NC State provides an excellent pre-vet program for undergraduates. It is a great opportunity to be able to have a pre-vet oriented major so that you can receive a four year BS degree and meet the requirements to apply for vet school. My major is Animal Science, a popular choice for pre-vet undergrads. I get the chance to earn my degree, take pre-vet classes, and get hands-on lab experience all at the same time. It is also great that NCSU has a vet school and that obtaining your undergraduate degree here is a way to connect with the vet school through various outlets, including doing research on the vet school’s campus.Posted by: Holly Ramey
NCSU's School of Veterinary Medicine is ranked in the top five of the nation's 28 veterinary colleges by U.S. News and World Report. Naturally, this draws in quite a few undergraduates interested in a career in veterinary medicine. While NC State does not have an official "pre-vet" major, students interested in pursuing veterinary medicine commonly major in Animal Science, Zoology, and Biological Sciences, amongst many others. Because there are so many students interested in this career path, the students and faculty combined form an invaluable and readily-available resource: there are a variety of clubs providing opportunities for students to network and connect with their peers, as well as faculty involved in a wide variety of interests, such as animal nutrition, reproduction, genetics, etc. There are also opportunities to get involved with the veterinary school directly as an undergraduate, such as research positions, etc.Posted by: Tria Metzler
Just a tid bit from NC State's Vet School....the most popular undergraduate degrees of vet students are Biology, Animal Science, Chemistry, and Zoology. Veterinary schools do not require a certain undergraduate degree for admission; you simply must take all of the pre-requisite courses the school requires for admission.A common question from pre-vet students is how are Animal Science and Zoology different? Animal Science has two concentrations, industry or science. As a pre-vet student you would choose science (SAS-Science Animal Science). Animal Science focuses on domesticated animals, primarily the farm animals, but also offers courses related to companion animals (cats/dogs/horses/exotics). The farm animals are the animals that humans know the most about, so the knowledge you gain from a degree in Animal Science can be applied to any species you may encounter as a veterinarian. The laboratory portion of most Animal Science classes is held on NC State's research farms located near campus. Animal Science is all about hands-on experience. In addition, you'll still receive a science-heavy education. Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Microbiology are all included in the degree.
Zoology is a traditional science degree and focuses on the entire animal kingdom. You will not be physically working with domesticated animals with this degree. Most labs are held in traditional laboratories and focus on lab technique and species that can be contained to the lab setting. Zoology also incorporates the same traditional science courses as Animal Science (Biology, Chemistry...etc). It completely depends on your preferences as to which major to choose, as both degrees provide a strong focus on the sciences that will help you succeed as veterinarian.
What can I do with a major in Animal Science?
Animal Science Sample Layout of Courses
What can I do with a major in Zoology?
Zoology Sample Layout of Courses
Posted by: Justin Jornigan
