If you’ve ever wanted to care for animals, treat their illnesses, perform surgery, or simply make sure a playful puppy stays healthy, then you’re likely interested in becoming a veterinarian.
As animal lovers, veterinarians are the unsung heroes who keep our pets, livestock, and even wildlife healthy and happy. But before you can start saving animal lives, you have to choose the best major for a Veterinarian.
Picking the right college major is like choosing the right tool for the job. The major you select forms the foundation of your veterinary journey. It gives you the knowledge, skills, and experience you’ll need in vet school and later in your own practice.
Not all majors are created equal, some give you a head start, preparing you for the science-heavy requirements of veterinary school and teaching you what it really means to care for animals, both great and small.
Ready to discover the best major for a Veterinarian? Let’s jump in!
Understanding Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary medicine is more than just treating a sick cat or dog. Veterinarians diagnose diseases, perform surgeries, give vaccinations, and sometimes even work with wild or exotic animals.
Their work can include everything from fixing a bird’s broken wing, to helping cows produce healthy calves, to preventing the spread of dangerous diseases among animals and humans.
Skills Needed for Veterinarians:
- Science Knowledge: You’ll need to understand animal biology, chemistry, and physiology in order to diagnose problems and recommend treatments.
- Communication: Vets talk with pet owners, farmers, and co-workers every day. Explaining tough news or complicated treatment plans in simple terms is crucial.
- Compassion: Animals can’t tell you what hurts, so patience and empathy are key. You must care for both animals and their owners.
- Problem-Solving: Every sick animal is a puzzle. You’ll need sharp analytical skills to figure out what’s wrong and how to fix it.
Choosing the right college major helps you build these skills! Science majors, in particular, lay the groundwork you’ll need for advanced study in veterinary school. Majors that include hands-on animal work, research, or lab work give you a real taste of what it’s like to be a veterinarian.
The 15 Best Majors for a Veterinarian
Before we dive in, remember: you don’t have to pick the “one right major” to become a veterinarian. Vet schools accept a variety of degrees, as long as you complete the necessary science prerequisites. But some majors make your path easier, letting you focus on what matters most, helping animals!
1. Animal Science
Animal Science is one of the most direct and valuable majors for future veterinarians. In this major, you’ll study nearly every aspect of animal life and management: breeding, genetics, nutrition, physiology, behavior, and caring for livestock and companion animals. You’ll explore both the science behind animals and the practical aspects of handling, feeding, disease prevention, and welfare.
Students receive lots of hands-on learning, working with live animals, conducting laboratory research, and often participating in internships or work experiences on farms, with vet clinics, or in animal shelters. Animal science curriculum usually includes courses in anatomy, animal nutrition, reproductive physiology, animal health and disease, and even courses on business and management for those interested in farm or production animal care.
Beyond the classroom, animal science majors can participate in undergraduate research, tackle real-world issues in animal welfare, or join clubs that offer even more experience with animal care. This major gives you a strong foundation for veterinary school by already exposing you to the core science needed for further studies.
2. Biology
Biology majors study life in all its forms, plants, animals, bacteria, and more. This broad scientific field teaches you the fundamentals of anatomy, physiology, genetics, cell biology, and ecology. If you major in biology with a focus on animals or animal systems, you’ll learn about how bodies work, how diseases happen, and understand the DNA and molecular processes that keep living things alive.
A biology program often includes plenty of lab work. You’ll learn how to use microscopes, conduct experiments, and even do research projects. Core courses for a pre-vet biology student include animal physiology, genetics, ecology, microbiology, and biochemistry, often with relevant electives like zoology or immunology.
Biology is a flexible, powerful starting point for vet school. It’s broad enough for you to explore different areas, but scientific and specific enough to prepare you for the rigorous veterinary curriculum awaiting you.
3. Zoology
Zoology is the deep study of animals, their classification, structure, evolution, and how they interact with their environment. If you love all kinds of animals from frogs to elephants, and you’re interested in wildlife, zoos, or conservation work, zoology is an excellent major.
You’ll learn about animal anatomy, physiology, behavior, evolution, genetics, and ecology. Zoology programs often include courses in animal diversity, vertebrate and invertebrate biology, animal behavior, ecology and evolution, and more specialized electives like herpetology (study of reptiles and amphibians) or ornithology (study of birds).
