Warning! Your browser is extremely outdated and not web standards compliant.
Your browsing experience would greatly improve by upgrading to a modern browser.
Visit Apply Contact

< Back to Programs

Pre-Veterinary

Ambitious and motivated Grand View University students may choose to focus their studies in the pre-veterinary program to gain the strong academic foundation and skills necessary to be competitive veterinary school applicants. Graduates go on to successful careers as veterinarians.

Veterinarians may use their education in a variety of ways, such as teaching and research, private practice, biomedical and pharmaceutical research, protecting public health, regulatory medicine, environmental health, zoological medicine, animal-assisted therapy, wildlife management, aquatic animal medicine, and agribusiness.

After receiving a degree from Grand View University, students enter a doctorate in veterinary medicine (DVM) program. Although many veterinary colleges do not require a bachelor's degree for entrance, most admitted students have completed an undergraduate degree.

Why Grand View?

  • Research opportunities and assistance in pursuing internships
  • Highly individualized advising
  • Small classes taught by faculty who are recognized as accomplished teachers and researchers
  • State-of-the-art facilities and instrumentation

Degree Level:

Pre-Professional Prep

Program Type:

Major

Format:

Full Time, In-Person

Program Catalog Visit Apply Contact

Student Testimonials

Dr. Bonnie Hall

“Dr. Hall helped me get back to Grand view.” - Blaze Kahikina

“I have been struggling with multiple health issues throughout this semester. Dr. Hall has gone above and beyond to make accommodations for me and to look out for me academically, physically, and emotionally. She is constantly pushing students to get the very best out of their education and creates inspiration in the daunting field of biochemistry. Because of Dr. Hall I have a greater love for biochemistry and for research. She has introduced me to multiple wonderful opportunities to help me grow and become a better scientist. Dr. Hall is a true inspiration to me and I can't describe in words how appreciative I am for all of her help and support. Thank you for being such an amazing mentor!” - Alli Rupert

“Dr. Hall helped me with my academic processes, like my class scheduling, change of major when I needed to, critical advising about biochemistry, and many more.” - Abubakar Barau

“She encouraged me and gave me confidence to get things done when I didn't think I could do it. She understood me, but also didn't let me take the easy way out.” - Grant Weldon

“She talked me through it when I felt lost in what major I wanted to pursue. She was honest and supportive of what I wanted to pursue and helped me feel at peace with my decision. She also helped by writing a recommendation for a scholarship. I really appreciate everything she has done for me and she really deserves to be recognized for it!” - Alexa Pinos

Jori Avery

“Jori always takes the time to listen to my concerns and help develop a plan of action. She is knowledgeable and loves to share her wisdom. She was recently a student herself so she relates well to students here at GVU.” - Allyssa Angle

Dr. Corbin Zea

“Dr. Zea is always willing to help with more than just classes and is very easy to get along with and talk to. He gets to know students on a personal level rather than just as another student.” - Tyler Henze

“Dr. Zea is my advisor but has also been my professor for multiple classes. He always makes time for me even outside of his office hours. He is also one of the most enthusiastic professors I know.” - Sunnie Baumgartner

“Dr. Zea brings a whole other level of enthusiasm to his classes that you don't see from other professors. This makes classes more enjoyable and easier to learn.” - Elma Omanovic

Program Details

Recommended Courses

English Composition

  • ENGL101 – English composition and an additional writing class

Oral Communication

  • A speech class such as SPCH103 or SPCH126

Arts, Humanities and/or Social Sciences

  • 8 semester hours such as drawing & painting, foreign language 

General Biology

  • BIOL 101 - General Biology I (lecture and lab)
  • BIOL 102 - General Biology II (lecture and lab)
  • BIOL 360 - Genetics
  • BIOL 335 - Mammalian Physiology
  • BIOL 420 -  Gross anatomy

General Chemistry

  • CHEM 111 - General Chemistry I (lecture and lab)
  • CHEM 112  - General Chemistry II (lecture and lab)
  • CHEM 321 - Organic Chemistry I (lecture and lab)
  • CHEM 322 - Organic Chemistry II (lecture and lab)
  • CHEM 351 - Biochemistry

