University of South Dakota

University of South Dakota
414 East Clark Street Center for Health Education
Vermillion, South Dakota 57069

We rely on the information provided to us by programs. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the program's website.

Program Website

*Last updated January 16th, 2026

General Information

Mission Statement: The Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Program provides a comprehensive primary care education that prepares graduates to deliver high-quality health care to meet the needs of patients in South Dakota and the surrounding region.

Unique Program Features: The University of South Dakota offers small class size with interdisciplinary coursework. The program offers an Anatomy course to include a full dissection cadaver lab. The program is housed in a new 45,000 square foot Health Sciences building.

Curriculum Focus: Collaborative or Team-Based Learning; Early Clinical Exposure; Organ-Based/Systems-Based Learning

Credentials Offered: Master's degree (not Master's of Public Health)

Type of Masters Degree: MSPAS: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

Undergrad to Masters Bridge or Dual Degree: No

Doctorate Degree Offered: No

Masters to Doctorate Bridge or Dual Degree: No

Program Length: 24 Months

Start Month: July 2027

Estimated Incoming Class Size: 25

Part-time Option: No

Distance Learning: No

On-Campus Housing: Yes

Required Onsite Interview: Yes

Types of Interviews: Traditional Interview; Panel Interview

Admission Type: Regular - All applications are reviewed once the set deadline has passed

Deadlines, Fees, & Eligibility

Application Deadline: 09/01/2026

Deadline Requirement: Blue-Submit only: the applicant must only submit the application by your posted deadline.

Out of State Students Accepted: Yes

Transfer Students Accepted: No

DACA Status Applicants Considered: No

International Applicants Accepted: Yes, with exceptions. Please visit the program's website.

International Application Link

Support for Veterans: Clinical partnerships: Partnerships with veteran organizations for rotations.;Special admission consideration: Processes that recognize military veterans.

Separate Tuition Rates: Yes

Tuition: No information provided

Resident Tuition: $36,000

Non-Resident Tuition: $90,705

Seat Deposit: Yes

Seat Deposit Cost: $400

Refundable Seat Deposit: No

Supplemental Application: Yes

Supplemental Deadline: 09/01/2026

Supplemental Application Fee: $36

Supplemental Application Fee Waiver: No

Requirements

Special Considerations: Last 40 credit hour GPA

Minimum Number of Reference Letters Required: 3

Types of References Required: No restrictions

Standardized Test(s) Required: None

Minimum Overall GPA Required: 3.00

Minimum Prereq GPA Required: N/A

Minimum Science GPA Required: N/A

Experience

Healthcare Experience: Yes, required

Paid Health Care: Recommended but not required

Volunteer/Community Service Health Care: Recommended but not required

Hours Needed: 500

Time Limit in Which To Complete Experience: No Requirement

Paid Direct Patient Care: Required

Volunteer Direct Patient Care: Required

Direct Patient Care Hours Needed: 500

Direct Patient Care Time Limit: No Requirement

Other Paid Health Care: Not Required

Other Volunteer Health Care: No information provided

Shadowing a PA: Recommended but not required

Shadowing a Physician: Recommended but not required

Shadowing other health care provider: Recommended but not required

Clinical and/or non-clinical research: Recommended but not required

Virtual Health Care Accepted: No

Virtual Shadowing Accepted: No

Prerequisites

Human Anatomy: 4 Credit(s), Lab Required

Biology (general): 8 Credit(s)

Biochemistry: 3 Credit(s)

Microbiology: 4 Credit(s), Lab Required

Chemistry (general): 8 Credit(s), Lab Required

Human Physiology: 4 Credit(s), Lab Required

Statistics: 2 Credit(s)

Psychology: 6 Credit(s)

Prereq time limit: No Requirement

Outstanding pre-requisites must be completed in the following time frame: June 1

Maximum number of outstanding prerequisites allowed: 3

Matriculants

Matriculant GPAs

Matriculant Overall GPA: 3.8

Matriculant Science GPA: 3.7

GRE Average Scores

Average Verbal Reasoning GRE Score: No information provided

Average Analytical Writing GRE Score: No information provided

Average Quantitative Reasoning GRE Score: No information provided

GRE Average Percentiles

Average Verbal Reasoning GRE Percentile: No information provided

Average Analytical Writing GRE Percentile: No information provided

Average Quantitative Reasoning GRE Percentile: No information provided

Program Matriculants by Gender

Female: 18

Male: 9

Non-Binary: -

Gender Unknown: -

Ethnicity of Program Matriculants by Number

American Indian or Alaskan Native: -

Asian: 1

Black or African American: 1

Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish: 1

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: -

White: 27

Multiracial: -

Other: -