Tarleton State University

What you'll study

The curriculum combines core biological sciences with specialised courses in animal science to provide the academic and practical foundation required for veterinary school or careers in animal health. You will study fundamental subjects such as general biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology and physics, alongside animal-focused subjects including animal anatomy and physiology, nutrition, reproduction, genetics and disease. Coursework emphasises laboratory and field experience, with practical modules in animal handling, clinical skills, laboratory techniques, and herd/flock management.

• Core science courses: general biology, microbiology, chemistry sequence, biochemistry and physics.
• Animal science and veterinary foundation: comparative anatomy and physiology, animal nutrition, animal breeding and genetics, parasitology, pathology and disease processes.
• Clinical and hands-on training: animal handling and restraint, basic clinical skills, diagnostic laboratory practices, and practicum placements or internships with farms, clinics or research units.
• Supporting skills: animal welfare and ethics, statistics and experimental design, communication skills for client education and professional contexts.
• Capstone and research opportunities: independent research projects, senior capstone courses or applied practicum to synthesise scientific knowledge and practical skills.

Entry requirements

Admission is typically based on a combination of secondary-school achievement and completion of key pre-requisite subjects. Applicants are expected to show strong achievement in science and mathematics on their academic record and to have completed courses in biology and chemistry at high-school level. For transfer applicants, successful completion of university-level introductory biology, general and organic chemistry, and mathematics will strengthen an application. Selection also considers extracurricular experience with animals, volunteer or work placements in clinical or production settings, and a clear statement of purpose describing veterinary career goals.

Applicants aiming for veterinary school should plan their degree to meet the specific prerequisite lists of the professional veterinary schools they intend to apply to, as requirements for courses such as biochemistry, statistics, or specific credit hours can vary between programmes.

Career prospects

Graduates use this degree as a stepping stone to a variety of careers. The most common route is progression to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programme. Others enter roles in animal health and production, such as veterinary technician support, livestock management, animal nutrition and feed companies, pharmaceutical and biotech industries, animal welfare and shelter management, or government and public health agencies. Graduates with strong research or laboratory training may pursue laboratory assistant or research technician positions or continue into graduate studies (MSc/PhD) in fields such as animal science, physiology or biomedical research.

Why study at Tarleton State University

Tarleton State University, as part of a large agricultural and land‑grant tradition, offers practical, hands-on learning through teaching farms, animal units and well-equipped laboratories. The campus provides opportunities for field experience with production animals as well as access to faculty with expertise in animal science, nutrition and reproductive biology. Small-group laboratories and practicum placements help students develop the clinical and husbandry skills valued by veterinary schools and employers. The university’s regional industry connections help students secure internships, service-learning placements and research experiences that strengthen veterinary school applications or readiness for industry roles.