Which college should I enroll in?
A student in any undergraduate college at Cornell may enroll in the courses required for entry into veterinary college. Cornell undergraduate applicants to veterinary school are enrolled primarily in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences with a few in the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering, and the College of Human Ecology. The appropriate choice depends largely on your other academic and career interests. Students should consult the University's publications for information about the seven colleges at Cornell, reviewing their requirements, majors, and course descriptions.
Back to top
What should I major in?
Veterinary schools do not require or recommend any particular undergraduate major course of study or designated preveterinary program. Cornell does not have a preveterinary major and there is no evidence that admissions committees of veterinary colleges give special consideration to any particular undergraduate education beyond satisfactory completion of the required undergraduate courses; for this reason you are encouraged to pursue your own intellectual interest in an academic major.
For example, a student might major in animal science, biological sciences, natural resources or development sociology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Or you might major in biological sciences, English, anthropology in the College of Arts and Sciences or nutrition in the College of Human Ecology. You complete the preprofessional core of courses while at the same time receiving a broad education, and exploring other interests and careers. In this way, you leave open the option of pursuing an alternative career. You are also more likely to succeed at and benefit from subjects that interest and stimulate you, and you leave open the option of pursuing an alternative career.
Back to top
What courses should I take?
Veterinary schools, while not requiring or recommending any particular major course of study, do require that particular undergraduate courses be completed. Listed below are the minimum course requirements for admission to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. Veterinary Medical School Admission Requirements (VMSAR) contains details for other schools.
English Composition
6 semester credit hours
Biology or Zoology (with laboratory)
6 semester credit hours
Introductory Chemistry (with laboratory)
6 semester credit hours
Organic Chemistry (with laboratory)
6 semester credit hours
Biochemistry
4 semester credit hours
Physics (with laboratory)
6 semester credit hours
General Microbiology (with laboratory)
3 semester credit hours
Back to top
Education for becoming a veterinarian: a wider view
In discussing science courses required for entry to veterinary school, it is important to realize that these are only a part of the total educational picture that veterinary schools consider. It is generally agreed that an applicant must be able to perform well in science, to think like a scientist, and even to enjoy science in order to be a competent veterinarian. Being an educated person with an understanding of human nature and human achievement is equally important to veterinarians, both professionally and personally.
Back to top
What kinds of animal care related experience do I need?
Veterinary medicine is an animal oriented profession. Therefore, your experiences working with different kinds of animals in different settings and your understanding of the veterinary profession are important consideration in the selection process. Such experience could involve breeding, rearing, feeding and showing various kinds of animals including companion animals, livestock, laboratory animals, zoo animals or wildlife. You should be prepared to present evidence of hands-on experience with animals and sufficient contact with the veterinary profession so that the admissions committee can determine that you have some understanding of the duties and responsibilities of a practitioner and the scope of veterinary medicine.
Back to top
What are the acceptance statistics for veterinary schools?
For the classes entering the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University (CVMCU) for the past five years, generally over 20 members of the class were from Cornell. Approximately 100 Cornellians apply to CVMCU each year. No figures are currently available for Cornell students accepted at veterinary schools other than Cornell. Nationally, in 2008 there were over 6,000 applicants to U.S. vet school and over to 2,700 enrolled.
Back to top
What is the current employment outlook for vets?
Seventy-five percent of all veterinarians are in private practice, however, veterinarians are employed by government, business, universities, and the military in a wide variety of research, regulatory, and clinical roles. In 2006 the average starting salary for recent graduates was around $56,000 for small animal to $61,000 for large animal practice. The median annual earnings of veterinarians was $72,000 in 2006. Federally employed veterinarians averaged $84,335 in 2007.
Most enrolled need to borrow to cover veterinary college expenses. In order to be able to get loans, be sure to maintain a good credit rating throughout your college years. In 2006 the mean national indebtedness of veterinary graduates was $90,654.
Back to top
What is Cornell Accelerated BS/DVM Program?
The double registration program between Cornell University and the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University is approved for students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. It enables a qualified student to save one year in pursuit of the Bachelor and D.V.M. degrees. The program is intended for students who have been admitted to the College of Veterinary Medicine after completing three years of undergraduate work and who have made sufficient progress on the Bachelor's Degree requirements. Certain courses taken in the College of Veterinary Medicine can be used to complete those requirements. Questions about the program may be directed to Jennifer Mailey, Director of Admissions, College of Veterinary Medicine at Vet_admissions@cornell.edu
Back to top
What help does Cornell provide for health careers students?
