Veterinary Medicine Programs Available at HBCUs

A natural choice for animal lovers, Veterinary Medicine is an ideal way to turn your passion into a career. Lucrative and stable, the field of Veterinary Medicine is expected to remain an excellent career choice in terms of salary, growth potential and job security.

There are currently four HBCUs which offer professional degrees in Veterinary Medicine or its pre-requisite. Like pre-med courses for the medical profession, Veterinary Medicine also requires pre-vet courses. Look into the specific requirements of the veterinary school of your choice, as admittance requirements can vary. In addition, apply for admission as early as possible. There are far less veterinary schools in the US than medical schools (just 28), and competition for admission is fierce.

Delaware State University

Located in Dover, Delaware, DSU offers pre-vet courses which prepare students for veterinary school. Graduates are also well-prepared for careers in related fields such as veterinary technology, animal health sales and service, and animal care specialist.

One of the premier colleges in the country for veterinary medicine, DSU has been a leader in the field for over one hundred years. Advanced farms and extension programs give students real-world, hands-on experience with a wide variety of animals, from dogs and cats to cows and horses. Whether your ideal veterinary career involves pets, large animals or even exotics, DSU offers excellent preparation.

DSU is a public, four-year college with an acceptance rate of approximately 43%. The suburban-setting campus is home to approximately 4,000 students.

Fort Valley State University

FVSU is a public, four-year university located in Fort Valley, Georgia. The southern campus covers over 1,300 acres, making it the second-largest college in the state. Approximately 4,000 students call FVSU home.

FVSU offers two veterinary-related degree programs: Veterinary Technology and Pre-Vet. Students who complete the Veterinary Technology program will be awarded a Bachelors degree. Those who complete Pre-Vet studies will not earn a degree, but will be fully prepared to continue on to the veterinary school of their choice.

FVSU’s website notes that since all veterinary schools have varying admittance requirements, students should ensure that their Pre-Vet studies will be acceptable. FVSU is fully accredited to offer both Veterinary Technology degrees and Pre-Vet studies. The programs requires at least a 2.25 GPA, 400/420 SAT or 17/17 ACT scores.

Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University

Located in Tallahassee, Florida, FAMU is a public, four-year university with a campus-wide focus on animals, farming and related sciences. Currently, FAMU offers two veterinary-focused programs: Pre-Vet and Veterinary Technology.

Students who complete the four-year Veterinary Technology course will be awarded a BS degree and will be fully prepared for a career as a Veterinary Technician. The four-year course offered by FAMU is considered superior to the two-year courses offered by many vocational schools, due in part to the real-world experience and depth of study available. These advantages may put graduates at a real advantage when it’s time to begin searching for jobs.

FAMU’s Pre-Vet program is a four-year course intended to prepare students for veterinary school. Once all course requirements are completed, students will be ready to apply to the veterinary school of their choice.

Both veterinary programs are beautifully complemented by FAMU’s broad offerings for real-world, hands-on experience. These experiences present a level of education that classroom learning simply can’t offer.

Tuskegee University

Currently the only HBCU offering a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), Tuskegee is an HBCU with a long and proud history. Tuskegee began offering veterinary studies in 1945; graduates are currently working in 40 US states, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and many foreign countries, making this a truly outstanding group of alumni to join!

Tuskegee University is a four-year, private college located in Tuskegee, Alabama. Its rural campus is home to approximately 3,000 students. The bustling urban hub of Atlanta is just under 2 hours away, offering students plenty of opportunities to take in big-city excitement while studying in a quiet setting.

In keeping with its history of offering a top-quality education for all students, Tuskegee is the only fully integrated school in the country offering a DVM degree.

Prior to or immediately after graduation, students will be required to take the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination. This is required by every US state in order to practice, making it the final step for graduates before beginning their careers in veterinary medicine.

Do you know of an HBCU that offers a professional degree in Veterinary Medicine or its pre-requisite that should be on list? If so, leave us a comment or send us a message on our contact page.