Pre-Vet Studies: Selecting a Major

What is the best major for pre-vet studies? While most Truman students pursuing pre-veterinary studies major in biology or agricultural science, it can be any major you enjoy.

The most important things you need to do as a pre-vet student is to make sure you fulfill the prerequisites for veterinary professional school and maintain a strong academic record. Truman has advisors specifically selected to advise undergraduate students interested in pre-veterinary studies as well as a pre-health professions coordinator who can help you plan for success.

Why I choose to pursue a…


BIOLOGY MAJOR:

“I have always loved the biological sciences ever since my first biology class in high school. I want to work with small animals so I was not as worried about having as much knowledge of large animals as agricultural science majors do.  As a biology major, I am taking all the biology classes, plus I have been able to take a lot of the pre-vet agricultural sciences classes.  I can see why people become agricultural science majors, however, because they do get a lot more hands-on experience with animals than biology majors do. I would recommend that you choose a major you are most interested in, because there is no guarantee you will get into vet school, and if you don’t, then you will have a backup plan.”
—Erin Pauli, Pre-Vet Student

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE MAJOR:
“Upon first coming to Truman I was a biology major, however during my second semester here I changed to an agricultural science major. I made this change because I decided that I wanted to mainly focus on large animal practice, and coming from a suburban area, I lacked experience with them. Being an agricultural science major allows for classes that focus on large animals specifically, and you get to actually work with the cattle, horses, and sheep at the University Farm. For me this experience was great, and the agricultural faculty members are great. The only problem I had was fitting in all the extra classes needed for vet school, most of which are also required for a biology degree.”
—Jessika Jamski, Pre-Vet Student
Explore biology major  Explore agricultural science major  Explore all majors