Program description
Veterinary medicine focuses on the health of all animal species, from food-producing animals and companion animals to wildlife. Veterinarians pursue careers in private practice, specialized disciplines, public service, research, or industry.
Students of Pre-Veterinary Studies take the same courses as students in the Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) in Animal Systems program. After two years of study, students are eligible to apply for admission to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), where they can pursue the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. Students who do not gain admission to the WCVM can complete their Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) degree in the normal amount of time and seek a career in animal agriculture.
Program options
Students in Pre-Veterinary Studies are working towards their Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) in Animal Systems, and may complete their degree over the course of their studies.
Interesting courses and unique opportunities
Co-op option
Students in Pre-Veterinary Studies can benefit from the Cooperative Education program, which formally integrates the student’s academic study with work experience in employer organizations found in industry, government and the farming profession. The program expands their knowledge and experience with animals—which is a key component the Western College for Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan uses to assess applications.
Professional opportunities
After two years in Pre-Veterinary Studies, students can apply for admission to the WCVM, or continue in the Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) in Animal Systems program.
Admission requirements & prerequisites
Direct entry option
- Manitoba high school graduation with five full credits at the Grade 12 level, in courses designated S, G, or U.
- A minimum 85% average over the following, with no less than 60% in each course:
- English 40S
- Pre-Calculus Math 40S or Applied Math 40S
- Chemistry 40S, Physics 40S, Biology 40S, or Computer Science 40S
This entry option is open to high school students or high school graduates who have not completed any university or college courses. Specific program requirements will vary; details of these requirements are available on each program’s application page.
Advanced entry option
24 credit hours in U1 (or approved Bachelors program)
This entry option is open to students who have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours of university level study. Specific program requirements will vary; details of these requirements are available on each program’s application page.
High school prerequisites
High School Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus Math 40S (min. 60%), Biology 40S, Chemistry 40S, Physics 40S are required.
Many programs will require or recommend specific high school courses over and above their admission requirements. These high school prerequisites are not always required to enter the program, but they must be completed to enrol in certain university courses within it. If a student does not have a particular prerequisite when they enter the program, they may complete an equivalent upgrading course at university that will satisfy the prerequisite requirement.
More details on admission requirements, application dates and how to apply is available on the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences or Faculty of Science apply for admission page.
What is unique about this program at the U of M?
Pre-Veterinary Studies may be a small preparatory program, but an average of 30 per cent of Manitoba students admitted into the WCVM each year come from the University of Manitoba. In some years, this percentage has exceeded 65 per cent.
Due to the small size of the department, students in Pre-Veterinary Studies have a greater opportunity to be key figures in a number of student organizations (Pre-Vet Club, Stockmans, FASO). Holding key positions in these types of organizations gives students a competitive edge on their vet school applications.
Important Links
Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences
Faculty of Science
Pre-Veterinary Studies program website
Graduate studies in Animal Science
