Auburn Vet School Prerequisites: What You Need to Apply- Auburn’s DVM prerequisites in full — the required science and humanities courses, how Auburn views online coursework, and how to plan honestly around its preferences.

Quick answerAuburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine requires biology, chemistry, and organic chemistry (each for the sciences, with a lab, 7–8 semester hours), plus physics and humanities coursework, with a minimum grade of C- in every prerequisite. Auburn states that applicants who complete prerequisites online are eligible for admission, but it strongly encourages science prerequisites to be completed in person. That makes online a good fit for the non-science and foundation requirements, with the in-person preference to weigh for the sciences.

Auburn runs a highly regarded DVM program, and its prerequisite list is built around the biological and physical sciences, with a notably flexible grade floor of C-. The wrinkle for anyone planning to complete prerequisites online is Auburn’s stated preference: it accepts online coursework but encourages in-person completion specifically for the science prerequisites. Being honest about that preference up front is the only way to plan well — so this guide lays out the full list, Auburn’s exact online position, and where an online provider does and doesn’t fit.

Verify the current requirements directly with the program, since they change yearly — the authoritative source is the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, and you can compare programs through the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC).

In this guide

Auburn’s prerequisite course list

All applicants, regardless of degree status, must complete Auburn’s biological and physical science prerequisites — or their equivalents at another institution. Here’s the core set:

PrerequisiteCategoryNotes
Biology for the sciences + labScienceAt least one lab; 7–8 semester hours.
Chemistry for the sciences + labScienceAt least one lab; 7–8 semester hours.
Organic Chemistry for the sciences + labScienceAt least one lab; 7–8 semester hours.
PhysicsSciencePhysics coursework as specified by the program.
HumanitiesGen edHumanities coursework among the required prerequisites.
Additional science (e.g., biochemistry)Upper-divisionConfirm current advanced-science requirements with the program.

A C- or better is required in all prerequisite courses, with no more than three science prerequisites outstanding at the time of application. Note that if you repeat a course, both grades factor into the GPA Auburn calculates — so a retake doesn’t erase a weak grade here. Prerequisites must be completed by June 15 before fall entry, and relevant AP/IB credit on a transcript is accepted.

Auburn’s stance on online coursework — stated plainly

This is the most important planning point for anyone considering online prerequisites, and Auburn is refreshingly direct about it:

Auburn’s actual positionAuburn states that applicants who complete prerequisite courses through online mediums are eligible for admission — but that it strongly encourages applicants to complete science-specific prerequisites through traditional, in-person classroom opportunities. In other words: online is accepted, but for the sciences, in-person is preferred.

That preference matters in a competitive applicant pool. It doesn’t disqualify online science credit, but it’s an honest signal that, for Auburn specifically, completing science prerequisites in person may strengthen your application. The non-science requirements carry no such preference.

Where PrereqCourses.com fits for Auburn applicants

Given Auburn’s stated preferences, here’s the honest read on where an online foundation provider fits:

Strong fit

  • Humanities and other non-science prerequisites — no in-person preference applies, so online is a clean fit.
  • Foundation science as a planning option — general biology and general chemistry online are eligible for admission; just weigh Auburn’s stated in-person preference for sciences.

Consider in person, or complete elsewhere (honest disclosure)

  • Science prerequisites for Auburn specifically — because Auburn encourages in-person science coursework, applicants targeting Auburn may prefer to complete the sciences, or at least their labs, in a traditional classroom.
  • Organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry — upper-level and specialized courses we don’t offer; complete these at a four-year institution.

We’d rather be straight with you: if Auburn is your target, factor its in-person science preference into your plan. PrereqCourses.com is a clean fit for the non-science prerequisites and a foundation option you can weigh for the sciences — and other programs accept online sciences more readily.

If online sciences fit your broader plan

Many applicants apply to several programs, and other schools accept online science labs without Auburn’s in-person preference. If you’re building a foundation that works across your list, the highest-volume courses are General Biology I & II with lab for vet school and General Chemistry I & II with lab for vet school, delivered through regionally accredited Upper Iowa University. Always match each course to each target program’s stated preferences.

Frequently asked questions

What are Auburn’s vet school prerequisites?

Biology, chemistry, and organic chemistry (each for the sciences, with a lab, 7–8 semester hours), plus physics and humanities coursework, and typically additional science. Confirm the current list with Auburn.

What grade do I need for Auburn’s prerequisites?

A C- or better in every prerequisite — a more lenient floor than some programs. No more than three science prerequisites may be outstanding at application, and prerequisites must be done by June 15 before fall entry.

Does Auburn accept online prerequisites?

Yes — applicants who complete prerequisites online are eligible for admission. However, Auburn strongly encourages science prerequisites to be completed in person. Non-science prerequisites carry no such preference.

Does repeating a course help my Auburn GPA?

Less than at some schools. Auburn counts both grades when a course is repeated, so a retake doesn’t replace the original grade in its GPA calculation. Plan to earn strong grades the first time.

Should I take science prerequisites online for Auburn?

They’re eligible, but Auburn prefers in-person science coursework. If Auburn is a top target, consider completing the sciences (or at least labs) in person; use online for non-science prerequisites and for programs that accept online sciences.

Is the GRE required for Auburn?

No. Auburn does not use the GRE to assess DVM applicants. Three letters of recommendation are required, one from a licensed practicing veterinarian.

Bottom line

Auburn’s DVM prerequisites center on the biological and physical sciences — biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics, each with a lab — plus humanities, all with a flexible C- minimum. The key planning fact is Auburn’s online stance: online prerequisites are eligible for admission, but the program encourages science coursework to be completed in person. So for Auburn specifically, online is a clean fit for non-science prerequisites and a foundation option to weigh for the sciences. Be honest with yourself about that preference, remember that both grades count when you repeat a course, and verify the current requirements with Auburn before you enroll.

Planning across multiple programs? See General Biology and General Chemistry for vet school, and match each course to each program’s stated preferences before enrolling.

Related vet school guides

Plan your prerequisites across programs:

Auburn’s prerequisite requirements, grade minimums, GPA-calculation rules, and online-coursework preferences are set by the program and change over time. Details here were drawn from the program’s published materials and should be re-verified against Auburn’s current College of Veterinary Medicine admissions pages before you enroll. This guide is general information only and is not a guarantee of acceptance or admission. Always confirm requirements directly with Auburn University.