
Biological Sciences (M.S.) – Veterinary Medicine Specialization
Preparing future veterinarians to serve in critical roles across the spectrum of animal health, environmental health and public health.
SDSU, in partnership with the University of Minnesota, is offering a collaborative Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine leading to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Students must first complete all their preveterinary requirements and then can apply to the 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 Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine coursework needed for transitioning to the University of Minnesota to complete the final two years of the DVM degree. The formal application process for the class of 20 students opens in January each year and formally closes mid- to late September. For more information, visit the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges Veterinary Medical College Application Service.
- Have a passion for helping people and animals.
- Respect animals and you are interested in keeping them healthy.
- Are an analytical thinker and like the challenge of solving difficult problems.
- Have a compelling interest in science, biology, chemistry, math and physics, as well as the many livestock industries.
- Private practice (mixed animal, food animal, companion animal, etc.) either general practice or as a veterinary specialist with advanced training and experience in a specialty field, such as ophthalmology, orthopedics or aquatic animal medicine.
- Corporate veterinary medicine, for example, with corporations that provide veterinary care, test human drugs for safety or produce animal-related products.
- The federal government employs veterinarians through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Food and Drug Administration working on biosecurity and public health.
- Research, in either a university, corporate or government setting.
- Public health, particularly with governmental agencies such as the U.S. Public Health Service, which works to control the transmission of infectious diseases from animals to humans.
- There are many other opportunities available working for local, state or municipal governments, nonprofit corporations and in areas that require a background in comparative biology and medicine.