Veterinary Medicine

The Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University is a comprehensive and rigorous undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a dynamic career in veterinary science. This program provides a solid foundation in the biological and physical sciences, giving students the essential knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the veterinary field. Students will explore a wide range of topics including animal biology, physiology, microbiology, pathology, and pharmacology, all taught by renowned faculty with extensive experience in veterinary medicine and research.

Throughout the program, students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, animal handling, and clinical observations, fostering both technical skills and compassionate understanding of animal health and welfare. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations, public health, and the role of veterinarians in society. Students are encouraged to develop strong communication and problem-solving skills that are essential for effective veterinary practice in diverse settings.

The program also offers opportunities for research, internships, and other experiential learning, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Collaboration with professional veterinary practitioners and participation in community outreach programs help students understand the practical aspects of veterinary medicine and prepare them for careers in private practice, research, public health, or academia.

Graduates of the Veterinary Medicine program at Cornell are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees or to enter the veterinary profession immediately upon graduation. The program’s reputation for academic excellence and research innovation makes it a leading choice for future veterinarians committed to advancing animal health and welfare on a global scale.

Comprising approximately 70% of the professional curriculum, Foundation courses are required of all students. They are scheduled in sequential blocks of time, and vary in length and teaching modality. Three of them incorporate a problem-based approach. Each Foundation course is prerequisite to the ones that follows.

The Foundation Courses are:

• The Animal Body
• Neuroanatomy
• General Pathology
• Cell Biology and Genetics
• Function and Dysfunction
• Host, Agent, and Defense
• Parasitology
• Animal Health and Disease
• Clinical Rotations
• Veterinary Practice

Distribution Courses

Distribution courses represent opportunities for students to pursue areas of interest in greater depth, or explore other aspects of the profession.

Cornell faculty offer more than 100 Distribution courses on a wide range of topics. Courses are grouped into sets, and students must fulfill credit requirements for each set. This "structured choice" accounts for approximately 30% of the curriculum, and includes opportunities for students to gain additional clinical experience off campus, or in research.

Requirements

• The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) 
• The Medical College Application Test (MCAT)
• International applicants must submit a Test of English for a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score if educated in a country English is not the first, official language.  The minimum scores required are 600 (paper-based); 100 (Internet-based); or 250 (computer-based). 
• Transcripts - All course work taken at a college outside the U.S. must have all credits and grades converted to the U.S. system.  There are a number of organizations that provide this service for a fee. Below find a few organizations that provide credential conversions. The International Credential Report is required and should be sent to VMCAS by September 15th deadline for all international applicants (including Canada).

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Veterinary Medicine program at Cornell University offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their educational journey. Incoming students are encouraged to explore various sources of financial aid, including federal and state grants, scholarships, loans, and employer-sponsored assistance. Cornell University participates in federal financial aid programs such as the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Stafford Loans, which provide need-based and non-need-based financial support to eligible students. Additionally, the university offers competitive scholarships specifically for veterinary students, which are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and commitment to the veterinary profession. These scholarships are often renewable annually, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress, and additional merit-based awards are available for those demonstrating exceptional dedication and performance.

Students are advised to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early in the application process to determine their eligibility for federal aid, as well as to access university-specific aid options. Cornell University also has a robust financial aid office that provides personalized counseling to help students identify the most suitable funding sources. Furthermore, students may explore external scholarships from professional veterinary organizations, such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), as well as private foundations dedicated to supporting veterinary education.

For students from underrepresented backgrounds or those committed to community service, there are specialized scholarships and loan forgiveness programs aimed at increasing diversity and improving access to veterinary medicine. Additionally, many students finance their education through a combination of savings, part-time employment, and family support. Residency status can affect the availability and amount of financial aid; domestic students generally have access to a broader range of aid options compared to international students.

It is important to note that veterinary education at Cornell typically involves a significant financial investment, but many students find the availability of diverse funding sources and financial planning resources helpful in managing their educational expenses. The university also offers financial literacy programs to help students understand borrowing responsibly, plan their budgets, and prepare for life after graduation. Overall, Cornell University strives to make veterinary education accessible by providing comprehensive financial support avenues, enabling students to focus on their academic and professional development without undue financial burden.

The Veterinary Medicine program at Cornell University is a comprehensive and highly respected graduate professional degree program designed to train students in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of animal diseases. The program leads to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree, which prepares graduates for careers in clinical practice, research, government, or industry. The program emphasizes a combination of classroom education, laboratory work, and clinical rotations to ensure that students acquire a broad and deep understanding of animal health and welfare, biomedical sciences, and veterinary medicine. Students gain hands-on experience in Cornell’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the College of Veterinary Medicine’s teaching hospitals and research centers. The curriculum covers essential topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, surgery, and clinical medicine. Students also learn about public health, epidemiology, zoonoses, and ethics in veterinary practice. The program’s faculty includes leading veterinary researchers, clinicians, and specialists who are committed to mentoring students and advancing veterinary science. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to enter diverse fields, including companion animal medicine, food animal health, wildlife conservation, and biomedical research. The university maintains strong connections with veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and government agencies to provide practical learning opportunities. Admission to the program is highly competitive, requiring a strong academic record, relevant experience with animals, and a demonstrated commitment to the veterinary profession. The program consistently ranks among the top veterinary schools in the United States and worldwide, reflecting its reputation for excellence, research innovation, and contributions to animal and human health.