Best Veterinary Schools and Programs 2021

A major public college based in East Lansing, MSU ranks among the nation's largest colleges, serving more than 49,000 students annually. The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine is home to six academic departments, including molecular genetics, pharmacology and toxicology, pathobiology and diagnostic investigation, large animal sciences, and small animal sciences.

MSU offers veterinary programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level. At the undergraduate level, candidates can choose from a bachelor of science in veterinary nursing, a certificate of completion in veterinary nursing, and a pre-veterinary nursing pathway.

Along with a traditional doctor of veterinary medicine program, the school offers master's and Ph.D. options in areas such as comparative medicine and integrative biology, microbiology and molecular genetics, and environmental and integrative toxicological sciences.

One of Virginia's largest public colleges, Virginia Tech serves more than 36,000 students annually. The school operates its College of Veterinary Medicine in conjunction with the University of Maryland (located about 4.5 hours northeast in College Park). Virginia Tech enrolls around 700 veterinary students annually, and its hospitals treat more than 79,000 animals each year.

Virginia Tech's veterinary school comprises four academic departments: biomedical science and pathobiology, population health sciences, small animal clinical sciences, and large animal clinical sciences. Students can pursue a variety of veterinary programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. Program offerings include a doctor of veterinary medicine, a master's/Ph.D. in biomedical sciences, and a master of public health program.

Home to more than 20,000 students, WSU ranks among the largest colleges in Washington State. Based in Pullman, the school hosts one of the state's top-rated veterinary schools. The College of Veterinary Medicine encompasses five academic departments, including global animal health, molecular biosciences, and veterinary clinical sciences. WSU is also home to the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, one of the Pacific Northwest's major vet testing labs.

WSU hosts several veterinary programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level. Undergraduates can pursue majors including biochemistry, genetics and cell biology, microbiology, and neuroscience. Candidates can also pursue a top-ranked doctor of veterinary medicine program. WSU emphasizes international veterinary education, and candidates can complete up to two elective courses in this field.

A private college affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Otterbein enrolls students of all religious backgrounds, offering a liberal arts education from its campus in Westerville, Ohio. The school's Department of Equine Science provides a unique educational experience that focuses on the study of horses. Otterbein's academic model centers on experiential learning and individualized study.

Unlike most veterinary schools, Otterbeing offers veterinary programs exclusively at the undergraduate level. Candidates can choose from three bachelor's programs, including a bachelor of science in equine veterinary technology, a bachelor of science in equine pre-veterinary/pre-graduate studies, and a bachelor of arts in equine business management. Candidates can also pursue undergraduate minors in equine business and equine-assisted activities and therapy.

The equine veterinary technology program prepares candidates for careers as registered veterinary technicians with an emphasis on treating horses. The pre-veterinary program enrolls candidates interested in pursuing a doctor of veterinary medicine, serving those interested in working with horses and other animal species.

Located in Lexington, UK ranks among Kentucky's largest public colleges, enrolling more than 30,000 students each year. As part of UK's College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, the Department of Veterinary Science emphasizes animal agriculture, with a focus on teaching, research, discovery, and service. The department is home to three distinct units: the Gluck Equine Research Center, the Genetic Testing at Gluck laboratory, and the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

UK offers veterinary programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. The Department of Veterinary Science does not offer bachelor's degrees, but faculty often mentor students enrolled in related undergraduate programs, such as animal science, agricultural and medical biotechnology, and equine science and management. Undergraduates of all majors can also participate in a pre-veterinary program that prepares them for graduate study in veterinary science and medicine.

At the graduate level, UK offers master's and doctoral programs in veterinary science. Candidates can choose from nine specializations, including pathology, virology, genetics, and immunology.

One of Idaho's major public colleges, U of I serves more than 10,000 students annually. The school's Department of Animal, Veterinary, and Food Science emphasizes studies in animal agriculture and food science. The department integrates research, teaching, and hands-on learning.

U of I offers veterinary programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level. Undergraduates can choose from a variety of majors, including dairy foods management, pre-veterinary, fermentation science, and food science. At the master's level, the school hosts programs in animal science and food science, while doctoral candidates can pursue Ph.D. programs in animal physiology and food science.

U of I's status as a major center of research offers varied opportunities for students at all levels. Candidates can participate in a variety of research programs in areas such as beef cattle production, dairy production, milk and meat quality, and sheep production.

Home to more than 61,000 students, OSU ranks among the nation's largest colleges. The OSU College of Veterinary Medicine was established 1885 and has graduated more than 9,100 veterinarians since its founding. The college produces around 85% of all practicing veterinarians in Ohio and serves more than 72,000 animal patients annually. The veterinary school hosts three academic departments: veterinary biosciences, veterinary clinical sciences, and veterinary preventive medicine.

OSU offers veterinary programs at the master's and doctoral level. Along with the traditional doctor of veterinary medicine, candidates can pursue master's and Ph.D. programs in comparative biomedical sciences and a master's in veterinary public health program.

Graduate students can pursue a small animal medicine and surgery internship along with several residencies in areas including clinical pathology and lab animal medicine.

