Prerequisite Course Requirements

Prerequisite Course Requirements
Course Description Semester(s)
General (Inorganic) Chemistry with lab I 1
General (Inorganic) Chemistry with lab II 1
Organic Chemistry with lab I 1
Organic Chemistry with lab II 1
Biochemistry+ (upper division) 1
General Biology with lab I (diversity, developmental, cell structure) 1
General Biology with lab II (diversity, developmental, cell structure) 1
Genetics 1
Microbiology (general or medical) with lab 1
Physics with lab I 1
Physics with lab II 1
Statistics 1
English Composition 1
Communication (interpersonal, persuasion, or speech/public speaking) 1
Humanities (foreign language, cognitive sciences, and social sciences) 3
Careers in Veterinary Medicine (if available) 1

While we accept online lecture courses for our prerequisite courses, we do not accept online labs. All labs must be completed onsite at an institution*.

*Due to the COVID-19 crisis, many higher education institutions around the country are opting for a Pass/Not Pass grading option and online instruction, therefore, the following changes are in effect:

  1. We will accept a grade of "P" (pass) for any prerequisite courses taken during these terms.
    • Spring 2020
    • Summer 2020
  2. We will accept online lecture and lab courses taken during these terms.
    • Spring 2020
    • Summer 2020
    • Fall 2020
    • Spring 2021
    • Summer 2021
    • Fall 2021
    • Spring 2022
    • Summer 2022

*Core subjects may vary as to the number of semesters required depending on the overall design and content of the core courses on a particular campus (e.g. 1 semester vs. 2 semesters.) Please consult with your undergraduate academic advisor and refer to the course descriptions on the VMCAS web site.

+This course should be a complete upper-division course; half of a 2-semester sequence will not satisfy this requirement.

Purdue pre-veterinary students should follow their undergraduate programs of study regardless of minimums indicated.

Other recommended courses:

  • Accounting
  • Animal sciences (including nutrition)
  • Biochemistry laboratory
  • Business
  • Business/technical writing
  • Chemistry
  • Economics
  • Embryology
  • Immunology
  • Leadership
  • Personal finance

All prerequisites must be completed by the end of the spring semester of the year you begin the veterinary medical program.