Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Major

A Penn State Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences degree prepares you for a career in agriculture, business, and science. It also provides the foundation for jobs in STEM fields, many without additional required schooling. Students interested in human medicine find the VBSC major fulfills high science requirements. Additionally, the clinical approach to infectious, nutritional, and metabolic diseases provides excellent preparedness for future allied health careers.

Here is a glimpse into the variety of careers and other pathways you might pursue with a degree in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. Our students have access to several career resources to help them prepare for an amazing career!

Clinical Veterinarian (upon completion of veterinary school)

Clinical veterinarians diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries in animals. They either treat individual animals or maintain herd or flock health. Some complete residency training in subspecialities. All serve as public health officials in the prevention and detection of infectious diseases as part of the One Health paradigm.

Military Veterinarian (upon completion of veterinary school)

A military veterinarian is also a commissioned military officer who treats diseases and injuries in both working and privately owned animals. Responsibilities may include care for Military Working Dogs with special considerations in orthopedics, triage, and trauma. Military veterinarians may deploy to locations worldwide to provide treatment and preventative care and coordinate with and advise host nation health and agricultural organizations.

Biomedical Researcher

Biomedical researchers investigate aspects of human and animal health with the aim of finding new ways to improve well-being. This includes conducting lab and/or field research in both private and academic settings. They use advanced medical equipment to perform experiments, study the effects of drugs and treatments on human and animal health, advise on interventions, and more.

Laboratorian/Laboratory Scientist

A laboratorian works in a lab, performing assays, analyzing specimens, designing protocols, and managing workflow. Laboratorians are also known as medical laboratory scientists and are vital healthcare professionals who use sophisticated technology to perform testing on blood and body fluids. Their data helps physicians diagnose and treat patients and monitor and prevent diseases.

Public Health Officer

A public health officer coordinates health care institutions, organizations, and resources to ensure health codes and safety practices are followed. They perform field observations, conduct stakeholder interviews, collect samples, write reports, and study disease vectors to find ways to counteract the spread of contagions. Many work with military organizations, providing health inspections to establish efficient health and medical provisions.

Human Healthcare

A foundation in biomedical sciences can be the basis for an advanced healthcare degree. Graduates can go on to rewarding careers as nurses, physicians, physician assistants, medical technologists, dentists, and pharmacists. The options and opportunities are limitless.

Zoologist, Wildlife Biologist

Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and how they interact with their habitats and other species. They work with animals in captivity and in nature, studying animal diseases, genetics, and behavior in various settings. Their work is critical to the preservation of ecosystems, the protection of species, and the management of wildlife.

Teacher, Educator

Teachers and educators inform and inspire learners across many settings. They may work with students in K–12 schools or at a university. Some have roles in corporations, non-profits, and government agencies to train and educate staff, the public, and other stakeholder groups.

Pharmaceutical Professional

The pharmaceutical industry relies on a vast professional workforce for the development, manufacturing, and distribution of pharmaceutical products. Examples include sales representatives, formulation scientists, manufacturing or production managers, pharmaceutical manufacturing technicians, and clinical research associates.

Animal Health Sales and Marketing

Roles in sales and marketing span product research and design, consumer and business-to-business sales, communications, marketing, and management. Professionals who work in the specialized animal health industry contribute to efforts that improve the health and well-being of animals everywhere.