PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) has announced that its proposed veterinary school has attained significant progress, allowing the university to start recruiting students for its inaugural class set to begin in the summer of 2027. On October 13, UMES was granted a Letter of Reasonable Assurance from the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Education. This letter indicates that the developing program has a viable path toward achieving full accreditation in the future, although it does not confer accreditation at this stage.
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As the first veterinary school to be physically located in Maryland and the inaugural program at a public historically Black college or university, UMES anticipates strong interest. Although applications are not yet open, the university plans to announce details regarding application dates, deadlines, and submission instructions soon.
Dr. Stanley Robertson, the dean of the veterinary school, remarked that the Letter of Reasonable Assurance enables UMES to proceed with recruiting and admitting the initial cohort of students. The veterinary program will feature a year-round Doctor of Veterinary Medicine curriculum that students can complete in three years, in contrast to the typical four years. The curriculum will encompass classroom learning, simulation, clinical-skills training, and practical experiences at both university-operated and affiliated clinical sites.
Robertson also noted that the program will leverage the Eastern Shore's agricultural environment and partnerships to equip veterinarians who can meet the needs of Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region.
The council's decision followed a site visit in June that evaluated the school’s readiness against 11 accreditation standards, including finance, facilities, curriculum, faculty, and clinical resources. The program will continue to seek full accreditation after students enroll.
UMES President Heidi M. Anderson emphasized that this new veterinary school will provide Maryland residents with the opportunity to obtain veterinary education in their home state, addressing the growing demand for veterinarians nationwide. The school aims to prepare graduates for diverse careers in areas such as companion-animal care, agriculture, public health, and research.
Prospective students can check the UMES School of Veterinary Medicine website for details on prerequisite courses, admissions requirements, and the selection process, as well as updates on the official application opening date.