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students at the Cow/Calf Unit

Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine

About the program

The mission of the professional program in veterinary medicine (PPVM) is to strengthen South Dakota's rural economy and regional agricultural systems by educating future veterinarians and scientists to serve the region. The PPVM will achieve this mission by providing students with knowledge and competencies in the fundamental and clinical veterinary sciences with a rural, regional focus.

The program is made possible through a formal cooperative agreement, in which SDSU students admitted into the professional program complete the first two years of their veterinary medical education at South Dakota State University and then transfer to the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine (UMN CVM) for the final two years of study.

While at SDSU, students will have a rigorous, yet enriched learning experience because class sizes are intended to be small (about 20 students). The small class size was designed to provide the opportunity for students to have supportive learning communities and more hands-on practical experience working with food and companion animals, as well as making it possible to work closely in a world-class diagnostic facility with dedicated faculty and scientific researchers. 

Interactive Map

The interactive map allows users to plot directions between buildings and show locations of highlighted features and services across the SDSU campus. Click on the image below to direct you to the SDSU interactive map.

Map snapshot of Animal Disease Research & Labratory

Why SDSU PPVM?

Student to Faculty Ratio

2:1

With 40 students at a time in the program and 21 faculty, that's a 2:1 Ratio!

Small Class Size

20 Students

20 students per class = 40 students!