Pre-Veterinary Medicine Major

Learning Format

On-Campus

Types

Bachelor's
Pre-Veterinary Medicine Major

Embark on a Career Path in Veterinary Medicine

Our pre-vet program will prepare you for graduate studies in veterinary medicine, animal sciences and other related programs. You will gain the basic knowledge and skills needed by veterinary students to master all of the fascinating aspects of the medical care of animals, both traditional and wildlife. 

As part of your pre-vet degree, you'll take essential science courses like microbiology, chemistry, and animal science to prepare you for the road ahead. You’ll also gain hands-on experience in wild animal handling while studying animal behavior, anatomy & physiology, and disease. Additionally, you’ll hear from veterinary guest lectures to provide you with an inside look at the profession and to build professional connections.  

Outside of the classroom, you may participate in internships with veterinary offices and wildlife clinics. You’ll also connect with faculty and current students through on-campus opportunities like the Wildlife Club, Aspiring Health Professionals Club, and Owl Banding initiatives. 

Two female students holding taxidermy wildlife

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain how the basic principles of the biological hierarchy (molecular, cellular, organismal, population, communal, ecological, and global) are interconnected.

  • Differentiate diverse organismal characteristics by their causal evolutionary mechanism.

  • Investigate a hypothesis relevant to their major by using the scientific process.

  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate biological information and deliver it in a form appropriate for the target audience.

  • Use a biological perspective as a foundation for civic engagement in discussion of contemporary policy, including anti-racism, public health, and climate change.

This major is for students interested in working in animal studies and animal medicine. Students interested in applying to veterinary school or graduate research programs should meet with their academic advisor before choosing electives.

Major Requirements

Pre-Veterinary Medicine majors must complete core requirements as well as additional requirements for the concentration.

  • BIOL 125 The Biology Experience
  • BIOL 135/135L Foundations of Biological Science with Lab
  • BIOL 208/208L Genetics with Lab
  • BIOL 230 Professional Communication in Biology
  • BIOL 402 Processes of Organic Evolution
  • CHEM 107/107L Principles of Chemistry with Lab
  • CHEM 108/108L Principles of Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis with Lab
  • MATH 180 Precalculus or
  • MATH 219 Calculus I
  • STAT 203 Statistics for the Natural Sciences or
  • ENVS 202 Data Analysis for Scientists
  • STAA 127 Statistics for the Social Sciences

Biology Major Capstone:

  • BIOL 460 Research Experience in Biology**

**An original research project is required of all Biology majors. Prior to enrollment in BIOL 460 Research Experience in Biology, the student should meet with their academic advisor and with other Biology faculty to tailor the research project to the student’s interests and career goals. 

Students must take the following concentration requirements (9-11):

  • BIOL 233/233L Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy with Lab
  • BIOL 248/248L Principles of Ecology with Lab
  • BIOL 344/344L Animal Physiological Ecology with Lab or
  • BIOL 241/241L Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab and 
  • BIOL 242/242L Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
  • CHEM 207/207L Organic Chemistry I with Lab
  • CHEM 300/300L Principles of Biochemistry with Lab or 
  • CHEM 301/301L Biochemistry I with Lab
  • PHYS 201/201L Physics with Applications to Earth and Life Systems with Lab or
  • PHYS 211/211L Principles of Physics I with Lab and 
  • PHYS 212/212L Principles of Physics II with Lab

One (1) course from Cell and Molecular Systems:

  • BIOL 228/228L Microbiology with Lab
  • BIOL 260/260L Cell Biology with Lab
  • BIOL 356 Biology of Cancer
  • BIOL 432 Vertebrate Development

One (1) course from Organismal and Physiological Systems

  • BIOL 212/212L Wildlife Specimen Preparation Techniques
  • BIOL 232/232L Invertebrate Zoology with Lab
  • BIOL 236/236L Ornithology with Lab
  • BIOL 251/251L Vascular Plant Taxonomy with Lab
  • BIOL 255/255L Plant Physiology with Lab
  • BIOL 323 Biology and Conservation of Crocodiles
  • NEUR 225 Biopsychology
  • NEUR 306 Neurophysiology
  • BIOL 203 Plants and Society
  • BIOL 320/320L Animal Behavior with Lab
  • BIOL 321/321L Limnology with Lab
  • BIOL 335/335L Principles of Wildlife Biology with Lab
  • BIOL 381 Theories of Infectious Diseases
  • BIOL 393 Wildlife Management and Conservation Topics

Career Opportunities

Pre-Veterinary Medicine majors will be prepared to pursue career opportunities across a wide range of exciting fields, including:

Textbook of birds with a bird perched on hand

Veterinary Technician

Assist veterinarians with veterinary medicine and surgery in any appropriate capacity. 

Wildlife Conservationist

Protect the natural habitats of animals and plants from human encroachment and environmental issues.

Zoologist

Studies animals and their behaviors in natural habitats and controlled environments. 

Attend Veterinary School

Become a healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats injuries and illnesses in animals.

Animal-Centric Non-profit Worker

Oversees the daily operations of an animal shelter or rescue organization. 

Animal Rescue

Investigate animal cruelty or rescue trapped or injured wildlife.

Meet Your Faculty

Sandra Sanchez

Sandra Sanchez, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Biology Department
ssanchez4@framingham.edu
Jeffrey White

Jeffrey D. White, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Biology Department
508-215-5721
jwhite10@framingham.edu
Hemenway Annex
Aline Davis

Aline Davis, PhD

Professor, Biology Department
508-626-4797
adavis@framingham.edu
Hemenway
Aviva Liebert

Aviva Liebert, Ph.D.

Professor, Biology Department
508-626-4790
aliebert@framingham.edu
Hemenway Hall
View All

Learn More

If the Pre-Veterinary Medicine major sounds like a good fit but you would like to learn more, contact Admissions at admissions [at] framingham.edu (admissions[at]framingham[dot]edu) or 508-626-4500. 

 Apply 

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