2023 Best Bachelor’s in Veterinary Science Programs
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Deciding which college to attend can be a daunting task. For many, it will be the most important decision that they make in their lives. To make an informed decision, you have to consider a lot of variables, such as cost of attendance, financial aid, student/teacher ratio, academics, student life, and more. These factors will either positively or negatively impact the quality of education that you receive.
Do you want to acquire a bachelor’s degree in veterinary science, but don’t know what institution you should attend? Well, if you are as ambitious as I was in my late teens, then you want to attend a top school, instead of an average or mediocre one. Fortunately, we have already done the legwork for you. To help you find the right school for your interests and goals, we’ve compiled a list of 2022’s best bachelor’s in veterinary science programs.
What institution did we forget? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
Cornell University is one of the best doctor of veterinary medicine degree program in the country. This four-year degree program involves intensive classwork for the first three years and reserves the final year for clinical rotations. Some highlight classwork contains:
- The Animal Body
- Neuroanatomy
- Animal Health and Disease
- Host, Agent, and Defense
The Veterinary & Animal Sciences Department offers a pre-veterinary science major for undergraduates. This degree program is especially good for learners who plan to attend graduate school or medical school. Classes may consist of:
- Basic Animal Nutrition and Feeding
- Animal Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Veterinary Microbiology Lab
- Physiology of Reproduction
MSU has a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology. Learners must finish around eight prerequisite classes in chemistry, biology, social sciences, and math before being officially admitted into the degree program. After that, they dive right into upper-level classes such as:
- Veterinary Comparative Clinical Physiology
- Small Animal Nursing Skills
- Radiology for Veterinary Technicians
- Biomedical Research and Regulatory Issues
Toward the end of the degree program, learner can choose an elective path. The first choice allows learners to finish an internship in dermatology, oncology, ophthalmology, food animal medicine, or sizeable animal anesthesia. The second allows the flexibility to take more focused classes or travel abroad for a semester.
The University of Arizona was established in 1885; it is highly rated nationally and internationally. The School of Animal & Comparative Biomedical Sciences has a bachelor of science in veterinary science. The degree covers microbiology and pathology. Over four years, learners will combine general education classes with upper-level classes like:
- Medical-Veterinary Entomology
- Animal Anatomy & Physiology
- Equine Nutrition and Management
- Diseases of Wildlife
Pennsylvania State University is a state institution that offers over 160 majors. In total, the school sustains 24 campuses with its primary campus in University Park, PA. Learners must finish a 124 credit hours for their BS in veterinary and biomedical sciences. The coursework leans heavily on biology, organic chemistry, and biostatistics. Internships are available for learners during summer semesters. Classes include:
- Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates
- Mammalian Physiology
- Principles of Animal Disease Control
- Comparative Physiology of Domestic Animals
Situated in South Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Clemson University is one of the state’s premier research institutions. Despite its sizeable learner enrollment, it sustains an impressive learner to faculty ratio of 18:1. Beyond its primary campus, Clemson University sustains over 17,500 acres of forested land for research purposes.
The bachelor of science (BS) in animal and veterinary sciences degree provides three areas of focus for the BS degree. Coursework includes:
- Domestic Animal Behavior
- Animal-Human Interaction
- Animal Genetics
- Animal Science Laboratory
The program gets learners working real-life from the very beginning as learner will utilized one of the university’s six livestock farms used for beef, dairy, equine, poultry, swine, and sheep. Women in this degree program will also have the chance to live and learn together via the Women in Animal and Veterinary Sciences community.
Northwest Missouri State University offers an animal science major with a pre-vet choice. This degree program centers on the study of livestock and animal husbandry. Your coursework is split into three areas: science, research, and experiential learning. A sampling of classes contains:
- Principles of Animal Breeding
- Beef Science
- Genetics of Livestock Improvement
- Principles of Animal Nutrition
Of the total 127 credits in this veterinary technology major, 87 of the credits are major classes. This coursework has a broad base in the sciences and specific sector-related skills such as anesthesia and diagnostic imaging. Some of the stand-out classes in this degree program consist of:
- Large Animal Nursing
- Dentistry for the Veterinary Technician
- Parasitology for Veterinary Technicians
- Nursing of Non-Conventional Pets
The bachelor of science in veterinary technology at UN covers all the degree prerequisites of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The coursework covers not only the core sciences but also the management side of veterinary studies. Classes include:
- Farm & Ranch Management
- Anatomy & Physiology of Domestic Animals
- Principles and Prevention of Livestock Diseases
- Pathogenic Microbiology
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln knows that not all learners are going through this degree program to become veterinarians. That’s why the coursework gives learners the choice of two separate paths: the business choice or the veterinary science choice. The business choice is catered toward learners who want to manage a veterinary office or start an animal-related business.
The College of Agriculture at Kansas State University has an adaptable degree in pre-veterinary medicine. It is intended for pre-vet candidates and covers 64 credit hours of major prerequisites. Learners also have the choice to finish a bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas, which all count as pre-veterinary majors:
- Agricultural Economics
- Animal Science and Industry
- Feed Science and Management
The University of Findlay has over 80 bachelor’s degrees, but it is best known for its animal science and equestrian studies programs. Established by leaders of the Churches of God, UF remains rooted in faith-based teaching. It grants admission to around 3,800 learners each year, most of whom are from the region. UF’s bachelors in veterinary medical technology program’s coursework focuses on on-farm animal care and includes classes such as:
- Food Animal Medicine
- Software Applications in Equine Business Management
- Advanced Reproduction Techniques
- Beef Production and Management
At Mississippi State University, the core classes for the bachelor of science in veterinary medical technology don’t start until the student’s Junior year. Before that, learners take prerequisite classes, and then they jump right into challenging classes like:
- Diagnostic Imaging for Veterinary Technologists
- Small Animal Technical Skills and Nursing Care
- Equine Diseases and Management
- Anesthesiology for Veterinary Technologists
Situated on a beautiful campus that borders the Cumberland Gap, Lincoln Memorial University is a gem of Tennessee. The College of Veterinary Medicine is situated on a 700-acre farm. Learners can have on-site education with cattle, horses, sheep, dogs, and more. Learners receive a BS in veterinary medical technology. This degree program is intended for learners who have already finished their AS degree in veterinary technology. Therefore, most of the classes can be finished in just two years; class may include the following classes:
- Animal Husbandry
- Animal Diseases & Zoonosis
- Emergency & Critical Care Procedures
- Surgical Nursing & Anesthesia
At Murray State University, learners select from 11 associate’s, 65 bachelor’s, and 42 master’s degrees. Murray State University is a reasonably priced degree program. At Murray State University, learners can focus on either veterinary technology or pre-veterinary medicine. Your coursework will be boosted by amazing facilities such as four farm complexes, an equine instructional facility, and the animal health technology center. Some stand-out classes in your coursework consist of:
- Small Animal Diseases
- Beef Science
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Applied Pharmacology