Note - The information contained on this page is solely for those students interested in pursuing the professional DVM degree.
If you are interested in learning more about possible graduate studies, please visit the individual academic departmental websites.

Requirements

Students contemplating a career in veterinary medicine should acquire a sound foundation in the biological and physical sciences and a general knowledge of the arts and humanities in both high school and college. In addition, they should be motivated by a liking for animals, a sincere desire to serve the public, a propensity for the biological and medical sciences, and a deep interest in the promotion of the health of animal and human populations. They must have a high aptitude for scientific study and must possess an excellent moral and ethical character.

Candidates for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree must complete a minimum of six years of college education. This includes two or more years of pre-veterinary training and four years of professional training. The pre-veterinary requirements may be completed at LSU or at any other accredited college or university offering courses of the quality and content of those prescribed in the LSU General Catalog.

The minimum requirement of 66 semester hours, including 20 hours of elective courses, may be completed in two years. Successful completion of a pre-veterinary program does not ensure admission to the school for professional training. Typically, there are more qualified applicants each year than there are spaces available to the entering class. Instruction in the four-year program is available only through the School of Veterinary Medicine at LSU. Scholastic achievement is measured by performance in the prescribed pre-professional courses. A minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (“A” = 4.00) in these courses is required for consideration for admission. A grade of less than “C” in a required course is unacceptable. Physical education activity courses may not be used as electives for meeting pre-professional requirements.

Credit earned through advanced standing is acceptable, but is not used in the computation of the grade-point average. Evaluation of the applicant’s record in the pre-professional program is made in accordance with LSU procedures. Credit is not granted for College Level Examination Program (CLEP) general examinations. Granting of credit for CLEP subject examinations may be considered in those subjects recommended by various departments of the University upon receipt of test scores indicating the student meets the minimum acceptable scores required by those departments.

Residence Classification

Louisiana applicants must meet all residence requirements, as stated in University regulations. Determination of residence for Louisiana applicants is made by the School of Veterinary Medicine’s Office of Student and Academic Affairs. Residents of Arkansas should contact their program coordinator as early as possible for information concerning admission requirements, applications, and residence.

Applicants from contract states must be certified as having residence or citizenship established as required by the contract state. Inquiries should be addressed to: Arkansas Department of Higher Education, 114 E. Capitol Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72201-3818.

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Minimum Prerequisites for Admission

Pre-veterinary students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the admission requirements for the professional program at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Students should seek knowledgeable pre-veterinary counselors and/or advice when enrolled in pre-professional programs other than at LSU.

A minimum of 66 total semester hours is required for consideration for admission into the professional veterinary program. This must include the 46 semester credit hours of the courses listed below. If there are any questions regarding equivalency of courses or substitution of higher level courses, please contact the LSU SVM Student Affairs Office (E-mail: admissions@vetmed.lsu.edu; Phone: 225-578-9538; Fax: 225-578-9546).

Biological Science - 12 sem. hrs. - Must include at least 8 sem. hrs. (two-semester course sequence with laboratory) in general biology or introductory zoology at a level appropriate for premedical students. Must also include at least 4 sem. hrs. (one-semester course with laboratory) in microbiology. LSU courses— Biology 1201, 1202, 1208, 1209, and 2051.

BIOL 2051 - General Microbiology (4) -- Structure and function of microbial cells and their relationship to people and the environment. F,S,Su Prereq: BIOL 1202, 1209 and CHEM 1202. 2 hrs. lecture; 4 hrs. lab. Credit will not be given for both this course and BIOL 1011 or 1012.

BIOL 1201 - Biology for Science Majors I (3) -- General concepts in cellular structure, cellular metabolism, cellular communication, and genetics. Prereq: minimum ACT composite of 23 or “C” or better in CHEM 1201. Primarily for students in science, agriculture, or education. Credit will not be given for both this course and BIOL 1001.

