admissions office - doctor of veterinary medicine program title with cvm logo
MSU College of Veterinary Medicine Admissions Office
F-104 Veterinary Medical Center
East Lansing, MI 48824-1314
Telephone: (517) 353-9793 or 353-9794
Fax No. (517) 353-3041
E-mail: admiss@cvm.msu.edu

MSU CVM Admissions Office
F-104 Veterinary Medical Center East Lansing, MI 48824-1314

Telephone: (517) 353-9793 or 353-9794

Fax No. (517) 353-3041
E-mail: admiss@cvm.msu.edu

Preveterinary Coursework

The MSU Preveterinary Program includes the following courses, which meet the CVM admission requirements listed in the  admissions section. While completion of these courses meets the minimum requirements for admission, significant coursework beyond the minimum is extremely beneficial preparation for the rigor of the medical science curriculum and its heavy credit loads.

Mathematics/Science 
A student must take all of the following math and science courses

 Course Description
 Sem.Crs.
MTH 116 College Algebra &Trigonometry
 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
BMB 401 Basic Biochemistry
 4
BS 110 Organisms and Populations Biology
 4
BS 111 Cells and Molecules Biology
BS 111 L Cells and Molecules Biology Laboratory
 2
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
ANS 313 Principles of Animal Feeding & Nutrition
4
MMG 301 Introduction to Microbiology
3
MMG 302 Introduction to Microbiology Laboratory
1
MMG 409 Eucaryotic Cell Biology
3

Student may select one of the following courses:

ANS 314 Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animals
4
ZOL 341 Fundamental Genetics
4

Writing and Integrative Studies Requirements
A student must take ALL of the following courses

 Course Description
 Sem.Crs.
WRA 1xx Writing, Rhetoric & American Cultures
 4
IAH 'A' option

Integrative Studies in Arts & Humanities
(select one course between course number 201 and 209)

 4
IAH 'B' option Integrative Studies in Arts & Humanities
(select one course between course number 211 or higher)
4
ISS 2xx Integrative Studies in Social Science
4
ISS 3xx Integrative Studies in Social Science
4

Any current MSU student that is admitted to Michigan State University's Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program without having completed a bachelor of science degree, BUT has completed all of the above stated courses is eligible for a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine degree. For more information about this degree go to weblink address.

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MSU Bachelor’s Degree Programs

A bachelor’s degree is not required for admission to the DVM program in veterinary medicine.  However, a majority of those accepted to the DVM program have exceeded the minimum requirements and, in many cases, have earned a degree.  Consequently, you should plan a four-year bachelor's degree program in a major of your choice while preparing to apply to the professional program.

A complete list of requirements for all MSU bachelor’s degrees may be found at the following website. http://www.reg.msu.edu/ucc/AcademicPrograms.asp

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The Preveterinary Schedule

The preveterinary requirements can be completed in a three or four year program. Your own schedule will depend on such factors as your scores on MSU placement tests, requirements in your chosen bachelor’s degree program, and your personal objectives and preferences. 

Typical yearly preveterinary course schedules include:

As you complete the preveterinary requirements, additional coursework will consist on your choices among requirements for the major you have selected as well as any electives you may wish to take. Typical credit loads are 12-15 credits hours.

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Choosing your Major

You can be classified as a "Preveterinary" major during your freshman and sophomore years only. When you become a junior, you must select a major that leads to a bachelor’s degree while finishing remaining preveterinary requirements and applying to the DVM program.  The major you select can serve as preparation for the DVM program, an alternative educational or career direction in case you are not accepted to the professional veterinary program or you change your career objective. 

Examples of majors frequently chosen are:

There is no preference for particular major in the selection of candidates for admissions to the professional veterinary medicine program.

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