College of Health Professions · Pre-Professional Program

Pre-Veterinary

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Program Overview

Turn your compassion for animals into a career.

Maryville University's Pre-Veterinary program helps students from any science major prepare for veterinary school through rigorous science coursework, personalized mentoring, project-based learning and volunteer experiences. You'll receive guidance from the Pre-Health Professions advisor and advisory committee while building a competitive application for veterinary programs.

What sets the program apart

    • Complete veterinary school prerequisites through any science major
    • Receive guidance from the Pre-Health Professions advisor and advisory committee
    • Participate in undergraduate research and project-based learning
    • Gain job shadowing and volunteer experience with veterinary professionals

An Overview of the Pre-Veterinary Program At Maryville

 
[MUSIC PLAYING] Pre-veterinary is a pre-profession program where we give you the foundation to pursue a career as a veterinarian. We have a curriculum that was specifically designed to accommodate and support an education in the natural and biological sciences. Our program features small class sizes, each taught by faculty with a PhD. You'll form a tight-knit group with students and your professors, all sharing a keen interest in science. You'll learn together and support each other. Another great program feature is the sophomore review, which is a way for you to practice the process of applying and interviewing for graduate school. This helps you focus on preparing a competitive application package. Another program feature that sets Maryville apart is our commitment to undergraduate research. There are numerous benefits to this approach, including exposure to experiential learning methodology, the natural development of a like-minded, high-achieving peer group, and most importantly, learning a practical approach to data and evidence-based problem-solving. If you're ready for a career as a veterinarian, schedule a visit and let's chat about your future. [MUSIC PLAYING]
Why Maryville

Learn through research and real-world scientific partnerships.

Class Size14

Average Class Size

SupportLife Coaching Team

A dedicated team of life coaches helps you personalize your education

Career Outcomes98%

Career outcomes rate for Maryville graduates

Financial Aid$59M+

Awarded in scholarships and aid last year

Get Started

Ready to apply or want to visit campus?

We've made it easy: free transcript evaluation, quick admission decisions, and no application fee.

  • Upcoming term starts:
  • Fall 2026 Start Date: August 24
  • Spring 2027 Start Date: January 11
Apply nowSchedule a campus visit
Career Outlook

What can I do with this degree?

Veterinarians diagnose, treat and help prevent diseases and injuries in animals while educating owners about proper animal care. They work with companion animals, livestock, wildlife and research animals in a variety of clinical and scientific settings.

Veterinarians complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree after earning a bachelor's degree and must obtain state licensure before practicing.

Career Paths

Provide preventive care, diagnose illnesses and perform medical and surgical procedures for household pets.
Care for livestock including cattle, horses, sheep and other farm animals.
Treat animals experiencing life-threatening illnesses, injuries and medical emergencies.
Care for wild and exotic animals while supporting conservation and rehabilitation efforts.
Advance animal and human health through biomedical research and scientific discovery.
Protect animal and human health by monitoring diseases, food safety and public health concerns.
$133,340Median annual wage

The median annual wage for veterinarians was $133,340 in May 2024.

19%Projected employment growth

Employment of veterinarians is projected to grow 19% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

4,300Projected annual openings

About 4,300 openings for veterinarians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Salary and employment data are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and may vary by location, experience and specialty.

Admission Requirements, Curriculum & Courses

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements Discover requirements for a freshman, transfer, or international student.Course Descriptions Explore our catalog for details about the course requirements and electives.Degree Planning Sheet A sample plan of study

Want to learn more about our course offerings?

Detailed course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in our catalog.

Read full course descriptionsExplore the full catalog
Tuition, Cost & Savings

How you can afford an education.

An investment in your future shouldn't be out of reach. Maryville offers multiple paths to reduce your out-of-pocket cost — and our team will help you find every one you qualify for.

Ways to Save

Scholarship OpportunitiesMerit and need-based awards for qualifying students.
Transfer CreditApply previously earned credits toward your degree.
Benefits for MilitaryTuition assistance and GI Bill benefits for those who served.

Estimated tuition cost breakdown

Full-Time Tuition$25,766
Fees*$2,600
Estimated total cost**$28,366

*Fees can include digital course materials and textbooks/lab materials.

**Estimated cost does not include room and board or meal plans.

Explore additional tuition and costs

Need help financing your education? Get in touch!

Our financial aid advisors are here to walk you through scholarships, grants, and aid options for the Pre-Veterinary program.

Financial Aid InformationContact the Financial Aid Office
Accreditation

Maryville is accredited.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Honors & Rankings

  • Kiplinger Best College Values 2019Ranked among the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
  • Forbes America's Top Colleges 2018Ranked among “America's Top Colleges” by Forbes.
  • Ranked No. 1 in social mobility among private universities in St. Louis.
  • Best for Vets Colleges 2022 Military Times. We made the list!Named Best for Vets among colleges by Military Times.
Review Maryville's full list of honors and rankings
Take the Next Step

Ready to take the next step?

Apply today, request more information, or schedule a visit to see if Maryville is the right fit for you.

Apply nowRequest more informationSchedule a campus visit

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Students from any science major can complete the Pre-Veterinary program while meeting veterinary school prerequisites.
Yes. Students work with the Pre-Health Professions advisor and advisory committee throughout the application process.
Yes. Students are encouraged to conduct undergraduate research and gain project-based learning experiences.
Yes. The program helps students identify job shadowing and volunteer opportunities that strengthen veterinary school applications.
Maryville science programs collaborate with organizations including the Missouri Botanical Garden, Danforth Plant Science Center and other leading research institutions in the St. Louis region.
Veterinarians complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree after earning a bachelor's degree and meeting veterinary school admission requirements.