2022-2023 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Biological Sciences (M.S.) - Veterinary Medicine Specialization

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus


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Program Coordinator/Contact

Angela Pillatzki, Department Head
Jessica Juarez, Assistant Professor, Director Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine
Alan Young, Professor, Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine
Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory 1105, Box 2175
605-688-5171

Program Information

SDSU, in partnership with the University of Minnesota (U of MN), is offering a collaborative Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine leading to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Students must first complete all their pre-veterinary requirements and then can apply to the new professional program.  Students admitted to the professional program will be allowed to dual-enroll in the Biological Sciences (M.S.) - Veterinary Medicine Specialization, thus having the opportunity to simultaneously earn an M.S. degree while completing the PPVM coursework needed for transitioning to the University of Minnesota to complete the final two years of the DVM degree. For more information visit the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS).

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Demonstrate understanding of central biological principles and mechanisms that underlie animal health and disease from the molecular to histologic to gross levels.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of normal function and behavior, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and management or control of important domestic and foreign animal diseases.
  • Demonstrate understanding of food safety, zoonotic disease, and public health issues.
  • Retrieve and integrate information from the veterinary literature.
  • Ability to understand and interpret research related to mechanisms of disease, diagnostic technology, and treatments.

Course Delivery Format

Courses are delivered through lecture, laboratory, and hands-on, field-based experiences.

Facilities and Services

Available Options for Graduate Degrees


Master of Science Option A - Thesis 30 Credit Hours
  Option B - Research/Design Paper 32 Credit Hours

Select from the following


Option A - Thesis


Option B - Research/Design Paper


Total Required Credits: 30 (Option A), 32 (Option B)


Additional Academic Requirements


GRE: Not required
TOEFL: 71 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
IELTS: 6.0
Duolingo: 100

  • An electronic application for admission must be submitted through VMCAS.
  • Official copies of all transcripts must be sent directly to VMCAS.
  • Three electronic Letters of Reference must be submitted as part of the VMCAS application on behalf of the applicant. It is strongly recommended that at least one letter is written by a DVM. 
  • Specific prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to enrollment. Prerequisite courses must be equivalent to the SDSU courses indicated in this planner: Approved Preveterinary Coursework. Students from other universities will be directed to follow the comprehensive area college prerequisite guides developed by the University of Minnesota for a list of approved prerequisites.
  • Preference will be given to applicants from South Dakota and Minnesota and the states adjoining South Dakota and/or Minnesota which includes: Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

General Requirements


Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .

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