Which degree is required to become a veterinarian?

To become a veterinarian, the required degree is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). This advanced degree involves extensive training in various aspects of veterinary science, including animal anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology, among other subjects. The DVM program typically lasts four years and is preceded by obtaining a bachelor's degree, often in a related field such as biology or animal science.

Other options like an Associate of Science, Master of Science, or Bachelor of Arts do not provide the comprehensive clinical education and licensure requirements necessary to practice veterinary medicine. An Associate of Science might provide foundational knowledge, but it is not sufficient for licensure. A Master of Science is generally a graduate-level degree that may focus on research or specialized fields but does not qualify someone to practice as a veterinarian. Similarly, a Bachelor of Arts is an undergraduate degree that does not encompass the specific veterinary training and clinical skills required to treat animals. Thus, the DVM is the recognized qualification that enables individuals to officially practice veterinary medicine.