University of North Dakota

What you'll study

The programme combines core biological sciences with specialised animal-focused modules to build the knowledge and practical skills required for veterinary careers or application to veterinary medicine programmes. Typical subjects include animal anatomy and physiology, comparative vertebrate biology, microbiology, immunology, cellular and molecular biology, animal nutrition, and genetics. Coursework emphasises laboratory and field skills: dissection and anatomy labs, microbiological techniques, molecular assays, and animal handling.

Students also take supporting courses in general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, calculus or statistics, and courses in ethics and animal welfare. Many students supplement their studies with electives in animal behaviour, livestock production and management, wildlife ecology, or public health.

Practical learning is an important element. The programme encourages or facilitates clinical observation, internships, and placements with veterinary clinics, research laboratories, farms and wildlife agencies. Independent research projects or honours theses supervised by life-science faculty are available for students interested in research pathways.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification and demonstrate strong preparation in science and mathematics. Typical preparation includes high school biology, chemistry, and at least algebra or precalculus; physics is also recommended. Universities look for a competitive GPA combined with evidence of commitment to animal care—this can include volunteer work, paid positions, or internships with veterinary practices, animal shelters, farms or research labs.

Successful candidates usually submit transcripts, a personal statement outlining their interest in veterinary work, and references. Mature applicants with relevant workplace experience are considered. Specific course prerequisites and grade expectations are listed by the university's admissions office and pre-professional advising centre; applicants should check those details when preparing their application.

Career prospects

The programme is primarily designed to prepare students for admission to professional veterinary schools, where graduates pursue the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). Alumni who proceed to veterinary school enter clinical practice in small or large animal medicine, mixed practice, or specialised fields such as surgery, internal medicine, or epidemiology.

Graduates who move directly into the workforce commonly find roles as veterinary technicians or assistants (additional accreditation or certification may be required depending on the role and jurisdiction), animal care supervisors, laboratory technicians in biomedical or agricultural research, wildlife and conservation technicians, or positions in animal nutrition and pharmaceutical sales. Other career pathways include public health, regulatory agencies, animal welfare organisations, and further study in biomedical research.

Why study at University of North Dakota

UND offers strong life-science departments with experienced faculty who supervise laboratory and field research, giving students practical, research and clinical exposure relevant to veterinary careers. The university supports pre-professional advising to help students plan the prerequisite coursework, gain clinical experience, and prepare competitive applications for veterinary schools.

Students benefit from access to laboratory facilities, collaboration opportunities with local farms, animal shelters and wildlife agencies, and a campus environment that supports internships and independent research. UND's emphasis on hands-on learning, personalised advising and interdisciplinary science prepares graduates for the next steps in veterinary education or a range of animal-health careers.