College of Veterinary Medicine Prerequisites
To gain admission to Ohio State's College of Veterinary Medicine, you must meet the specified prerequisites from an accredited college or university. You don't need to complete all prerequisites before applying to the DVM program. However, they must be done by the end of the preceding summer semester for the fall DVM program start. Keep these general requirements in mind as you evaluate your coursework:
Biochemistry, Microbiology, Physiology, and Communication Coursework
- Must be completed with a grade of C or better in each course.
- Requires a minimum 3.0 (B) average among these courses.
- Allows for no more than one C among the specified coursework.
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
- To receive credit, AP courses must be listed on official transcripts from a college or university.
Ten Year Coursework Rule
- For science prerequisites older than ten years, applicants must report coursework in that area or provide evidence of current mastery.
- Evidence should demonstrate ongoing knowledge in the field.
Assessing your coursework
The number of hours provided is a guideline. In assessing course content for equivalency, actual hours may vary for your institution. In some cases a multiple course series may be needed to fulfill prerequisite coursework. As you plan your academic journey, review the lists of common prerequisite courses. Several different lists of approved courses are available for your convenience.
| Course | Suggested Hours |
Ohio State Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry | 3-10 | BIOCHEM 4511 | If Biochemistry is taught as a 2-part sequence both parts are required, lab is not required |
| Microbiology | 3-5 | MICRBIO 4000 | Lab is required |
| Physiology* | 5-10 | PHYSIO 3200 or ANIMSCI 3140 for Ohio State Animal Science students |
Physiology can be awarded for a single intro-level Human or Animal Physiology course covering all systems, or a two part combined Anatomy & Physiology sequence (2 quarters or 2 semesters, Must have both courses to fulfill). Lab is not required. |
| Communication | 3-5 | COMM 2110 or 2131 or AGCOMM 3130 for Ohio State Animal Science students | Basics of public speaking & critical thinking. This should be a public speaking course. |
| Science Electives | 35 | Includes, but not limited to: Biology, Chemistry, General or Organic Chemistry, Anatomy, Animal Sciences, Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Genetics, Ecology, Environmental Science or other Science courses. |
|
| Humanities/Social Science Electives |
16 | ||
| TOTAL Semester Hours (This number is a guideline) |
65-81 |
* Physiology course work must be a comprehensive, intermediate systems physiology series. All systems are required: musculoskeletal, neurology, urinary/renal, endocrine, reproductive, digestive, cardiovascular, and respiratory. At some institutions, two physiology or physiology/anatomy courses are needed to meet this requirement.
Contact us
Request an evaluation
If you're attending an institution other than Ohio State and are unsure about your coursework, we offer a free coursework evaluation service to assist you in selecting courses that meet our prerequisites, please complete the prerequisite evaluation form.
Review an individual course
Send a complete syllabus to mailto:cvm-dvmadmissions@osu.edu. Please note that a course description won't satisfy this requirement.
Course equivalency
Contact OSU Professional Admissions Office
professional@osu.edu
614-292-9444
http://professional.osu.edu