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South Dakota State University Degree Programs Available

South Dakota State University appears in our ranking of the 50 Most Affordable Online Colleges with High Graduation Rates.

A college degree can open many doors when it comes to advancing in a career. Research indicates that not only does a person with a college degree earn more money, but they are also less likely to be unemployed than someone with just a high school diploma. In addition, over 80 percent of people who have earned college degrees report being satisfied in their job. South Dakota State University offers many options in degree programs that will prepare individuals for advancement in their chosen field.

South Dakota State University has nine colleges and departments, all offering a variety of degree programs. Students can choose from:

  • College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences
  • College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
  • College of Natural Sciences
  • College of Nursing
  • College of Pharmacy & Allied Health Professionals
  • Graduate School
  • Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering
  • Van D. & Barbara B. Fishback Honors College

The College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy designed for those who wish to learn more about plant and soil science. The program is designed to provide students with an understanding of crops, seeds, soils, weeds, entomology, plant pathology, breeding, genetics and more. It is recommended for those who are interested in cropping systems, natural and agricultural resource management or agribusiness in the area of crops, soils and pest management. This program is available only on campus. Courses may include Crop Production, Soils, Principles of Plant Pathology, Entomology, Insect Pest Management as well as Agricultural Marketing and Prices.

The Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering offers an Associate of Science in Construction Technology designed for those who wish to work in project support positions in the construction industry. Students gain an understanding of construction estimating, leading construction teams, material coordination, and inspections. The curriculum combines engineering fundamentals with applied management, CAD, accounting and communication. Courses may include Construction Graphics, Management Tools and Analysis, Construction Methods and Materials, Cost Estimating and Industrial Safety. The program is available both online and on campus.

The Graduate School offers a Master of Mass Communication that is available both on campus and online. The program is designed for those who wish to expand their communication skill set as well as for working journalists and professional communicators. The program helps students become more familiar with new media skills. Students gain an understanding of the laws of freedom of speech and the press as well as an understanding of the history and role of communication professionals. They are able to demonstrate an understanding of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and other forms of diversity in society as well as the concepts and theories used in communication today. Courses that may be required include Cross-Platform Storytelling, Media Law Case Studies, Cross-Platform Campaigns, and Conducting Professional Research. They must also complete a research problem and submit a thesis.

About South Dakota State University

When South Dakota became a state in 1889, it was granted 160,000 acres of land under the Morrill Act that could be used to establish an agricultural college. In 1887, the Hatch Act established Agricultural Experimental Stations at land-grant institutions. These were designed to conduct research about agriculture and home economics. The Smith-Lever Act created the Cooperative Extension Service that extended agricultural research of land-grant colleges.

South Dakota State College was identified as the location for the three programs and by 1923 had five divisions which included Pharmacy, Home Economics, Engineering, Agriculture and General Science. It was renamed South Dakota State University in 1964.

Through an additional land-grant process in 1994, South Dakota State University was able to continue relationships with tribal colleges in the area, offering programs at both the main campus and tribal colleges.

Today, there are more than 12,000 students attending South Dakota State University. US News & World Report ranks the school in the top 200 in the country for high school counselor rankings, top public schools, and the best engineering programs. It is in the top 300 in the country for national universities.

South Dakota State University Accreditation Details

South Dakota State University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1916. Since then, the school has continued building on areas of excellence. This indicates that the University has the resources to meet its stated goals and objectives. It also means that they undergo periodic review to confirm that programs offered continue to meet the criteria set forth by the Commission as the highest level available. In addition, programs throughout the University are accredited by the following:

  • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
  • Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration
  • Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
  • Accreditation Council for the Education of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism & Mass Communications
  • American Association of Museums Accreditation Commission
  • American Association of Veterinary Lab Diagnosticians
  • American Chemical Society
  • American Society of Agricultural & Biological Engineers
  • American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • American Society of Health System Pharmacists
  • Aviation Accreditation Board International
  • Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
  • Commission on Accreditation of Programs in Applied and Clinical Sociology
  • Commission on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Council for Interior Design Accreditation
  • Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
  • Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
  • Council on Rehabilitation Education
  • National Architectural Accrediting Board
  • National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
  • National Association for Education of Young Children
  • National Association of Schools of Music
  • Society for Range Management
  • Society for Simulation in Healthcare

South Dakota State University Application Requirements

Undergraduate students attending college for the first time must provide official high school transcripts as well as official ACT or SAT Scores. Undergraduates who have earned college credit after high school graduation must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher and must be in good standing at previously attended schools. Applicants with less than 24 credits must provide the same documentation as freshmen who have not attended college. All transfer students must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Graduate applicants must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. They must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. GRE or GMAT scores are not required for the Mass Communications degree. Letters of recommendation, a current resume, and an essay are also required.

South Dakota State University Tuition and Financial Aid

On-campus undergraduate tuition is $256.55 per credit hour for residents and $372.40 per credit hour for non-residents. On-campus graduate tuition is $336.80 per credit hour for residents and $647.55 for non-residents. Online undergraduate tuition is $351.25 per credit hour regardless of residency. Graduate online tuition is $465.80 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students.

Financial aid is available and students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Undergraduate students may be offered grants and scholarships. Those attending on campus may also be offered work-study programs. Graduate students may be offered grants and scholarships as well as fellowships or assistantships. Loans may also be included in both undergraduate and graduate financial aid packets.

South Dakota State University challenges students to imagine, believing that imagination is one of the most powerful tools necessary to achieve goals. The University also focuses on the collective responsibility owed to the community that surrounds them, on a local, regional, national and global scale. Students receive a high-quality education from faculty that continue to stretch the boundaries of knowledge, are involved in cutting-edge research and strive to give students an understanding of tomorrow’s technology so they are prepared for leadership roles in their chosen profession.

Source: South Dakota State University