Zoology majors get lots of hands-on experience in labs, with fieldwork, and may have opportunities to work at zoos, aquariums, or wildlife rehabilitation centers. This background is especially valuable for veterinarians who want to work with exotic animals, wildlife, or pursue careers in animal conservation or research.
4. Pre-Veterinary Studies
Pre-Veterinary Studies isn’t always a standalone major, but many universities offer a “pre-vet” track or concentration, bundling together all the core science courses you’ll need for vet school (biology, chemistry, physics, genetics, anatomy/physiology, etc.).
Pre-vet majors typically take courses in animal science, management, advanced biology, chemistry, genetics, microbiology, immunology, reproduction, animal nutrition, organic chemistry, veterinary microbiology, and more. Many programs provide internships, animal handling classes, and opportunities to work on research or at animal care facilities.
This is the most straightforward pathway for those determined to become vets, as it’s designed specifically with veterinary school admission requirements in mind.
5. Microbiology
Microbiology is the science of the tiny, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. In this major, you learn how microorganisms affect animal health, how diseases spread, and how veterinarians diagnose and treat various infections.
A microbiology curriculum covers subjects like microbial genetics, immunology, pathogenic organisms, virology, lab techniques, and principles of disease control. You’ll perform lab experiments, learn about antibiotics and vaccines, and even study the role of microbiota in digestion and immunity.
Microbiology is valuable for any vet, but it’s especially useful for those interested in pathology, infectious disease, public health, or working with animals where disease control (like livestock) is critical. Understanding these microscopic invaders is crucial for keeping animal populations (and humans) healthy.
6. Biochemistry
Biochemistry focuses on how the molecules in living things create structure, drive function, and allow life. Biochemistry majors study the chemistry of proteins, DNA, lipids, and carbohydrates, and how these chemicals interact in metabolism, growth, disease, and healing.
For veterinarians, biochemistry is useful for understanding metabolism, how drugs and vaccines work, how nutrients are processed, and what goes wrong in disease. You’ll conduct experiments, analyze lab results, and learn to interpret blood tests and biochemical profiles, skills you’ll repeatedly use as a vet.
This deep understanding is especially important for vets interested in research, specialties like internal medicine, or pharmacology.
7. Animal Behavior
Animal Behavior majors study how animals act, communicate, and interact with the world. Courses explore why animals behave the way they do, how their brains process information, and the environmental or genetic factors that influence their actions.
You’ll learn animal ethology (behavioral science), stress and welfare, social structure, language/communication, learning and training, and even issues of animal psychology. This is highly relevant for veterinarians, as behavioral health is a major part of animal well-being, from resolving aggression in pets to caring for anxious zoo animals or helping owners solve pet problems.
Understanding behavior is also useful for animal training, therapy, rescue, or as an animal management consultant.
8. Environmental Science
Environmental Science examines ecosystems, habitats, and the relationship between animals and the environment. In this major, you’ll study ecology, climate, pollution, conservation, and environmental biology, often with the chance to participate in hands-on environmental analysis, conservation projects, or wildlife management.
For veterinarians, environmental science is especially valuable if you’re interested in wildlife or conservation, “One Health” initiatives (where human, animal, and environmental health intersect), or controlling zoonotic diseases (diseases passed between animals and humans).
Veterinarians with environmental backgrounds help track how environmental changes affect animal health, advise on conservation policies, or work in government, research, or international organizations.
9. Agricultural Science
Agricultural Science focuses on the science, technology, and business of producing food through animals and plants. You’ll study animal husbandry, livestock biology, farm management, food safety, and agricultural sustainability.
For veterinarians, this is an ideal preparation if you want to work with farm animals, help manage herd health, consult on food production, or support agricultural businesses. You’ll also learn about plant/soil relationships, pest management, and economics, though the animal track usually emphasizes livestock and poultry nutrition, reproduction, and health.
Graduates are sought after by farming operations, veterinary clinics, and government agencies focused on public health and food safety.
10. Chemistry
Chemistry majors learn about substances, their properties, interactions, and reactions. In the context of veterinary medicine, chemistry is vital, you’ll need a strong background in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and sometimes physical chemistry.
You’ll study things like drug formulation, anesthesia, vaccines, and laboratory diagnostics. Besides theory, you’ll spend a lot of time in the lab learning chemical analysis, measurement, and experimental techniques. Chemistry courses are also essential vet school prerequisites.
