3+4 Accelerated BS/DVM Pathway Program

A 3+4 collaboration between Rowan University’s College of Science & Mathematics and Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine

(updated 10/30/23)

In keeping with Rowan University’s strategic pillars of access, affordability, quality, and economic engine, the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, in collaboration with the College of Science & Mathematics, is proud to offer a 3+4 Accelerated BS/DVM Pathway Program for an early admission to the DVM program with an accelerated BS degree. This selective program provides eligible students the opportunity to enter an accelerated course of study allowing them to complete a Bachelor of Science degree at the College of Science & Mathematics and earn early admission to the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine.

Students admitted to this program will spend three years as undergraduate students enrolled in a BS in Biological Sciences with a Pre-Vet Concentration. In their fourth year, students who have completed the program requirements will enter a reserved seat in the first year of the DVM program. At the conclusion of year 4, students will have satisfied the requirements of the BS degree. Those who successfully complete the next three years of the DVM program (years 5, 6, and 7) will be awarded the DVM degree. Each year, between six and ten (6-10) incoming undergraduate students at the College of Science & Mathematics will be admitted to the program.

The 3+4 BS/DVM program is supported by the Rowan University Office of Pre-Health Programs, which offers one-on-one student advising on coursework and preparation for the veterinary school application process.

Criteria for Eligibility

To be eligible to apply to this program, you must:

Indicate an interest in veterinary medicine on your application
Have a minimum high school GPA of 3.5
Be a New Jersey resident

Program Description

Students selected for the 3+4 BS/DVM program will complete three years of undergraduate coursework and program requirements, including gaining applicable experience to prepare them for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.
Requirements include maintaining a 3.7 cumulative GPA and 3.5 science GPA, meeting regularly with designated undergraduate and APP advisors, participating in club and service-learning opportunities, and gaining diverse veterinary experience.
A seat will be reserved in the DVM program for each student admitted to the progam. During the third undergraduate year, students who have met the program requirements will be invited for an interview with the SSVM Committee on Admissions. After a successful interview and the submission of three letters of reference, the student will enter the DVM program in the fall after their third year of their undergraduate program.
Upon completion of their first year of the DVM program, remaining credits for their Bachelor’s degree will be fulfilled and the Bachelor’s degree will be conferred.

Application Requirements

To complete the application process you will be required to submit both a general application for Rowan University and a supplementary 3+4 BS/DVM program application that will request the following information:

A resume
Documentation of your service-learning or employment in animal-related or veterinary
experiences – examples include, but are not limited to animal care in clinics, retail, shelters,
kennels, barns, sanctuaries, aquariums, agricultural experiences, and research – Note: personal pet ownership is not applicable.
List of your experiences and interests outside of veterinary medicine
One letter of recommendation from a person who can speak to your animal-related or veterinary experiences (preferred), academic performance, and/or overall fit for the program

Successful applicants will be invited to interview with the Committee on Admissions at SSVM.

Application Process

Step 1 - General Application

Before November 1 (but as early as possible) complete your general application to Rowan University and follow these steps:

Select the Biological Sciences major.
Select an interest in Health Professions, with a study area of “Veterinary Medicine.”
Select “Yes” for the 3+4 BS/DVM program when prompted.

Step 2 - Supplemental Application

If you complete Step 1 above and you meet the eligibility criteria, then you will be invited to fill out a supplemental 3+4 BS/DVM program application. It will be sent to you automatically after your general application has been reviewed and you have been accepted into your selected major.

Undergraduate Program Semester Requirements

Meet each semester with a CSM academic program advisor and a SSVM advisor to ensure semester/program requirements are being met.
Join the Pre-Vet Club and attend at least 75% of regular club meetings and participate in service-learning opportunities. Leadership positions are strongly encouraged.
Demonstrate exposure to non-veterinary opportunities across the performing and creative arts, culture, or other aesthetic experiences; written reflection required.
Participate in at least one (1) additional club or service-learning organization (campus or non-campus); written reflection required.
Report semester grades within 30 days of final grade receipt to CSM academic program advisor; students receiving any grade below a B- are required to meet in-person.
Maintain a 3.7 cumulative GPA and 3.5 science GPA.

Undergraduate Program Yearly Requirements:

A total of 40 hours or more in experiential learning relevant to veterinary medicine across two (2) distinct areas each year. One (1) experience must be working alongside a veterinarian in a clinical setting.
A total of 30 hours of volunteering and service learning within a self-selected organization.

Requirements for entry into DVM program:

Maintain a minimum cumulative 3.7 GPA and a 3.5 GPA for science courses.
All science prerequisites must be completed at Rowan University.
Complete a minimum of 120 hours in veterinary related experiences across four (4) distinct areas of veterinary medicine (small animal clinical practice, equine clinical practice, food-animal clinical practice, mixed clinical practice, shelter medicine, public health, research) prior to entry into the DVM program.
Complete portfolio documenting all semester and yearly program requirements.
Submit three (3) letters of recommendation. One letter must be from a veterinarian, one must be from a faculty member, and the third may be from any non-relative.
Complete a satisfactory interview with SSVM Committee on Admissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to the 3+4 BS/DVM program?

