Experience research and hands-on learning in the classroom as you prepare for a career in medicine or other biomedical fields.
As a medical biology major at USD, you will gain a broad background and excellent training in the biological sciences as you look ahead to graduate or professional degrees in medicine, biotechnology, physiology or cellular and molecular biology. You'll develop research and critical thinking skills in the classroom and beyond, gaining hands-on experience in laboratories and research facilities. From working on medical research with our nationally-recognized faculty to taking classes taught by professors in the Sanford School of Medicine, you'll find that you have access to world-class opportunities here at USD. Whether you are interested in a career in medicine, biotechnology, dentistry, optometry, pharmacology, podiatry, biomedical research or another discipline in the biological sciences, our program will set you on a path toward success.
As you prepare for a future in medicine or human health, you need an enriching education and an impressive degree from a university that knows medicine. Get your start as a medical biology major at USD.
The medical biology program is designed to prepare you for admission to medical school and other health care professional programs, including dentistry, physician assistant studies, physical therapy and podiatry. The medical biology program provides you with a human-centered education in medicine and human health, and you'll find hands-on research experiences that will provide a solid foundation for your career serving others.
Earn a master's degree while completing your bachelor's degree. Apply to and begin the master's program after completion of 90 undergraduate credit hours. This accelerated one-year path to earning your master's does not require a thesis and is available with an optional conservation and biodiversity specialization.
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As a student at USD, the opportunities available to you extend beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, find your community and experience your education to the fullest extent through the following opportunities.
A unique aspect of your USD education is incredible access to undergraduate research opportunities. Through the USD Department of Biology and in collaboration with the Sanford School of Medicine, you can work in specialized research labs under the guidance of highly active faculty.
Our research is organized into three general areas:
In addition to individual labs, there are several newly renovated shared facilities, including a brand new animal care wing:
The Department of Biology also collaborates with the Sanford School of Medicine; students frequently have access to additional instrumentation (SEM, confocal microscope, etc.).
If you are interested in getting involved in research, visit with a professor to find out how you can participate in new and exciting opportunities.
Research, explore and experience the study of life from the molecule to large biomes in the Department of Biology.
Located along the free-flowing Missouri National Recreational River, the Missouri River Institute explores the natural and cultural resources of the river through its focus on research, education and outreach.
University of South Dakota medical biology student Olivia Allen was selected as a 2024 EmPOWERED Scholar by the American Heart Association.
Elle Hoops, a rising senior at the University of South Dakota, was selected as a Udall Scholar by the Udall Foundation. She was one of 55 students from 50 colleges and universities across the nation to receive the 2024 Udall Scholarship.
Five University of South Dakota students represented the university at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), held in Long Beach, California, April 8-10.
Gabriella Beberg, a December 2023 graduate of the University of South Dakota, studied the change in length of telomeres of the chestnut-crowned babblers and the effects it had on their reproductive behavior in their cooperative breeding species.
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Undergraduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
USD awards nearly $9.5 million in scholarships each year. View our scholarships to see which ones you may qualify for and how you can apply.
The medical biology major is perfect for someone pursuing medicine as a career. I feel as though the curriculum has prepared me extremely well for my future as a physician. The faculty create a supportive environment in which students feel comfortable seeking out help in the challenging times and celebrating with them in their success!
Callie Olson
