animal Behavior 3 credits
VTSC3400 Immunology 3 credits
VTSC3402
Advanced Veterinary Nursing Techniques
3 Credits
VTSC3405
Pain Medicine
2 Credits
VTSC4102
Laboratory Animal Diseases
3 Credits
VTSC4401
Companion Animal Diseases
3 Credits