What other resources are available?
A sample of books available in the Career Library, 103 Barnes Hall.
American Animal Hospital Association Accredited Practice Directory American Zoo and Aquarium Membership Directory Career Choices for Veterinarians: Beyond Private Practice, Carin Smith, DVM Careers with Animals, Ellen Shenk Extraordinary Jobs with Animals, Alecia Devantier & Carol Turkington Get Into Veterinary School - Insights by an Admission Expert, Joseph Piekunka Opportunites in Zoo Careers, Sydney J. Butter
Back to top
Continue reading here:
Cornell Career Services: Veterinary Medicine FAQ
- 001 Stem Cell Therapy for Animals [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2010]
- 002 Using Stem Cells Scientists Grow a Rat Lung, Humans are Next [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2010]
- 003 Stem Cell Therapy at Newkirk Family Veterinarians - Hunter's Story - Video [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2012]
- 004 Penn research points to new way of preserving fertility for boys undergoing cancer treatment [Last Updated On: March 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 28th, 2012]
- 005 Leukaemia cells have a remembrance of things past [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2012]
- 006 Bone repair research at UC Davis [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2012]
- 007 New Procedure Saves Dogs Lives [Last Updated On: September 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 11th, 2012]
- 008 Of mice and men [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2012]
- 009 SCMOM 2012_Juventas Therapeutics - Video [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2012]
- 010 SCMOM 2012_AlloSource - Video [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2012]
- 011 SCMOM 2012_DiscGenics - Video [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2012]
- 012 Stem Cells the Nephilim Chuck Missler 1 6 - Video [Last Updated On: December 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: December 1st, 2012]
- 013 Stem Cells the Nephilim Chuck Missler 2 6 - Video [Last Updated On: December 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: December 1st, 2012]
- 014 Stem Cell Popularity in Veterinary Medicine (Frank Reilly) - Video [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2013] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2013]
- 015 Careers in Veterinary Medicine [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2015]
- 016 Veterinary medicine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2015]
- 017 College of Veterinary Medicine | Kansas State University [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2015]
- 018 NC State College of Veterinary Medicine [Last Updated On: July 11th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2015]
- 019 Veterinary physician - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2015]
- 020 Veterinary Medicine / The Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2015]
- 021 Best Veterinary Medicine Programs | Top Veterinary Schools ... [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2015]
- 022 Veterinary medicine - ScienceDaily [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2015]
- 023 Ontario Veterinary College | University of Guelph [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2016]
- 024 Veterinary Medicine - U.S. Scouting Service Project [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2016]
- 025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: How to Become a Veterinarian [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2016]
- 026 Veterinary Supplies, Medical & Podiatry Products at best prices [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2016]
- 027 Veterinary medicine - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2016]
- 028 Laser Therapy: Amazing Results in Veterinary Medicine - PR Newswire (press release) [Last Updated On: July 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 2nd, 2017]
- 029 Zoo veterinarians, behind the scenes and in the field - American Veterinary Medical Association [Last Updated On: July 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 2nd, 2017]
- 030 Why does your dog hate Fourth of July fireworks? It's genetic - The Missoulian [Last Updated On: July 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 2nd, 2017]
- 031 New Texas veterinary school plan still alive - American Veterinary Medical Association [Last Updated On: July 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 2nd, 2017]
- 032 Pet Vet: His bearded dragon lizard no longer wants to eat - Quad-Cities Online [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2017]
- 033 Ask the Vet: Why does our neighborhood tomcat drool so much? - Charleston Gazette-Mail (subscription) [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2017]
- 034 Some Marijuana-Derived Treatments Aim To Soothe Skittish Pets - NPR [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2017]
- 035 A Thing or 3: Logan's Susan Benson talks about being a veterinarian - The Herald Journal [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2017]
- 036 State looks to WSU for elk hoof disease research - goskagit.com [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2017]
- 037 After 50 Years, Equine Vet Not Ready for the Pasture - Southern Pines Pilot [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2017]
- 038 Lake cops cuddle seized puppies - nwitimes.com [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2017]
- 039 Building Your Horse's Health Care Dream Team - TheHorse.com [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2017]
- 040 Lilly, Purdue seek medical advancements in new $52M collaboration - Indianapolis Business Journal [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2017]
