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Each year, first-year students begin their studies toward careers in veterinary medicine through an undergraduate degree. Although certain courses are required for entrance into veterinary schools, no specific major is required.
Veterinary schools seek candidates with a specific and diverse academic background, strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, a sincere commitment to a health career, leadership abilities, adequate performance on standardized tests, completion of long application forms, and submission of several letters of recommendation.
Preparation for the health professions involves not only the study of science and technology, but also human nature and knowledge. Veterinary schools look for well-rounded individuals who are articulate, well-read, caring and giving of their time, and who have the historical and philosophical background to place scientific discoveries in context.
Ripon gives its students an appreciation and awareness of the major areas of human intellectual endeavor and provides a broad foundation upon which specialized studies may be based. The program stresses hands-on learning. Ripon’s small size allows our faculty to get to know our students, permitting them to write strong letters of recommendation.
Latest News
Faculty
Byron, Colleen
Professor of Chemistry, L. Leone Oyster 1919 Chair in Chemistry
Forbes-Lorman, Robin
Assistant Professor of Biology
Kainz, Mark
Professor of Biology, Patricia and Philip McCullough Class of 1969 Professor in Biology
Meyers-Manor, Julia
Associate Professor of Psychology
Sisson, Barbara
Associate Professor of Biology, Chair of Health Professions Advising Committee
Willoughby, Patrick
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Advising
Ripon College faculty and professional staff are dedicated to helping you reach your goals, whatever they may be and however often they may change along the way. It’s part of our value statement to you.
As a student at Ripon, you will be assigned a faculty adviser based on your area(s) of interest. You will meet with your faculty adviser throughout your time as a student to discuss your current aspirations, plan your course schedule and plot a future trajectory. We also work collaboratively with Ripon College Career and Professional Development to help match your interests and skills to concrete goals and construct a plan for professional success offering personalized career counseling, off-campus learning opportunities and an online job board with potential to connect with local, national and international employers. Our collaboration with Student Support Services provides tutoring and additional academic and skill development, as well as tools to help with note-taking, exam preparation, goal-setting and time management. Likewise, Mentors in the Franzen Center provide in-depth, one-on-one or group mentoring for students about class projects and college-level writing, and can share problem-solving strategies to overcome academic obstacles.
Advising at RiponRequirements
The specific admission requirements vary considerably from school to school. It is important that the applicant obtain a catalog from the specific school of veterinary medicine where he or she plans to apply. Although no specific major is required, you should plan carefully to ensure that your education and animal work experiences enhance your chances for admission.
Typical course requirements include: general and qualitative chemistry, 8-10 credit hours (CHM 112 and 211); organic chemistry, 8-10 credit hours (CHM 111 and 214); biochemistry, 3-4 credit hours (CHM 422); general biology or zoology, 5-6 credit hours (BIO 121 and an additional course in animal biology, most likely BIO 216); genetics or animal breeding, 3 credit hours (BIO 219); microbiology, 3-4 credit hours (BIO 314); physiology, 3-4 credit hours (BIO 211-312); general physics, 6-10 credit hours (PHY 171-172); statistics (MTH 120 or PSC 211); English, 3-6 credit hours; social science or humanities, 6-10 credit hours; and additional electives to satisfy the requirements of the particular veterinary school. In addition, calculus (MTH 201) and courses in animal behavior and husbandry may be required.
Career Tracks
An undergraduate degree is a first step going on to receive degrees from veterinary schools.
Unique Opportunities
- Students work with the Health Professions Advisory Committee to make sure that they are on track to achieve their goals, receive feedback on application materials, and practice mock interviews.