The 3+4 BS/DVM program is only open to incoming first year students who meet the following eligibility criteria:

Must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 (4.0 scale)
Must be a New Jersey resident
Must indicate an interest in veterinary medicine on general application

The programs are not open to currently enrolled students, transfer students, or any student who is not an incoming first year student. Incoming first year students who have taken dual enrollment courses are eligible.

What does the general application process look like?

Step 1: Submit your general application to Rowan University as early as possible, but no later than November 1, 2023.

Step 2: If you meet the eligibility criteria (see “Who can apply to 3+4 BS/DVM program?” above), you will be sent a supplemental application after your general application is reviewed and you have been accepted to Rowan University.

Step 3: Complete the supplemental application (see “How do I apply to the 3+4 BS/DVM program?” below) and submit it no later than December 1, 2023.

Step 4: If selected for an interview, you will receive an invitation to attend an interview day in January or February.

Step 5: Decisions will be communicated in late February 2024 to March 2024.

Step 6: If accepted to the 3+4 BS/DVM program, confirm your enrollment (instructions will be provided) to secure your spot! If waitlisted, we will communicate if a position opens. If you are not selected, we highly recommend working with our Office of Pre-Health Programs which supports all students in developing successful, strong veterinary school applications!

What are the deadlines to apply?

Students interested in the 3+4 BS/DVM program need to submit a general application to Rowan University by November 1, 2023. Students will first be reviewed for admission to the university. Admissions decisions for the university typically start being released in mid-October. Once eligible students (see “Who can apply to the 3+4 BS/DVM program?” above) have been accepted to Rowan University, they can move forward with the supplemental application which is due December 1, 2023.

Rowan University application - due November 1, 2023
Supplemental 3+4 BS/DVM program application - due December 1, 2023

What major should I be choosing if I want to be an 3+4 BS/DVM student?

Students who are admitted to the 3+4 BS/DVM program must enroll in a BS in Biological Sciences at the College of Science & Mathematics. Due to the accelerated portion of the program, this is currently the only major that will allow students to complete all DVM program prerequisites within a three-year timeframe.

How do I apply to the 3+4 BS/DVM program?

Step 1 – General Application

Before November 1 (but as early as possible) complete your general application to Rowan University and follow these steps:

Select the Biological Sciences Major
Select an interest in Health Professions, with a study area of “Veterinary Medicine”
Select “Yes” for the 3+4 BS/DVM program when prompted.

Step 2 – Supplemental Application

What non-academic criteria will be considered for admission to the 3+4 BS/DVM program?

Experiences that align to the mission of the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine of Rowan University help demonstrate a candidate’s strong fit for the program. Candidates will be asked to write about their motivation for becoming a veterinarian and discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion to the veterinary profession. Experience working with animals and alongside veterinarians can demonstrate a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the veterinary profession. Animal and veterinary-related experience (other than personal pet care) should be reflected on your resume and documented on your application. You will be asked to provide one letter of recommendation from a person who can speak to these experiences (preferred), academic performance, and/or overall fit for this program. Experiences and interests outside of veterinary medicine are important as well, and you will be asked to list these on your application. We are looking for candidates that have a variety of skills, abilities, and knowledge.

Do I need to take the SAT or ACT to be eligible?

No. Rowan University is test-optional for regular admissions and standardized tests will not be required nor evaluated to be eligible for the 3+4 BS/DVM program.

Do students admitted to the program need to maintain specific academic standards such as a minimum GPA?

Yes. APP students must maintain a 3.7 or higher cumulative GPA and a 3.5 or higher semester science GPA.

If I do not get admitted to the 3+4 BS/DVM program, can I still apply for veterinary school?

Yes. There are multiple pathways to the DVM degree. If you are enrolled in an undergraduate major at Rowan University you can work with the Office of Pre-Health Programs to apply through a traditional route as a highly-competitive applicant! If you complete the prerequisite coursework, you can pursue any major and the Office of Pre-Health Programs can provide guidance ensuring that you complete such coursework and experiences that will set you up for a successful application to Veterinary School. Generally, a biology major with a Pre-Veterinary Concentration will provide the most efficient pathway to completion of prerequisite coursework, however, our university offers minors to assist in completing all the necessary prerequisites no matter your major.

I am currently enrolled at Rowan University. Can I apply for the 3+4 BS/DVM program in my sophomore or junior year?

No. Only incoming first year undergraduate students are eligible for this program.

For further questions about the 3+4 Accelerated BS/DVM Pathway Program, please email admissions.