- 041 Protect your pet's feet from heat, burns - WSU News [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2017]
- 042 Nextmune Creates Spectrum Veterinary LLC, a Leading Global Player in Allergy for Companion Animals - PR Newswire (press release) [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2017]
- 043 Penn Vet may keep its $30 million in state funding after all - The Daily Pennsylvanian [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2017]
- 044 NCTA is 'gem' for higher learning in state - Kearney Hub [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- 045 Veterinarians also susceptible to workplace, financial stressors - Walla Walla Union-Bulletin [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- 046 Dog park closes temporarily due to dog flu concerns - Ocala [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- 047 Your Town: Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine one of top schools in the world - CNYcentral.com [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- 048 That 'out of control' feeling in veterinary medicine - dvm360 [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- 049 Texas horse gets Southern hospitality at UT College of Veterinary Medicine - WATE 6 On Your Side [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- 050 Dr. Kent McClure joins the AVMA to lead advocacy efforts - American Veterinary Medical Association [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2017]
- 051 Diversity, inclusion added to accreditation standards - American Veterinary Medical Association [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2017]
- 052 Western names Pease chief medical officer - American Veterinary Medical Association [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2017]
- 053 AVMA's champion for global veterinary medicine - American Veterinary Medical Association [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2017]
- 054 Summer enrichment program prepares students for Tuskegee veterinary curriculum - Tuskegee University [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2017]
- 055 4 steps to get those monkeys off your back - dvm360 [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2017]
- 056 Dr. L. Garry Adams awarded 2017 AVMA Award for Contributions to Advancement of Organized Veterinary Medicine - American Veterinary Medical Association [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2017]
- 057 Equine End-of-Life Session Scheduled for BEVA Congress - TheHorse.com [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2017]
- 058 UNCP, Tuskegee partner to produce veterinarians - The Robesonian [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2017]
- 059 University of Missouri reverses cut to veterinary services - Columbia Daily Tribune [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2017]
- 060 See the future of veterinary medicine - Glendale Star [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2017]
- 061 KNUST achieves landmark in veterinary medicine | Ghana News ... - Ghana News Agency [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2017]
- 062 Puppies receive stem cell treatment developed to help children with spina bifida - Sacramento Bee [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2017]
- 063 Authors believe gender gap in veterinary medicine is fixable - Purdue Exponent [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2017]
- 064 Veterinary school deans take on new leadership roles with AAVMC - dvm360 [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2017]
- 065 South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association gives awards at annual meeting - Watertown Public Opinion [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2017]
- 066 Animal Health - Veterinary Conference: Veterinary Medicine ... [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2017]
- 067 Goat experts and other large animal veterinarians - Merced Sun-Star [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2017]
- 068 Vet column: Valve disease common cause of canine heart murmurs - Glenwood Springs Post Independent [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2017]
- 069 Candidates introduce themselves in Indy - American Veterinary Medical Association [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2017]
- 070 Meritorious Service Award goes to Kaplan - American Veterinary Medical Association [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2017]
- 071 Carpenter receives distinguished service award - Rapid City Journal [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2017]
- 072 Whitehair and Brown win top seats on AVMA Board - American Veterinary Medical Association [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2017]
- 073 Preston accepted into OSU's veterinary medicine program - Sequoyah County Times [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2017]
- 074 AVMA helping veterinarians take on telemedicine - American Veterinary Medical Association [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2017]
- 075 Sandites accepted into OSU's Veterinary Medicine Program - Tulsa World [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2017]
- 076 Montclair vet publishes new book on holistic pet care - East Bay Times [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2017]
- 077 AF dentist, Army veterinarian team up for K-9 root canal in AOR ... - Robins Rev Up [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2017]
- 078 AVMA recognizes excellence in veterinary medicine - American Veterinary Medical Association [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2017]
- 079 FAO trains cattle keepers in basic veterinary medicine - ReliefWeb [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2017]
- 080 There's Plenty of Pseudoscience in Veterinary Medicine, Too - Patheos (blog) [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2017]