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 11/13/24)

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 motivated students pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. This opportunity will be offered annually to up to four incoming undergraduate students at the College of Science & Mathematics.

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 be granted reserved seats 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.

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

Applications for this program are by invitation only. Eligible students must meet the following criteria:

Have a minimum high school GPA of 3.5
Select an interest in Veterinary Medicine on their application
Have been offered admittance to Rowan University*
Be a New Jersey resident

*Students admitted into Rowan University in another program will have to switch to a Biology Major to complete the 3+4 BS/DVM Program.

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 3.6 cumulative GPA and 3.5 science GPA, meeting regularly with designated undergraduate and 3+4 BS/DVM Program 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 program. 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, the remaining credits for their Bachelor’s degree will be fulfilled and the Bachelor’s degree will be conferred.

Application Requirements

All eligible students will be invited to fill out an application. To complete the application process students will be required to submit:

Documentation of service-learning or employment in animal-related or veterinary experiences - examples include, but are not limited to, animal care clinics, retail, shelters, kennels, barns,
sanctuaries, aquariums, agricultural experiences, and research - Note: personal pet ownership is not applicable.
Documentation of experiences and achievements outside of veterinary medicine
A letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to the student’s animal-related or veterinary
experiences (preferred), academic performance, and/or overall fit for the program
Answers to questions about the student’s motivation to become a veterinarian, and what makes them a good candidate for Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine.

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

Application Process

Step 1 - Rowan University application must be completed and submitted by 11/1

Complete and submit your Rowan 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.

Rowan University Applications are due by November 1

Step 2 - 3+4 BS/DVM Program Application by 12/1

If you complete Step 1 above and have been admitted, then you will be invited to fill out a supplemental 3+4 BS/DVM Program application. It will be emailed to you automatically after your Rowan University application has been reviewed and you have been admitted into your selected major.

3+4 BS/DVM Program applications are due by December 1

Undergraduate Program Semester Requirements

Meet each semester with their CSM academic program advisor and their 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 3.6 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 cumulative 3.6 GPA or higher 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.
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 Rowan University application
Must receive an offer of acceptance to Rowan University

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 Rowan application to Rowan University as early as possible, but no later than November 1.

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 Rowan University application is reviewed and you have been admitted to Rowan University.

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

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

Step 5: Decisions will be communicated in late March to early April.

Step 6: If admitted 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 an application to Rowan University by November 1. 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 admitted to Rowan University, they can move forward with the supplemental 3+4 BS/DVM Program application which is due December 1.

Rowan University application - due November 1
3+4 BS/DVM Program application - due December 1

What major should I be choosing if I want to be a 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 – Rowan University Application

Before November 1 (but as early as possible) complete your 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 – 3+4 BS/DVM Program 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 Rowan University application has been reviewed and you have been admitted into the major selected.

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. 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. However, if you choose to apply to Rowan University not as test-optional, your verified standardized test scores must be received by Rowan no later than the application deadline of 11/1, along with all other required Application Checklist items.

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

Yes. 3+4 BS/DVM Program students must maintain a 3.6 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.