Congratulations, 2026 Graduates!

Congratulations, OWU Class of 2026! Commencement Information

Pre-Veterinary Medicine

If you're interested in veterinary school, we encourage you to major in zoology or chemistry and to work closely with the pre-veterinary medicine advisor.

About the Major

Requirements imposed by the nation's 28 veterinary schools are generally more variable and more extensive than those required by schools of human medicine and dentistry. Most students will be best served by choosing a major in pre-professional zoology rather than the interdepartmental pre-medicine/dentistry major.

It is essential that you contact the pre-veterinary advisor during your freshman or sophomore year so you can tailor course sequences to the requirements of your intended veterinary school. In addition to course selection, you need to prepare for the MCAT or the Graduate Record Examination taken in your junior or senior year, and to gain experience working with animals.

Think Big

We encourage you to apply for the Summer Scholarship and Research Program (SSRP), a 10-week intensive research program where students prepare posters and present their results at an all-campus Patricia Belt Conrades Summer Scholarship and Research Symposium in the fall.

Competitive University-funded Theory-to-Practice grants are available to support independent research, internships, and cultural immersion throughout the world. Travel-Learning Courses combine classroom exploration with on-the-ground practical experiences.

Research & Independent Study

Horse Health

Mary Helfrich '14 gained hands-on experience in horse health via a TPG.

Get Real

Build your connections to the professional world with internships at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and various animal clinics or hospitals. Students can also volunteer at the nearby Humane Society of Delaware County.

Many OWU students turn their internships into first jobs or experience proven to help them get ahead.

The OWU Connection Internships

Veterinary Experience

Lauren Kiebler '16 interned at Severna Park VH, Mobile Pet Vet, and the Humane Society.

Highlights

Top Facilities

Top-of-the-line instrumentation exists throughout the Schimmel/Conrades Science Center, including a scanning transmission electron microscope, enabling you to carry out advanced research that's often impossible at other liberal arts institutions.

More Information

Student Clubs

Pre-Vet club helps students choose the right classes for veterinary school. The club also attends open houses, establishes networks with current veterinarians, and helps with the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). Pet Pals (pictured) organizes activities to raise awareness about animal rights issues. They work with the Humane Society of Delaware County to host socialization and adoption events, and they volunteer at animal shelters and take trips to the Columbus Zoo.

Health Professions Advising Office

The role of the Health Professions Advising Office is to provide information and about the medical school application process personally. The office also offers advising and counseling, assists with their medical school choices, and prepares composite evaluation letters for students.

MCAT/DAT Preparation

Your OWU coursework equips you for the science sections of these crucial tests, and advisers offer guidance on test preparation.

Graduate Outcomes

Jimmy Johnson '08

Jimmy majored in Chemistry and Zoology at OWU, and he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ohio State University. He currently is staff veterinarian at the St. Louis Zoo.

Career Connection

Academic and career counseling is available from academic advisors, special health professions advisors, other faculty members, and the professional staff of the Career Connection. Advisors will work individually with you to craft the strongest possible professional school applications. The Career Connection conducts taped practice interviews for your professional school interviews.