BIOL 1208 - Biology Laboratory for Science Majors I (1) -- Prereq: credit or registration in BIOL 1201. Credit will not be given for this course and BIOL 1005 or 1207. 3 hrs. lab. Primarily for students majoring in science, agriculture, or education.

BIOL 1202 - Biology for Science Majors II (3) -- General concepts in evolution, ecology, and the function of organisms. Prereq: BIOL 1201. Primarily for students in science, agriculture, or education. Credit will not be give for this course and BIOL 1002.

BIOL 1209 - Biology Laboratory for Science Majors II (1) -- Prereq: Credit in BIOL 1208, credit or registration in BIOL 1202. Credit will not be given for this course and BIOL 1005. Primarily for students majoring in science, agriculture, or education.

         -- OR in place of a combined Lecture/Lab above --

BIOL 1503 HONORS - Introductory Zoology (4) - S Prereq: BIOL 1201 and consent of instructor. 3 hrs lecture; 3 hrs lab. Special honors emphasis for qualified students.

Inorganic Chemistry - 8 sem. hrs. - Must include laboratory and must be at a level for science or engineering majors. LSU courses— Chemistry 1201, 1202, 1212.

CHEM 1201 - General Chemistry (3) -- Modern chemical theories and principles; quantitative approach and problem solving; descriptive chemistry of selected elements and compounds. Prereq: ACT mathematics score of at least 23 or eligibility for MATH 1021 or a more advanced math course. Credit will not be given for both this course and CHEM 1421. For science/engineering curricula.

CHEM 1202 - General Chemistry (3) -- Additional theory with emphasis on solution chemistry and a quantitative approach; descriptive chemistry of selected elements and compounds from the main groups and the first transition series. Prereq: CHEM 1201 or 1421. Credit will not be given for both this course and CHEM 1422. For science/engineering curricula. Continuation of CHEM 1201.

CHEM 1212 - General Chemistry Laboratory (2) -- Basic laboratory operations including selected experiments and introductory inorganic qualitative analysis. Prereq: credit or registration in CHEM 1002, 1202, or 1422. 6 hrs. lab. Credit will not be given for both this course and CHEM 1431. Laboratory usage deposit.

Organic Chemistry - 3 sem. hrs. - Must cover aliphatic and aromatic compounds, with emphasis on the biological aspects of organic chemistry. LSU course— Chemistry 2060.

CHEM 2060 - Organic Chemistry (3) -- Aliphatic and aromatic compounds; biological aspects of organic chemistry. Prereq: CHEM 1202. Credit will not be given for both this course and CHEM 2261.

Biochemistry - 3 sem. hrs. - Must include 3 sem. hrs. of basic concepts and an introduction to the nature and physiological uses of natural substances. LSU course— Biochemistry 2083.

BIOL 2083 - The Elements of Biochemistry (3) -- Nature and physiological uses of natural substances of interest to education, agriculture, and home economics majors. F,S Prereq: CHEM 2060. Not for degree credit for students in the College of Basic Sciences.

Mathematics - 5 sem. hrs. - Must be at the college algebra/trigonometry level or higher. LSU courses—Mathematics 1020/1021, 1022. Students who qualify for more advanced mathematics may substitute Mathematics 1023 (5 sem. hrs.) for 1020/1021 and 1022.

MATH 1021 - College Algebra (3) -- Quadratic equations, systems of linear equations, inequalities, functions, graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions, complex numbers, theory of equations. F,S,Su Prereq: MATH 0092 or placement by department. Credit will not be given for both this course and MATH 1015 or 1023.

         -- ALONG WITH --               

MATH 1022 - Plane Trigonometry (3) -- Trigonometric functions and identities, inverse trigonometric functions, graphs, solving triangles and equations, complex numbers, polar coordinates. F,S,Su Prereq: MATH 1021 or placement by department. Credit will not be given for both this course and MATH 1015 or 1023. 3 hrs. lecture; 1 hr. lab.

