Unique Pre-Veterinary Experience
Most students who choose the pre-veterinary concentration will major in biology, but some study biochemistry, chemistry or biomedical humanities. The unique combination of a broad science curriculum and a liberal arts foundation at Hiram prepares pre-vet students to use their knowledge and creativity to tackle new challenges.
Students experience an intimate learning environment and hands-on opportunities at Hiram, preparing them to excel in vet school and their careers. Practical experience starts in on-campus labs and the nearby James H. Barrow Biological Field Station.
The Field Station’s resources and partnerships give students a chance to:
- Perform coursework in outdoor settings.
- Research white-winged wood ducks, Madagascar teals, trumpeter swans, and various fish, frog, turtle and snake species.
- Work with staff to care for injured birds in the avian rehabilitation wing.
- Pursue opportunities with partner wildlife facilities including the Akron Zoo, Medina Raptor Center, Penitentiary Glen Reservation, Sylvan Heights Bird Park and Portage County Soil and Water Conservation District.
These opportunities make it easy for students to explore their interests. Depending on their interests and goals, they can further specialize by choosing a minor such as environmental studies or neuroscience. Students also get experience in real work environments by fulfilling their job shadowing requirement.
Getting into Veterinary School
The number one goal of the pre-veterinary program concentration is to prepare students for veterinary school. Many Hiram graduates go on to attend Ohio State University, which offers one of the top veterinary programs in the country. Graduates have also been admitted to veterinary programs at Cornell University, Michigan State University and Mississippi State University.
Veterinary Medicine
Most students who choose the pre-veterinary concentration major in biology, but some study biochemistry, chemistry or biomedical humanities. The unique combination of a broad science curriculum and a liberal arts foundation at Hiram prepares pre-vet students to use their knowledge and creativity to tackle new challenges. Before the end of the fall semester of their senior year, students interested in veterinary medicine should complete the following courses in order to be considered for admission to colleges or universities for veterinary medicine.
This program is not a major, you must complete a major along with these courses.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 15100 | INTRO BIOL I W/LAB: SM | 4 |
| BIOL 15200 | INTRO BIO II W/LAB:SM | 4 |
| BIOL 23000 | MOLECULAR&CELLULAR BIOL-W/LAB | 4 |
| BIOL 33800 | MICROBIOLOGY-W/LAB | 4 |
| BIOL 36500 | GENETICS-W/LAB | 4 |
| CHEM 12000 | GEN I:STRUCTURE/BOND-W/LAB:SM | 4 |
| CHEM 12100 | GEN II:INTR CHEM ANLS-W/LAB:SM | 4 |
| CHEM 22000 | INTRO TO ORGANIC CHEM-W/LAB | 4 |
| CHEM 32000 | INTERMED ORGANIC CHEM-W/LAB | 4 |
| BCHM 36600 | BASIC BIOCHEMISTRY-W/LAB | 4 |
| BCHM 36800 | INTERMED BIOCHEMISTRY-W/LAB * | 4 |
| MATH 19800 | CALCULUS I:MM * | 4 |
| PHYS 11300 | PRINCIPLES PHYSICS I-W/LAB:SM * | 4 |
| PHYS 11400 | PRINCIPLES PHYSICS II-W/LAB:SM * | 4 |
| Basic courses in the liberal arts as determined by the graduation requirements of Hiram | ||
| Total Hours | 56 | |
- *
Prerequisite courses vary between veterinary schools. Please consult the pre-vet advisor if you have any questions.
Hiram's pre-vet advisor is Nick Hirsch, Associate Professor of Biology (hirschn@hiram.edu).