Academic Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

  • 100% science prerequisite completion at the time of application
  • Minimum 2.0/C, or a passing binary grade (i.e., pass, credit, satisfactory) in all science prerequisite courses
  • Minimum Science Prerequisite GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Minimum Most Recent three Semester GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • All general education requirements completed by July 1 of the matriculation year

GPA Requirements

Science Prerequisite GPA

The science prerequisite GPA is calculated using only the science/math courses required to fulfill our science prerequisites.

For repeated courses, we only look at the highest grade earned; we do not average grades for all attempts.

Most Recent 3 Semesters GPA

For undergraduate students, the most recent three semesters' GPA calculates the most recently completed 36 credits earned with a grade reported.

For graduate students with 18+ graduate credits, the most recent three semesters' GPA calculates the most recently completed 18 graduate credits earned with a grade reported.

For graduate students with less than 18 graduate credits, the most recent three semesters' GPA calculates the most recent 36 credits of graduate and undergraduate coursework combined.

If you do not have the number of credits specified above in the most recent three semesters, we will include as many semesters as needed until we get to the minimum credits required and include all courses earned within that term.

All repeated courses taken within the applicable time frame are used in this GPA calculation.

We do not consider:

  • Overall/cumulative GPA in any GPA calculation
  • Binary-graded courses in any GPA calculation
  • The average GPA for all science courses completed

Course Requirements

Science Prerequisites

The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine has added physiology as a standalone science prerequisite beginning 2024. All applicants applying this cycle and beyond must complete a 3+ upper or lower level, human or animal-based physiology course.

*For quarter system schools, please visit our course guides website. If your institution is not listed, please complete the course review request form.

  • Prerequisite

    Subject(s)

    Additional Information

  • Math
    • College Algebra and Trigonometry OR • Survey of Calculus OR • Pre-Calculus OR • Calculus I
    One semester, at least 3 credits Calculus II and Statistics courses are not accepted
  • General / Introductory Biology
    • Biology I AND • Biology II AND • Biology I or II Lab
    Two semesters, at least 7 credits
  • General Chemistry
    • General Chemistry I AND • General Chemistry I Lab
    One semester, at least 4 credits General Chemistry II and Lab are not accepted
  • Organic Chemistry
    • Organic Chemistry I AND • Organic Chemistry II AND • Organic Chemistry Lab (I or II)
    Two semesters, at least 7 credits
  • Biochemistry
    • Biochemistry
    One semester, at least 3 credits Must include organic chemistry prerequisite
  • Physics
    • Physics I AND • Physics I Lab AND • Physics II AND • Physics II Lab
    Two semesters, at least 8 credits
  • Physiology
    • Mammalian-based (human or animal related)
    One semester, at least 3 credits Upper or lower level
  • Upper Level / Advanced Biology
    • Histology • Immunology • Cell Biology • Neurobiology • Cancer Biology • Microbiology • Genetics • Topical Physiology (e.g., avian physiology, mammary physiology, etc.)
    One semester, at least 3 credits

Note:

  • Courses which combine lab and lecture components are accepted for fulfillment of prerequisites with one 4-5 credit-hour course
  • Up to eight science prerequisites may be satisfied with binary grading

Test Credits and Waivers – AP/IB/CLEP

  • May fulfill science prerequisites if certain criteria are met. Click here for more information
  • Accepted credits/waivers are counted towards the eight science prerequisites that may be fulfilled with binary grading

Biology Prerequisites 8-year Limit

  • Our 8-year limit applies to biology courses only
  • If any one of our biology prerequisites (Introductory/General Biology, Biochemistry, or any acceptable subject for fulfillment of our Upper-level/Advanced Biology prerequisite) are completed within the 8-year limit, we accept all other prerequisite course work
  • Chemistry, Math, and Physics are not included in the 8-year limit
  • If all biology prerequisite coursework was taken more than 8 years ago, please send all unofficial transcripts and an updated to resume to the DVM Admissions Office at admiss@cvm.msu.edu

General Education Requirements

  • Requirement

    Subject

    Semester Credits

  • English
    • English composition
    One semester, 3-4
  • Social Science
    • Cultural anthropology • Economics • Human geography • Political science • Psychology • Sociology
    Two semesters, 6-8
  • Arts and Humanities
    • History • Literature • Art/music/theater history or appreciation • Philosophy • Religion
    Two semesters, 6-8
  • If a bachelor's degree is earned and included on official transcripts submitted directly to VMCAS, all general education requirements are considered fulfilled
  • Each of the 5 general education courses will be reviewed for applicants who have not earned a bachelor’s degree at the time of application
  • Admitted applicants must meet the general education requirement by July 1 of the matriculation year

Refer to the Application Process and Applicant Selection page for more information.