Bachelor of Science in Pre-Veterinary Science

Program Overview

The Pre-Veterinary Science program prepares students for veterinary school or careers in animal care, medicine, and teaching. Through research opportunities and hands-on experiences at UMass facilities and local farms, students develop a comprehensive foundation in animal science, management, biology, chemistry, and specialized areas like immunology and nutrition. The program emphasizes academic excellence and professional preparation, equipping graduates for success in various animal health and veterinary-related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Bachelor of Science in Pre-Veterinary Science is a preprofessional program designed for students planning to pursue further education in veterinary, graduate, or medical school, or those considering a career in teaching.

Objectives:

• Provide preprofessional training for students aiming for veterinary, graduate, or medical school.
• Prepare students for a career in teaching.
• Develop a strong foundation in animal science and management, biology, and chemistry.
• Equip students with advanced knowledge in areas like genetics, reproduction, immunology, nutrition, organic chemistry, veterinary microbiology, and more.

Teaching:

• Students gain hands-on experience through research and animal care at the UMass Hadley Farm Equine and Livestock Research and Education Center, the South Deerfield Complex, and local dairy farms.
• Students work in laboratories of nationally and internationally recognized scientists studying immunology, reproduction and development, genetics, cancer, and toxicology.

Careers:

• Veterinary medicine
• Graduate studies
• Medical school
• Teaching

Other:

• Students enter the program as animal science majors and then work to qualify for and apply to the pre-veterinary science major.
• The program emphasizes a strong foundation in animal science and management, biology, and chemistry.
• Students have the opportunity to participate in research and gain practical experience in animal care.
• The program provides access to laboratories of renowned scientists in various fields.