The purpose of the preveterinary curriculum is to provide a foundational knowledge in the basic sciences, an understanding of social systems and cultures, analytical skills, and the ability to communicate effectively. These skills are necessary for success in the veterinary medical profession.

Completion of these courses meets the minimum requirements for admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program. However, significant coursework beyond the minimum is extremely beneficial preparation for the rigor of the medical science curriculum and its heavy credit loads.

Lab Gross Anatomy

Academic Requirements

The academic requirements for preveterinary students at MSU are as follows:

  • College Algebra & Trigonometry OR Calculus I
  • 2 General Biology courses with labs
  • 1 General Chemistry course with lab
  • 2 Organic Chemistry courses with lab
  • 2 Physics courses with labs
  • 1 Biochemistry course
  • 1 Advanced Biology elective course
  • 1 Physiology course
  • 1 English composition course
  • 2 Social Science courses
  • 2 Humanities courses

Relevant Advanced Placement and IB courses may be accepted as college credit toward admissions requirements for MSU's DVM Program, as well as relevant courses taken by students who are dual-enrolled in high school and another university or college.

General Education Requirements
  • Course

    Description

    Semester Credits

  • WRA 101
    Writing Rhetoric and American Cultures
    4
  • IAH (201-210)
    Integrative Studies in Arts and Humanities
    4
  • IAH (211 or higher)
    Integrative Studies in Arts and Humanities
    4
  • ISS (210 – 235)
    Integrative Studies in Social Science
    4
  • ISS (305-336)
    Integrative Studies in Social Science
    4
Math and Science Requirements
  • Course

    Description

    Semester Credits

  • MTH 116
    College Algebra and Trigonometry (or its equivalent: MTH 103 and 114)
    5
  • CEM 141
    General Chemistry
    4
  • CEM 161
    General Chemistry Laboratory
    1
  • CEM 251
    Organic Chemistry I
    3
  • CEM 252
    Organic Chemistry II
    3
  • CEM 255
    Organic Chemistry Laboratory
    2
  • BS 161
    Cell and Molecular Biology
    3
  • BS 171
    Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory
    2
  • BS 162
    Organismal and Population Biology
    3
  • BMB 401
    Basic Biochemistry
    4
  • PHY 231
    Introductory Physics I
    3
  • PHY 251
    Introductory Physics I Laboratory
    1
  • PHY 232
    Introductory Physics II
    3
  • PHY 252
    Introductory Physics II Laboratory
    1
Advanced Biology Elective
(select one course)
  • Course

    Description

    Semester Credits

  • ANS 314
    Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animals
    4
  • ANS 409
    Advancement of Reproduction
    4
  • BDL 343
    Clinical Immunology
    3
  • IBIO 300
    Neurobiology
    3
  • IBIO 320
    Developmental Biology
    4
  • IBIO 341
    Fundamental Genetics
    4
  • IBIO 408
    Histology
    4
  • IBIO 425
    Cell and Development
    4
  • IBIO 450
    Cancer Biology
    3
  • MMG 301
    Introduction to Microbiology
    3
  • MMG 409
    Eukaryotic Cell Biology
    3
  • NEU 300
    Neurobiology
    3
  • ENT 460
    Medical Entomology
    3
Physiology Elective
(select one course)
  • Course

    Description

    Semester Credits

  • ANS 315
    Anatomy Physiology of Farm Animals
    4
  • PSL 250
    Introductory Physiology
    4
  • PSL 310
    Physiology for Pre-Health Professionals
    4
  • PSL 341
    Human Physiology I
    4