         -- OR --   

MATH 1023 - College Algebra and Trigonometry (5) -- F,S,Su Prereq: placement by department or grade of "A" in MATH 0092. Credit will not be given for both this course and MATH 1015, 1021, or 1022. For qualified students, a replacement for MATH 1021 and 1022 as preparation for calculus.

Physics - 6 sem. hrs. - Must be at a level for science majors and must include mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and topics in modern physics. LSU courses— Physics 2001, 2002.

PHYS 2001, PHYS 2002 - General Physics (3,3) -- Mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism; topics in modern physics. Prereq for PHYS 2001: MATH 1022 or 1023; Prereq for PHYS 2002: PHYS 2001. 3 hrs. lecture/demonstration. Credit will not be given for these courses and PHYS 1201, 1202 or 2101, 2102.

Communication Skills - 9 sem. hrs. - Must include 6 sem. hrs. of English composition and 3 sem. hrs. of speech communication. LSU courses— English 1000/1001, 1002, and Speech Communication 2010 or 2060.

ENGL 1000 - English Composition (3) -- Introduction to writing in forms of expressive and informative discourse. For students whose diagnostic tests indicate intensive writing instruction is needed. Meets five hours per week. Credit will not be given for both ENGL 1000 and 1001.

         -- OR --

ENGL 1001 - English Composition (3) -- Introduction to writing in forms of expressive and informative discourse. Placement by department. Credit will not be given for both this course and ENGL 1000.

         -- ALONG WITH --

ENGL 1002 - English Composition (3) -- Introduction to writing persuasive, evaluative, and other forms of argumentative discourse. Prereq: ENGL 1000/1001 or placement by department. An honors course, ENGL 1003, is also available.

         -- AND --

CMST 2010 - Interpersonal Communication (3) -- Theories and research in human communication; one-to-one interactions.

         -- OR --

CMST 2060 - Public Speaking (3) -- Theory and skills needed by the effective communicator and critical consumer of speech; analysis of other speakers and practice in speaking. Credit will not be given for both this course and CMST 1061.

In selecting the remaining required courses for admission to the professional program, applicants should consider the following:

• The objective of the D.V.M. program is to offer a well-rounded curriculum in veterinary medical education enabling the graduate to select from a wide range of professional opportunities. The selection of elective courses in the pre-professional curriculum should reflect the interests and the objectives of the candidate. Potential applicants should plan their programs with the recognition that these elective courses provide the only formal opportunity in the applicant's college years to obtain a broad general education.

• Applicants who have completed advanced preparatory courses in high school are, in all probability, qualified to complete the prerequisites within four semesters. These students are encouraged to take higher level university courses when so permitted. Applicants who are inadequately prepared may find it advantageous to complete the pre-veterinary requirements over a longer period.

• Although the primary objective of the applicant may be to complete the pre-veterinary requirements, those who have not previously obtained a baccalaureate degree are encouraged to plan for alternative career possibilities through registration in a degree-granting program which has similar course requirements. Several LSU curricula include all of the minimum mandatory requirements. Many other curricula which do not specify all of the requirements allow them as electives.

Since not all applicants will gain admission to the School of Veterinary Medicine on their first attempt, they should continue in degree programs while making themselves more competitive in subsequent years. Some students may elect to complete a baccalaureate degree in order to pursue graduate training during the first and second summers of the professional program.

Since applicants must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) in the fall preceding application or earlier (i.e. - if applying for matriculation into the fall '08 then the GRE must be taken no later than Nov. 15th, 2007), those students following a four-semester program must complete this test soon after beginning the sophomore year. Appropriate preparation and selection of a curriculum that contributes to an acceptable score are strongly suggested.

Students who are enrolled at accredited institutions other than LSU must determine that courses taken conform in content and quality to descriptions contained in the latest issue of the LSU General Catalog, which can be accessed online or obtained for $3 per copy upon request from the LSU Office of Student Records & Registration, 112 Thomas Boyd Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803.