Physics

  • PHYS 131 - Introduction to Physics I (lecture and lab)
  • PHYS 132 - Introduction to Physics II (lecture and lab)

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How high should my GPA be in order to go to veterinary school?
The average Science GPA of students admitted into Veterinary schools in the U.S. in 2016 ranged from 3.26 to 3.65, depending on the school. The GPA in the last 45 credits is an important factor in the admittance process as this typically includes the prerequisite courses. It ranges from 3.44 to 3.77, depending on the school.

When should I begin my pre-veterinary coursework?
As early as possible in your undergraduate education.

What else should I do to prepare for Veterinary school?
Veterinary medicine schools require experiences working with animals supervised by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, research experience with animals, and experiences taking care of animals (besides your pets). Seek out opportunities that will help you build these experiences.

How long does it take to get through veterinary school?
It takes 4 years to become a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine.

Alumni Spotlight

Taylor Malloy

According to Taylor (Hance) Malloy, a graduate of Grand View University, "Veterinary medicine is a difficult and competitive career path. Admissions look at academic achievement and experience to narrow down the applicants, but the things that make an application memorable are in the personal statement, essays, and letters of recommendation. Grand View and its professors provide resources to strengthen those areas in an application, because they want their students to be successful."

While earning her undergraduate degree at Grand View, Taylor majored in biology and minored in chemistry and logos. In her own words, "Grand View’s science department included all of the necessary prerequisites that I needed for attending veterinary medical school," Taylor says. "My advisor helped me set up my prerequisites in conjunction with the components needed for a biology major/chemistry minor. A bachelor’s degree is not required for admission to vet school, but if I had decided to change my career goals, a degree in biology would have given me many more options than no degree at all. The classes at Grand View challenged me, forcing me to adjust my study habits in a way that helped me at GV and continues to help me with my immense course load. There are too many classes and too much information to successfully cram for exams in vet school, so developing good study habits is essential."

Taylor chose to attend veterinary school at Iowa State University's (ISU) College of Veterinary Medicine because itis the only college in Iowa that has a vet-med program and is close to her family and friends. ISU is also one of the top 10 ranked veterinary medical schools in the United States. In fact, according to Taylor, "Some of the professors are top of the line in their field of study, and the school's facilities continues to grow."

Taylor recommends Grand View to future students interested in veterinary medicine because "...the environment is centered around student learning." Taylor also says, "One of the reasons I didn’t attend ISU for my undergraduate degree is the size of the school. Small class sizes at Grand View allow professors to get to know their students, and provide more one-on-one aid. The professors in the science department have their own projects, but have open office hours to make students a priority. Classes progress from fundamentals to focused areas of study, and advisors meet with their students to establish a program that suits their degree & future career goals. Grand View has student resources dedicated to writing/reviewing resumes and cover letters, tutoring, and mock-interviews, and when I needed a letter of recommendation on my vet school application, my advisor and professor was more than happy to write one."

NET PRICE CALCULATOR

Get an early estimate of your financial aid and costs by entering some basic information. The more accurate your inputs, the more reliable your estimate will be. Keep in mind that these figures are approximations. Your actual financial aid package will be determined based on the details provided in your FAFSA.

Calculate It

Tuition & Scholarships

At Grand View University, your tuition supports instruction delivered by knowledgeable and experienced faculty who uphold our tradition of exceptional teaching. Additionally, we are dedicated to offering a high-quality education at the most affordable cost.

Transfer Credits

No matter what major you’re thinking about, you may be able to transfer in as many as 75 credits from a community college or junior college. If you have an A.A. or A.A.S. from an Iowa community college, you will be automatically admitted at junior status.

Compare Schools Cost Calculator

Use this calculator to compare your potential costs at Grand View to those of other colleges and universities. It is most useful after you've received your financial aid award letters.

Compare Now

Degree Combinations

Tuition

Visit

Apply