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About the Pre-Veterinary Sciences Track

Why Study Pre-Veterinary Sciences at Cedarville?

Do you want to turn your love for animals into a career in veterinary medicine? At Cedarville, you can pursue a pre-veterinary track within the Bachelor of Science in biology while learning in a community committed to biblical faithfulness, academic excellence, and Christ-centered community.

As a pre-vet student, you’ll study alongside supportive peers and learn from experienced professors who invest in both your academic growth and spiritual life. Small classes, hands-on labs, and faculty-guided research give you meaningful opportunities to apply what you learn while gaining valuable experience for veterinary school.

Cedarville’s BS in biology provides a broad background in the life sciences taught from a biblical perspective. Along the way, you’ll complete the prerequisite courses required by most U.S. veterinary schools and prepare for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), positioning you to apply confidently to veterinary school.

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What Sets Cedarville Apart?

Program Overview

Pre-Veterinary Sciences Track Highlights

Academic Rigor — As a pre-vet student at Cedarville, you will be exposed to a rigorous curriculum of core biology and chemistry courses, as well as a variety of upper-level electives, including:

  • Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology
  • Ecophysiology
  • Parasitology and Invertebrate Zoology
  • Agricultural Science.

Biblical Integration — At Cedarville, all of your courses will be taught from a Christian worldview and grounded in scriptural truth. You will earn a minor in Bible along with your BS in biology degree.

Hands-on Learning  — Your study of animal anatomy will be enhanced through laboratory dissections, research, and on-farm livestock experience. You will also have shadowing and internship opportunities from a number of local veterinary practices with expertise in both small and large animal medicine.

Research Opportunities  — The BS in biology program incorporates valuable research experience working with a faculty member (5:1 student-to-faculty ratio) over the course of at least one semester on a research topic within the faculty member’s field of expertise.

What Can You Do With a BS in Biology (Pre-Veterinary Track) Degree?

Most pre-vet students are preparing for veterinary school. However, with this concentration you could also apply for technician and assistant positions with an undergraduate degree. Graduates from the pre-veterinary program at Cedarville University have been accepted to some top veterinary schools, including:

  • Iowa State University
  • Lincoln Memorial University
  • Midwestern University
  • Mississippi State University
  • Purdue University
  • The Ohio State University
  • University of Minnesota
  • University of Wisconsin
  • Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

Graduate and professional programs and employers welcome Cedarville University graduates each year. It is important to note that most professional career fields you may pursue require additional education, experience, and/or licensure beyond the completion of your Cedarville University undergraduate degree.

Opportunities to Learn Outside the Classroom

Epsilon Kappa Mu — Cedarville’s pre-vet student organization, Epsilon Kappa Mu (EKM), creates a supportive community for Cedarville pre-veterinary students. The club regularly organizes volunteer opportunities with local partners, such as the Humane Society, 4 Paws for Ability (service dog organization), and the local animal shelter. EKM seeks ways to engage students in volunteer experiences, workshops, and networking opportunities. The student-led EKM will also encourage you as a pre-vet student in your pursuit of a veterinary profession and provide assistance as you prepare to transition to veterinary school.

Large and Small Animal Experience — One of the program professors, Dr. Bob Paris, welcomes pre-vet students to gain experience on his farm working with large-animal livestock. You will gain experience in the area of general livestock handling, as well as various aspects of routine healthcare. These opportunities are available within a five-minute drive of campus. In addition to the large and small animals on Dr. Paris’ farm, you will have opportunities to intern with or shadow one of the many local veterinarians specializing in small-animal medicine. Similar experiences are also available for those students interested in working with veterinarians specializing in large-animal medicine.

Christian Veterinary Mission — You may choose to participate with CVM, a global organization that seeks to equip and encourage students and professionals in the veterinary profession. CVM’s mission is to challenge, empower, and facilitate veterinary professionals to serve others by living out their Christian faith. They offer missions trips across the globe, where veterinarians and students have the opportunity to increase veterinary skills, serve others, and share the Gospel. Cedarville University’s Epsilon Kappa Mu hosts the local chapter of CVM’s Christian Veterinary Fellowship (CVF), and enjoys a close relationship with CVM’s Midwestern representative, Curtis Gibbs.

Local Ministry Teams — Pre-vet students are encouraged to develop attitudes of service. There are numerous local ministry teams at Cedarville, dedicated to serving those in our surrounding communities with the heart of Christ.

Program Curriculum

Building on the liberal arts and Bible minor courses, you will take a set of core courses that will meet veterinary school requirements and help prepare you for the GRE. This core includes one semester of zoology, botany, ecology, biochemistry, and math and two semesters of general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. Additionally, pre-veterinary students majoring in biology take several upper-level science courses.

Sample courses:

  • Agricultural Science 
  • Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology
  • Ecophysiology
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Parasitology and Invertebrate Biology

Program Format and Related Programs

Cedarville offers graduate and undergraduate programs with flexible completion options. You may also want to consider these related programs as you choose the degree or program that is the best fit for you.

Program Level and Format

  • Undergraduate
  • 4-Year
  • Residential
People wearing wading trousers by a river holding fish caught by small nets.

From Our Students:

  • I am always amazed by my professors, who are incredibly knowledgeable and involved in their scientific disciplines, yet still invest in their students academically and spiritually. I am confident that I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the biological and chemical sciences and that this knowledge will set me apart in graduate school. I feel so privileged to attend a university that is uniquely committed to teaching science with both excellence and a biblical foundation.
    Lauren Setzkorn, School of Science and Mathematics
    Lauren Setzkorn
Job and Grad School Placement

Program Faculty

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Michael Mendel, PhD

Professor of Biology

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Bob Paris, PhD

Professor of Biology

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School of Science and Mathematics

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