Veterinary students with a solid chemistry foundation find it easier to excel in vet school and later when understanding drug therapies, performing diagnostic tests, or using “pharmacology” in practice.
11. Biomedical Science
Biomedical Science bridges human and animal medicine. You’ll study anatomy, histology, pathology, infectious diseases, pharmacology, and genetics. Biomedical science majors are exposed to cutting-edge laboratory research as well as the clinical applications that keep both animals and people healthy.
This major’s curriculum prepares students for research, laboratory careers, medical or veterinary school, and the development of new medications, diagnostics, or treatments. It provides a broader context for diseases, public health, and comparative medicine, helping vets see links between animal and human health.
Specialization options in biomedical science might include microbiology, molecular biology, or pathophysiology, which directly support advanced veterinary roles.
12. Psychology
Psychology majors study the human mind and animal behavior. For veterinarians, grasping the principles of psychology is invaluable. Understanding how animals and people think leads to better pet-owner relationships, client communication, kindness in care, and more effective behavioral interventions.
Courses may cover animal learning, conditioning, cognition, abnormal behavior, and the human-animal bond. With this background, vets can spot signs of stress, anxiety, or aggression in animals faster, and help owners deal with grief, attachment, or behavior problems.
Psychology is especially useful for those interested in behavior therapy, animal training, or running their own clinic, where communication with humans is as important as caring for animals.
13. Veterinary Technology
Veterinary Technology prepares students to become veterinary technicians or tech assistants (a step below a full veterinarian). However, it’s also an excellent stepping stone for future veterinarians wanting extensive hands-on animal experience.
Vet tech programs cover animal care, nursing, anesthesia, pharmacology, radiology, surgical assistance, and lab diagnostics. You’ll work side-by-side with veterinarians, gaining practical knowledge of procedures, tools, and animal handling.
The experience is invaluable for those planning to apply to vet school, as it demonstrates commitment, proves you can handle real animal patients, and ensures you’re comfortable with common clinical situations.
14. Nutrition
Nutrition majors learn about how food affects health, metabolism, disease, and healing. For veterinarians, knowledge of animal nutrition is crucial, as many health problems (like obesity, malnutrition, allergies, metabolic disorders) relate to what animals eat.
You’ll study nutrient needs, digestion, food chemistry, diet formulation, animal feeding, and public health concerns related to food safety. This expertise is key for advising pet owners or farmers, formulating diets for healthy or sick animals, and contributing to research on better animal feeds.
Some nutrition programs also emphasize human nutrition, while others have animal-focused tracks, be sure to seek those with courses on animal feeding and food safety.
15. Physics
Physics may not seem animal-related at first, but it’s surprisingly relevant to modern veterinary medicine. Understanding how energy, motion, forces, and waves interact prepares vets to use and interpret diagnostic equipment like X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, and lasers.
Studying physics trains you in problem-solving, math, and analytical thinking — skills used in every area of medicine and research. It’s also usually required as a veterinary school prerequisite.
Veterinarians with physics backgrounds are better equipped to understand how imaging technologies work, what their limitations are, and how to ensure accurate and safe results for animal patients.
How to Choose the Right Major
Choosing the right major isn’t just about “which is best.” Here’s what you should consider:
- Interests and Strengths: Pick a major you enjoy. If you love chemistry more than biology, go that route! Passion keeps you motivated.
- Vet School Requirements: Every veterinary school wants a different mix of science courses, biology, chemistry, physics, and more. Check what’s needed for the vet schools you’re targeting before settling on a major.
- Career Goals: Think about the animals you want to work with. Do you see yourself in a pet clinic, a dairy farm, a zoo, or in wildlife conservation? Your major can pave the way for your dream job.
- Advising: Most schools have pre-vet advisors or clubs. Use them! They can help you plan your path and make sure you’re on track for vet school.
Conclusion
Becoming a veterinarian is a lifelong dream for many animal lovers. Choosing the best major for a Veterinarian is your first big step on this exciting journey. The right major builds your science knowledge, develops your practical skills, and puts you in a strong position for vet school and beyond.
Remember: animal science, biology, zoology, pre-vet studies, and other science-heavy majors help you get ahead, but the best choice is the one that matches your passion and goals.
Research your options, plan carefully, and follow your heart. With dedication, you’ll find the path that leads you to a rewarding career in veterinary medicine.
