What Should You Major in to Be a Veterinarian? A Complete Guide
- 01 - understanding-vet-school-requirements
- 02 - popular-majors-for-pre-vet-students
- 03 - how-biology-and-animal-science-set-the-foundation
- 04 - is-chemistry-a-smart-path-for-vet-hopefuls
- 05 - non-traditional-majors-can-also-lead-to-vet-school
- 06 - real-world-example-what-did-successful-vets-study
- 07 - final-considerations-and-where-to-start-your-path
1. Understanding Vet School Requirements
Before deciding what you should major in to be a veterinarian, it's crucial to understand the academic expectations of veterinary schools. While no specific major is universally required, nearly all vet schools expect applicants to complete a set of prerequisite courses such as biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and math. Some schools also ask for animal nutrition and statistics.
This means your major must allow you to complete these courses while also helping you build a strong GPA. Veterinary medicine is competitive—many schools accept fewer than 15% of applicants—so academic excellence matters just as much as passion for animals.
2. Popular Majors for Pre-Vet Students
When discussing what you should major in to be a veterinarian, the most common paths are biology, animal science, and zoology. These majors naturally include the prerequisite courses and also offer labs and electives that relate directly to animal health.
According to the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), biology and animal science make up over 70% of the undergraduate degrees held by vet school applicants. However, remember that your choice should also reflect your academic strengths and interests. Choose a major that motivates you to excel.
3. How Biology and Animal Science Set the Foundation
Biology and animal science aren't just popular choices—they're strategically effective. A biology major helps you understand the systems, processes, and diseases that affect both humans and animals. Courses like cell biology, genetics, and physiology provide a deep understanding of animal health at the molecular level.
Animal science, on the other hand, brings you closer to veterinary practice. You’ll study animal nutrition, livestock management, and veterinary anatomy—subjects directly applicable to your future career. Choosing one of these majors when considering what you should major in to be a veterinarian gives you a competitive advantage.
4. Is Chemistry a Smart Path for Vet Hopefuls?
Though less common, chemistry is another valuable major for pre-veterinary students. Veterinary medicine involves understanding pharmaceuticals, anesthetics, and diagnostic testing—all of which are rooted in chemical science. A chemistry major can prepare students to excel in organic chemistry, one of the more difficult vet school prerequisites.
Students who major in chemistry and still complete animal biology and physiology electives demonstrate a strong, unique academic background. If you’re analytical and enjoy lab work, this could be the ideal route for you. It’s an important angle when answering the question: what should you major in to be a veterinarian?
5. Non-Traditional Majors Can Also Lead to Vet School
Don’t overlook non-traditional paths. Majoring in psychology, English, or even business won’t disqualify you—as long as you complete the core veterinary prerequisites. In fact, some schools value diverse academic backgrounds and soft skills like communication, critical thinking, and leadership.
One veterinary school applicant we interviewed majored in philosophy and still gained admission by achieving a stellar GPA and interning at an animal hospital. This proves that when asking what you should major in to be a veterinarian, the answer isn't always one-size-fits-all. Follow your passion, but stay aligned with the science requirements.
6. Real World Example: What Did Successful Vets Study?
Dr. Amanda Li, a licensed veterinarian in Oregon, majored in animal science with a minor in nutrition. She shared that her hands-on animal husbandry classes gave her a clear edge during clinical rotations in vet school. “I didn’t just know the textbook answers—I knew how animals behaved and how to handle them safely,” she explained.
Another example is Dr. James Porter, who chose biology and spent summers shadowing zoo vets. That exposure shaped his specialization in exotic animal care. Their stories show that what you major in to be a veterinarian influences not only admission, but also your future specialty and confidence.
7. Final Considerations and Where to Start Your Path
If you’re serious about becoming a vet, start by selecting a major that includes or allows you to complete required courses—biology and animal science are safe, strategic options. Next, build a strong GPA, get hands-on animal experience, and develop relationships with mentors who can write compelling letters of recommendation.
Wondering what you should major in to be a veterinarian is only the beginning. Now it’s time to act. Research accredited undergraduate programs that align with your goals. Consider pre-vet advising tracks. If you’re ready to take the next step, explore student resources and professional tools offered by trusted providers like our partner platform, where you’ll find expert guidance for your veterinary journey.
Choosing the right major is your first big decision—and it could set the tone for your entire career. Don’t wait. Start preparing today and make the dream of becoming a veterinarian a reality.
