Equip yourself with the knowledge, skills and experience to build a meaningful career in the veterinary field.
The B.S. in Veterinary Science provides students with the competitive edge they need to successfully apply for veterinary school or pursue other careers in veterinary science. In this program, you'll work with esteemed faculty to experience the full scope of veterinary science: providing medical care, researching human and animal interdependencies, and educating the public about animal wellbeing. You'll have the opportunity to choose between two emphases so you can customize your studies toward a career in veterinary care, public health, scientific research, or education and advocacy.
Students in the Veterinary Science major can choose one of two emphases:
Applied Animal Behavior Emphasis: Research how animal and human behaviors interact to improve the health and well-being of all.
Veterinary Science General Emphasis: Complete advanced science courses to gain the knowledge and experience you need for a career in veterinary sciences or graduate school.
The College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences offers $1 million in scholarships to our students! Combine these options with university scholarships and support from privately funded scholarships and you're well on your way to achieving your educational goals at a price you can afford.
Students in the School of Animal & Comparative Biomedical Sciences have exclusive access to nearly $473,000 program-specific scholarships, awarded from 39 different scholarships -- in addition to $230,000 in scholarships that are available to all or most CALES students.
A degree in veterinary science prepares you for entry into a graduate veterinarian program and careers in animal health and research. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2023 median pay for veterinarians (after completing their doctorate degree) was $119,100 per year.
There are a variety of career options available to students who complete a bachelor of veterinary science, including:
- Inspector: Work for the state or federal government to ensure a range of professionals and agencies are in compliance with sanitation standards and implement systems that prevent toxins and infectious agents from entering the food supply.
- Technologist or technician (requires additional certification beyond major): Conduct clinical work under the supervision of a veterinarian in private or academic practice. You'll perform various medical test and assist with diagnosing and treating medical conditions in animals.
- Researcher or research assistant: Work in the public or private sectors to advance insight, medicines, and technologies related to emerging diseases, environmental health, food safety, population health, and bioterrorism.
- Education and advocacy: Advise legislators and other decision-makers about best practices and issues related to veterinary regulations and policies. Job opportunities exist in public and private sectors.
- Nonprofit executive director: Lead organizations dedicated to the research and education of critical issues related to animal, food, and public health within the context of agriculture and companion animals.
All Veterinary Science Majors:
| Introduction to Animal Science Lecture & Lab |
| Careers in Veterinary Science |
| Animal Anatomy and Physiology |
Applied Animal Behavior Emphasis:
| Understanding Cat & Dog Behavior |
| Applied Animal Behavior Workshop |
| Principles of Applied Companion Animal Behavior |
Veterinary Science General Emphasis:
| Principles of Animal Nutrition |
| Biology of Animal Parasites |
| Diseases of Companion Animals |
Loading...