Doctors of veterinarian medicine (DVMs) play a major role in the healthcare of pets, livestock, zoo, sporting, and laboratory animals. Some veterinarians use their skills to protect humans against diseases carried by animals and conduct clinical research on human and animal health problems. Others work in basic research, broadening the scope of fundamental theoretical knowledge, and in applied research, developing new ways to use knowledge. Coursework to fulfill veterinary prerequisites is similar to coursework for pre-medicine or pre-dental programs.
Most veterinary medicine applicants typically obtain a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree while completing the requirements for admission to veterinary school. Veterinary medicine does not require, nor prefer a particular undergraduate degree. Currently, most veterinary medicine programs utilize an application system called the Veterinary Medical College Application System (VMCAS).
Students apply to veterinary programs through a centralized application system called the Veterinary Medicine College Application Service (VMCAS).
Similar to the common application for undergraduate school, students can apply to any of the veterinary programs through a single application on the VMCAS. The VMCAS application opens early to mid-May.
As of 2022, the VMCAS cost was $220.00 for the first designated school and $120.00 for each additional school.
Some Veterinary medicine programs (including University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign) require students to take the Graduate Records Examination (GRE).
The 2022 cost of the GRE is $205.00.
It is important for students to check each school's requirements carefully as some schools will require courses not listed below. For more information about a specific program, please contact the school directly.
| Biology with lab |
1 year |
| Chemistry with lab |
1 year |
| Organic Chemistry with lab |
1 year |
| Physics with lab |
1 year |
| Biochemistry |
1 quarter |
| Microbiology |
1 quarter |
| Genetics |
1 quarter |
| Mammalian Anatomy and/or Physiology |
1 quarter |
| English |
2 quarters |
| Public Speaking |
1 quarter |
| Statistics |
1 quarter |
Students should meet with their advisor and pre-health advisor each quarter to make sure they are taking the correct courses for their major/professional interest.
Below is a sample timeline for a Health Sciences major. Please be aware that veterinary programs do not prefer or require a specific major and the below timeline should not be used to replace meeting with an academic advisor.
Shadow a Vet
The Pre-Health program has some paid shadowing opportunities through the Family Pet Animal Hospital in Lincoln Park. For more information please set up an appointment with the Pre-Health advisor by calling 773-325-8490 or scheduling an appointment on-line through
BlueStar.
Unfortunately, Pre-Health Advising is unable to track this data.
National Average Cumulative GPA: 3.6
National Average Science GPA: 3.4
National Average GRE Score:
Verbal: 155
Quantitative: 154
Analytical: 4.0
It is important for students to check each school's requirements carefully as some schools will require courses not listed below. For more information about a specific program, please contact the school directly.