Tennessee Tech’s pre-veterinary concentration in agriculture will become a separate Bachelor of Science degree.
Agriculture and Human Ecology Dean Darron Smith said the change gives students a better chance to be accepted into a veterinary school.
“It really stemmed from being able to better recruit students to the program and more represent what the students earned during their time here as they apply to veterinary schools,” Smith said.
The change pends final approval from THEC after Tech’s Board of Trustees okayed the action. Smith said the degree change does not affect the curriculum of the program.
Smith said the pathway is the largest in the school of agriculture and human ecology. Smith said 74 students are currently enrolled in the the pre-vet program with 73 accepted for next fall.
“They are working with veterinarians. They are taking a lot of course work in things like animal physiology, feed and nutrition,” Smith said. “They are being taught by veterinarians and taught by excellent veterinarian staff.”
Smith said students gets lots of hands on experience as well with livestock at Shipley farms.