master's as alternative

[LunaCaelum]

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I've been thinking about what I would like to do if I don't get in to vet school on my first application cycle. I know that many people choose to pursue masters degrees in a science related field.

HOwever, I have also been thinking about business classes/degrees. Since the majority of veterinarians work in a clinic, wouldn't a business background be advantageous? I know that (at least in some) vet schools they have a unit on business, but how helpful is it really? With all the other stuff to learn I can't believe that it's really helpful much.

I took some business classes in high school (economics, accounting, computer stuff etc) and while I hated it, I was good at it and won some contests. But I also know that a business degree won't look very reputable with the adcoms compared to others with advanced degrees in the sciences.

Does anyone have anything to add, or advice of any sort? I'm not going to be applying for this cycle, as I'm not graduating until fall 2010, but would like to start thinking about options now.

Thanks!

 

[nyanko]

Yeah, I'm certainly no adcom member, but while an MBA or some such thing may be quite helpful for you once you're a practicing vet, I don't know how much getting one would really improve your application. I guess it would depend on the reason you didn't get in. If the adcoms were unconvinced of your ability to handle the hard science courseload for any reason, I don't think that getting an MBA would help as much as a (probably coursework-based) MS would.

 

[veridianbunny]

If you can beef up your reasoning behind the advantages for having a business degree with the intention (if it is truthful) of ownership/managing a practice/hospital, I think it would be something different and might actually be more memorable to adcoms. In your personal statement, if you can articulate yourself, I think there is no reason you wouldn't be a competitive applicant.

It is a smart choice, but it depends on what you want too. If you want to work in animal research or go into a specialty, then a science degree would be more helpful.

^both options are viable, IMHO more education is never a bad move, and never regretted.

 

[ckgilabert]

my advice is to apply to both things at the same time. dont wait till the next year after being denied from vet school to then apply for your masters. so then if you dont get into vet school you'll at least know that you're getting your masters. you wont have a gap in education.

anyway....good luck!!!!! 🙂

 

[LunaCaelum]

Thanks everyone for the great replies!

I started thinking about it because I would really like to work in a clinic, my own clinic. I enjoy working with clients in regards to the pets. I started thinking about it the other night and realized I didn't know much about running a business, nor any exposure to it b/c no one in my family owns their own business. ALso, because the veterinarian that I know really well said that when he first got his own clinic he had problems with the financial side of things because he had no real experience or knowledge of it (in fact, I believe his wife handles all that stuff). He went to my in-state school that I would like to go, hence the question on what vet schools are doing now (this veterinarian is in his 60s). While I'm not in veterinary medicine for the profit, nor is that ever the deciding factor in anything I have ever done, I still want to be able to support myself and my hypothetical future family.

Thanks again for the replies.

 

[flyhi]

i think an MBA makes so much sense for a DVM without a business degree who wants to own their own practice. It's really two professions in one for someone opening up a private practice - doctor and small business owner. I am a little surprised more schools don't offer the DVM/MBA.

I know your original question is more about admissions and improving your application, which is somehthing i cannot help with. I do agree with the previous posters however, and feel that if you can make a really good argument as to why you got the MBA and how it will make you a better vet student and subsequent DVM, I would think it may be advantageous.

Best of Luck ot you.

 

[sumstorm]

I think it is a great idea if your path of veterinary medicine will include owning a clinic. I would call the schools you are most interested in and run the idea by them.

I think if your pre-req/sci GPA is high, it will not be a hindrance...but not sure if it would actually help your application.

I think this is where the tough questions comes in; what are you currently weak on, and what will be your biggest 'weaknesses' as you complete VMCAS/applications. If it is science course work/GPA it might not help you much.

 

[Caninerepro]

Here is my 2 cents worth -- and that may well be overinflated!

I am currently just finishing a science based MS, and was accepted to "a few" vet schools during this my first application cycle.

The program I am currently in at CSU was oriented specifically toward those exceptional students who nonetheless were not accepted to professional schools on their first application cycle, yet were about to finish their BS -- and had nothing better to do for the next year. Things have changed a bit since then and now the program also has some who do not want to be a Dr. but rather intend to work in the biomed field. That said, it is a one year Masters program that in all honesty has no application to the "real world", or further PhD research. I knew this going in. All I would end up with after completing the program was a MS.

However I also knew that in my case, since it consisted of what amounts to the core, hard courses taught during first year at med and vet schools, that it would if I did well in them, show admissions commitees that I could indeed perform to expectations within their program. I will be honest, I give all the credit for my recent successes as to being accepted to the program I am in, and my 4.0 last semester. That said, it is a basically useless masters program that would not have made me any more money after completing, and I am the first to admit that.

My advice, look at where your academic record is weakest, and augment that specific area. Also, if there is any doubt as to whether you will actually get into a professional program, go for a program that will at least allow you to use the extra tuiton dollars to your best advantage. There is never a case where an advanced business degree cannot be utilized for further career profit. I knew going in that I was about to spend $20,000.00 for a degree that would not get me a better paying job.

However, it would, and did, make my academic transcript look far more appealing to ad coms. Plus, and I know this from the feedback of those who have done the program before me, my first year in vet school will prettymuch be a breeze compared to what most (who do not have 3 years of anatomy and two years of grad level physiology) experience. All from a one year program. But, if I had any doubts as to what I was going to do, an MBA (18 months), or some other program would have been far more advised. Plus, an inside secret, ad coms LOVE MBAs, especially in the vet field. There are so many vets struggling along with no business accumen, and not making it because they have no idea how to run a successful business. In my case, that was not my primary weakness, but for many it is.

So, look at your weaknesses, and augment those. I will never be sorry for doing the program I am, but I also know that it would not have gainded me anything but more tuition loans to pay back had I not gotten into vet school. Only you can weight the costs vs. benefits for your individual case.🙂

Cheers,
Kai