All requirements must be completed by the end of the spring semester of the year in which admission is sought. The GRE scores must be submitted no later than December 15 preceding the year in which admission is sought. Applicants who do not have GRE scores submitted by December 15 will not be granted an interview or considered for acceptance.

Information concerning LSU’s pre-veterinary medicine requirements is contained in the LSU General Catalog and this website, and may also be obtained from the dean of the College of Agriculture.

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Admission Procedures

Admission to the School of Veterinary Medicine is granted only for the fall semester of each school year and only on a full-time basis. A prescribed number of student spaces is planned for each class, and a formal application with supporting credentials is required of each applicant.

The Committee on Admissions and Scholastic Standing is responsible for determining the application procedure and for selecting the entering class in the professional curriculum. All pre-professional requirements must be completed by the end of the spring semester before fall matriculation in the School of Veterinary Medicine. Formal applications from Louisiana residents must be submitted no later than October 1 of the calendar year preceding the year in which admission is sought. Applications must be submitted through the Veterinary Medical Colleges Application Service (VMCAS). Application forms for VMCAS are available through the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) website (http://aavmc.org/). Along with the VMCAS application materials, an LSU SVM supplemental application must be completed and submitted directly to the LSU SVM Student Affairs Office. (Please visit the application instructions for more details on the application process. Students reapplying must submit a completely new application for each application period.)

Students admitted and enrolled in the school must be capable of satisfactorily meeting all requirements of the curriculum in veterinary medicine. Eligible candidates are interviewed by members of the Committee on Admissions and Scholastic Standing and are carefully selected to ensure that they are properly motivated, competent to undertake the rigorous courses of professional study, and capable of meeting the demands of a professional career.

Academic and non-academic qualifications are considered in the selection process. Selection for admission is based on the sum of two scores: an objective score which comprises approximately 60-70 percent of the final calculation and a subjective score which comprises the remainder.

The objective evaluation is based on scholastic achievement and standardized test scores. Official transcripts of college course grades are examined to determine scholastic achievement. The total objective score is derived from the grade-point average on required courses, the grade-point average on the most recent 45-60 semester hours of course work, and the results of the GRE.

New knowledge, especially in the sciences, is accruing at a rapid rate and records of students who have completed their pre-professional requirements several years prior to application will be carefully scrutinized. All required science courses should be completed within six calendar years immediately prior to application. At least one course in organic chemistry, biology, and physics must be completed within the last six years.

The subjective evaluation of applicants is based on nonacademic qualifications considered relevant to the determination of the applicant s prospective performance in the veterinary medical curriculum and in the practice of veterinary medicine. Motivation, maturity, attitude, interest, and other characteristics will be evaluated for all qualified candidates, along with work experience, familiarity with animals, and reference information submitted in support of the application. These qualities are evaluated by two separate committees. The first committee reviews the supporting documents (autobiography, letters of recommendation, transcripts, work experience, and familiarity with animals). The second committee evaluates the individual through a personal interview. These appraisals result in an average subjective score which is added to the objective score to produce the total numerical evaluation of the candidate. Through this process, the professional judgment of several faculty members is included in arriving at a final decision.

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Important Dates and Deadlines

All applicants are strongly advised to submit all required documents by the given deadlines.  Failure to do so could jeopardize an applicant's consideration. You can get more details regarding the deadlines by reviewing the application instructions.

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Non-matriculated Students

Special action of the Board of Supervisors has authorized an exchange program which makes it possible for veterinary students in their final year at other schools of veterinary medicine to attend the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine for short periods of study. Such visiting, non-matriculated students register for 15 semester hours (1-5 weeks) in 5400-level Year IV blocks described in the course list. Inquiries should be addressed to the Year IV coordinator.

Students from accredited colleges or schools of veterinary medicine or the equivalent must pay fees as a part-time resident student. At the present time, this is $285 for 1-3 semester hours and $495 for 4-6 semester hours. Visiting students from non-accredited veterinary colleges must pay the appropriate nonresident fee.

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Page last reviewed November 16, 2009