Agriculture - Pre-Veterinary Medicine

This sequence prepares students for entry into schools or colleges of Veterinary Medicine. The program of study includes Animal Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math courses. Graduates of Veterinary Medicine with a DVM may find career opportunities in clinical practice, with government agencies and in private industry.

Why Study Agriculture - Pre-Veterinary Medicine?

The Agriculture major at Illinois State offers a wide array of sequences to prepare students planning on working in any aspect within the agricultural industry. Students who graduate with a degree in Agriculture are not just limited to working on "the farm." They are desirable employees in various industries and career fields. Agricultural Science provides a broad background for working in the agricultural and natural resources industry.

Related Skills

• Applying concepts and analytical tools relatedto the agricultural market
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Computer literacy
• Team and individual working capability
• Time management skills

Being Successful in the Field

• Obtain volunteer, part-time, summer, internship, or co-op experience in field of study.
• For entry-level positions, a bachelor’s degree is sufficient.
• A master’s or doctoral degree is often necessary for advancement.
• Some federal and private agency work, consulting positions, and especially research positions require a graduate degree.
• Teacher certification is required for public school teaching and varies by state.
• Join a student club or student professional association to network and cultivate related academic interests.
• Conduct informational interviews or shadow professionals who have jobs that interest you.

Related Fields

Education

• Teaching
• Research
• Administration
• Student Affairs

Employers

• Secondary schools
• Colleges and universities
• Vocational and technical schools

Strategies

• Obtain teacher certification for public school positions.
• Plan to earn a master’s degree to work in college student affairs or university administration.
• Earn a Ph.D. to obtain employment as a professor.
• Develop excellent writing and speaking skills. Learn to work well with all types of people. Develop strong interpersonal skills.
• Seek leadership positions in campus organizations related to agricultural science, natural resources, or agricultural education.
• Gain practical experience in the area of agriculture.
• Work with youth through volunteering or summer jobs with camps, 4-H programs, scouts, YMCA's, and other nonprofit organizations.

Agricultural Science

• Informal Education
• Sales
• Management
• Agricultural Communication: Journalism, Public Relations, Electronic Media, Technical Writing

Employers

• Local, state and federal government including: Forestry Service, USDA, National and state parks and reserves
• Professional associations
• Agribusiness firms
• Financial institutions
• Camps
• Scouting organizations, e.g. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts
• Nature centers
• Foundations, museums, nature centers, zoos
• Nonprofit organizations
• Wildlife organizations
• Agricultural magazines and websites
• Newspapers and other publications
• Farm radio and television stations
• Advertising and public relations firms

Strategies

• Gain relevant experience through internships, summer jobs, or volunteer positions.
• Earn a minor or take additional courses in area of interest such as communication, English, or business.
• Develop strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Learn to work well with various computer programs including desktop publishing.
• Participate in related student organizations and seek leadership positions.
• Work on the student newspaper to gain experience for agricultural communication positions.
• Develop physical stamina, resourcefulness, and outdoor skills for some informal education positions.
• Be willing to relocate.

Extension

• Agricultural Education
• Family and Consumer Sciences Education
• Youth Development Education

Employers

• Cooperative Extension System (national)
• Extension services within states

Strategies

• Gain experience in working with children and adults of varying ages.
• Participate as a volunteer or member of organizations such as 4-H or FFA and seek leadership roles.
• Develop strong communication skills, particularly public speaking and group presentation skills.
• Take courses in economics and community development.
• Develop computer skills.
• Earn a master’s degree to qualify for more positions.
• Be willing to live in rural communities and to travel within the county.
• Be prepared to work some evenings and weekends.

Other Professions

• Agriculture Construction
• Agronomist
• Animal Nutritionist
• Animal Scientist
• Aquaculturist
• Chemical Research
• Crop Scout
• Elevator Manager
• Environmental Planning
• Equipment Designer
• Extension Educator
• Farm Manager
• Feedlot Manager
• Field Research Technician
• Food Scientist
• Geneticist
• Government Inspector
• Grain/Livestock Merchandiser
• Ingredient Purchaser
• Integrated PestManagement
• International Marketing
• Livestock Manager
• Logistics Manager
• Market Analyst
• Plant Pathologist
• Research Technician
• Safety Manager
• Sales and Marketing
• Teacher/Professor
• Technical Services
• Veterinary Medicine

Career Industry Liaison

Internship Coordinator

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Minimum GPA

3.00

Middle 50% GPA

2.83 - 3.76

Required Courses

If 60 or more hours completed at the time of enrollment, a grade of "C" or better in:

• Biological Diversity (BSC 196)
• Molecular and Cellular Basis of Life (BSC 197)
• General Chemistry I (CHE 140)
• General Chemistry II (CHE 141)

Recommended Courses

To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.

• Introduction to the Agriculture Industry (AGR 109)
• Introduction to Animal Science (AGR 170)
• Organic Chemistry (CHE 230)
• Organic Chemistry Laboratory (CHE 231)
• Biochemistry course - Basic Biochemistry (CHE 242) or General Biochemistry (CHE 342)
• Physics - College Physics I (PHY 108) and College Physics II (PHY 109) or Physics for Science and Engineering I and II (PHY 110 and 111)
• Precalculus (MAT 144) or Calculus I (MAT 145)

Academic Advising

Minimum GPA

3.00

Middle 50% GPA

2.83 - 3.76

Application Period

Application always available

Application Information

Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.

Academic Advising