A major public college located about 140 miles south of Chicago, U of I enrolls more than 50,000 students annually. The school's College of Veterinary Medicine focuses on the intersection of human health, agriculture, and the environment, exploring biomedical applications to improve animal and human health outcomes. The college comprises three departments: comparative biosciences, pathobiology, and veterinary clinical medicine.

U of I hosts a highly respected four-year doctor of veterinary medicine program. The veterinary school also offers master's and doctoral programs through each of its three academic departments.

Veterinary candidates can pursue internships and residencies in several areas of study, such as anatomic pathology, ophthalmology, and small animal medicine. The school is also home to three service units offering clinical care and experiential learning opportunities for students: the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and the Medical District Veterinary Clinic (based in Chicago).

One of the largest members of the University of California system, UC Davis enrolls more than 39,000 students annually from its Northern California campus. The college hosts some of California's top veterinary programs through its School of Veterinary Medicine. The school is home to six academic departments, including medicine and epidemiology, population health and reproduction, and surgical and radiological sciences.

UC Davis' veterinary school offers programs exclusively at the graduate level. Along with a prestigious doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) program, the school hosts several master's and Ph.D. programs in areas including comparative pathology, immunology, epidemiology, and preventive vet medicine. UC Davis also hosts a dual-degree DVM/Ph.D. program, which trains students to serve as both clinical practitioners and expert researchers.

One of Nebraska's major public colleges, UNL enrolls more than 25,000 students annually. The UNL School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science ranks as the state's leading institution for veterinary education and research. The school offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in several areas of veterinary study.

UNL undergraduates can choose from bachelor's degrees in veterinary science and veterinary technology. The school also offers a non-degree major in pre-veterinary medicine, which prepares candidates to enter any graduate veterinary school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

At the graduate level, UNL offers a master's degree in veterinary sciences, a Ph.D. in integrative biomedical science, and a traditional doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) for practicing veterinarians. DVM candidates complete their first two years of courses at UNL before transferring to Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine to complete the remainder of the degree.

The flagship institution of the University of Tennessee system, UT Knoxville serves more than 30,000 students annually. The UT College of Veterinary Medicine works to advance human, animal, and environmental health, serving the livestock industry, pet owners, and the public health community at large. The college hosts three academic departments: biomedical and diagnostic sciences, large animal clinical sciences, and small animal clinical sciences.

UT Knoxville offers degrees and certificates primarily at the graduate level. Candidates can pursue a traditional doctor of veterinary medicine or a master of science or Ph.D. in comparative and experimental medicine. Students can also pursue certificates in canine rehab, equine rehab, and graduate veterinary social work.

The flagship campus of the A&M system, Texas A&M enrolls more than 71,000 students annually, ranking the school among the largest in the country. Based in College Station, the college hosts some of Texas' top veterinary programs. The College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences comprises five academic departments: large animal clinical sciences, small animal clinical sciences, veterinary integrative sciences, veterinary pathobiology, and veterinary physiology and pharmacology.

Texas A&M offers veterinary degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Undergraduates can pursue a bachelor's in biomedical science. Graduate students can pursue master of science programs in epidemiology and public health, toxicology, and biomedical sciences. The school also offers a doctor of veterinary medicine program and several Ph.D. programs.

Missouri's largest public college, Mizzou serves around 30,00 students annually. The College of Veterinary Medicine ranks among the Midwest's top veterinary schools, providing community health services to both the St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas and surrounding regions. Mizzou holds a national reputation as a center of research and innovation.

Veterinary students can enroll in veterinary programs at all academic levels. At the undergraduate level, Mizzou offers bachelor's degrees in animal sciences and microbiology. Master's candidates can select from a variety of programs, with options including pathobiology, medicine and surgery, public health, and biomedical sciences. Mizzou also offers a doctor of veterinary medicine program that includes a dual-degree option, combining the doctoral program with a master's in public health.

A private Catholic college founded by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, SHU serves around 2,300 students annually. SHU offers a non-degree pre-veterinary program that prepares students to enroll in graduate veterinary programs after earning their bachelor's degree. The program is not an academic major, but it offers an undergraduate designation and advising services that prepare candidates for graduate veterinary study.

The pre-veterinary program requires all participants to declare an undergraduate major. Given the academic prerequisites for most graduate veterinary programs, students typically major in biology. Regardless of their undergraduate major, SHU recommends that pre-veterinary students connect with an academic advisor as quickly as possible to determine an effective course of study. Pre-veterinary graduates report a 95% acceptance rate into professional veterinary programs.

The flagship campus of the Oklahoma State University system, OSU enrolls more than 24,000 students annually. The OSU College of Veterinary Medicine ranks among the nation's top veterinary schools. Recent graduates report a 100% pass rate on the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination.

OSU offers veterinary programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. Undergraduates can enroll in an associate of applied science in veterinary technology, preparing to serve as vet techs in clinical settings. At the graduate level, the school offers a comparative biomedical science program with both master's and Ph.D. options. Graduate candidates can also enroll in a traditional doctor of veterinary medicine program.

As a major public research college, OSU offers ample opportunities for graduate student research. Some of the school's major areas of veterinary research include lung diseases, toxicology, infectious diseases, and exercise physiology.