SMU Veterinary student working with goat

Pre-Veterinary Master’s (MSc) Program

Discover your alternate pathway to a career as a practicing veterinarian and animal health leader.

This Master’s Program is a pre-vet education program for career changers with an undergraduate-level degree and some foundational science coursework. 

The curriculum is designed for students with an undergraduate degree who need to complete additional foundational science coursework needed to succeed in the veterinary program. Over the duration of the program, students become familiar with core concepts and develop key study habits to prepare for the comprehensive Doctor of Veterinary (DVM) program.

After completing this 2-semester, 8-month program offered through Medical University of the Americas (MUA), successful students are awarded a Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Science degreefrom MUA and become eligible for admission to St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine’s (SMUSVM) DVM program.

The curriculum is offered online, and students may begin the program at any of three times per year: in January May or September. Students may attend asynchronously (online) to allow for convenient attendance for those living in different time zones. Participants may also attend the program on a part-time basis over a longer timeline.

Why Choose the Pre-Vet Master’s Program?

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Guaranteed Admittance

Students who successfully complete the Master’s program will be automatically admitted to the DVM program, avoiding the challenges, expenses and delays of applying to veterinary schools separately.

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Save Time

Enter veterinary school 8 months after beginning the program, rather than 2+ years via other Master’s programs (1+ years in the program plus the usual “glide year” while applying).

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Earn 2 Degrees in Under 5 Years

Obtain both a Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Science degree and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree (DVM) degree by completing the Master’s and DVM programs over 12 semesters.

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Grow Your Network

Begin veterinary school with a built-in support system of study partners who have experienced the same learning environment as you.

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Knowledgeable Faculty

100% of the Pre-Veterinary Master’s Program faculty hold a PhD, DVM or MD degree. They are dedicated to helping students develop and grow.

Individualized Support

St. Matthew’s University is committed to providing the academic, personal and long-term support that aspiring veterinarians need to achieve their goals.

Pre-Vet Master’s Degree Admission Requirements

Learn more about our pre-vet requirements for potential applicants:

  • Entry Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (or comparable) from an accredited institution.
  • English Proficiency: Since English is the language of instruction at St. Matthew’s University, it is important that applicants be prepared academically to pursue the curriculum and be able to communicate effectively. Applicants whose principal language is not English may be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Pre-Vet Master’s Program Curriculum

The Pre-Veterinary Master’s Program curriculum is designed to help those with an undergraduate degree, and some foundational science coursework, to develop the pre-medical knowledge they need to succeed in veterinary school. Over the duration of the program, you will become familiar with core concepts, develop key study habits and learn from instructors who know well what it takes to succeed in our comprehensive Doctor of Veterinary (DVM) program.

Pre-Vet Master’s Program Tuition and Fees*

Effective for matriculants beginning on or after the September 2024 Semester.

Pre-Veterinary Master’s Program: 2 Terms
Tuition:$2,500 USD
Administrative Fees:$2,500 USD
Total:$5,000 USD
*costs per term.

Vet Student Experience

At St. Matthew’s University, we foster a supportive learning environment where students receive the instruction, hands-on training and personal guidance they need to achieve academic and long-term career success.

Learn more about studying veterinary medicine on the beautiful Caribbean island of Grand Cayman:

FAQs About the Pre-Veterinary Master’s Program

The Pre-Vet Master’s Program is designed to help aspiring veterinary students prepare for the rigors of our Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. It will provide the instruction and support that students need to develop a solid foundation in pre-vet and science-based knowledge.

After students successfully complete the 8-month, 2-semester Master’s program, they are accepted into the 10-semester DVM program. The DVM program features seven semesters of Basic Sciences on our Grand Cayman campus, and three semesters of Clinical Medicine rotations at an affiliated veterinary school in the U.S., Canada or the U.K.

The pre-vet degree that works best for you depends on your level of education before entering the program. This Pre-Vet Master’s Program is designed for career changers with an undergraduate-level degree and some foundational science coursework. If this sounds like you, earning a Master’s in Biomedical Science can help you achieve your goals!

The pre-vet Master’s program that you choose should align with your long-term career practice goals. If you hope to enter our comprehensive DVM program and go on to become a practicing veterinarian, the Pre-Vet Master’s Program may be the right fit. It’s perfect for those with an undergraduate degree, but who lack the pre-vet and science-based courses required to enter the DVM program directly.