About the program
The University of South Dakota PA program is described in PAEA's published program data; full curriculum details, faculty, and admissions cycle specifics are maintained on the program's own website.
From the program's 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."
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.
Matriculant data
Actual stats for students who enrolled in the most recently reported cohort, sourced from PAEA's published program data.
Admission policies
Out-of-state applicants are accepted. International applicants: yes, with exceptions. please visit the program's website. DACA status applicants are not considered. Distance learning is not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available. On-campus housing is available. Veteran support programs are available; consult the program directly for details.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: No Requirement · up to 3 outstanding at application
Program overview
The University of South Dakota offers a 24-month MSPAS program with ARC-PA Continued accreditation, admitting a cohort of 25 students beginning in July 2027. Its mission centers on primary care preparation oriented toward serving patients in South Dakota and the surrounding region, making it a reasonable fit for applicants drawn to rural and regional healthcare settings rather than large urban medical centers.
Academically, matriculants arrive with strong credentials - an average overall GPA of 3.8 and science GPA of 3.7 - though the program sets its minimum threshold at a 3.0 overall. The curriculum is organized around organ- and systems-based learning and emphasizes collaborative and team-based approaches, with early clinical exposure built into the structure. A notable feature is the full cadaveric dissection anatomy lab, housed within a new 45,000-square-foot Health Sciences building. Interdisciplinary coursework is embedded throughout the program, consistent with its team-based philosophy.
The patient-care bar is relatively accessible at 500 hours, but those hours must be paid and direct, and verified healthcare experience is required separately. Applicants should note that three letters of reference are mandatory, and the program requires an onsite interview conducted in both traditional and panel formats. The application deadline is September 1, 2026, for the July 2027 start, and all applications are reviewed together after that deadline rather than on a rolling basis.
Prerequisite coursework includes general chemistry and human anatomy with labs (8 and 4 credits respectively), human physiology and microbiology with labs, general biology, and at least 2 credits of statistics. No time limit governs when prerequisites were completed, and up to three outstanding prerequisites are allowed at the time of application. The program accepts out-of-state and international applicants, though the latter should consult the program website regarding specific conditions. There is no part-time or distance option. A $400 seat deposit is required upon acceptance, and separate tuition rates apply for in-state versus out-of-state students, a meaningful cost consideration given the program's regional focus.
The small class size of 25 is worth weighing carefully - applicants who thrive in close-knit cohorts with direct faculty access and who have genuine interest in primary care delivery across a regional, underserved geographic footprint will likely find this program a stronger personal and professional match than those seeking a large urban clinical training environment.