South Dakota Board of Regents

Press Room

Regent Johnson Promotes Science Careers for Girls

Regents Honor Student Organizations

Bonds Backing Public University Projects Rated A+

More Students Qualifying for Opportunity Scholarship

Public University Headcount Enrollment Climbs Nearly 8 Percent

Black Hills State University, founded in 1883, offers 71 academic programs at the associate, bachelors, and masters degree levels. BHSU is located in Spearfish, a community of approximately 12,000, in the heart of the scenic northern Black Hills. The University transforms lives through innovative high-quality academic programs and a dynamic learning community. BHSU encourages students to enhance their college experience through student internships, undergraduate research projects, study abroad programs, and service learning opportunities. BHSU takes an active role in the many exciting initiatives in this region including innovative changes in education, the development of a world-class science lab, and emerging technology-related business enterprises.

The University Center - Rapid City, located just off Interstate 90, will provide a convenient and accessible site for higher education classes. The 59,000-square foot building will include 20 classrooms, a biology lab, a computer lab, an auditorium, seminar and conference rooms, and gathering spaces for students to work in small groups.

The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has been a leader in preparing world-class engineers and scientists since 1885. Our graduates design, construct, and operate the most modern technology to meet complex challenges such as climate change, bioenergy, mineral extraction and processing, advanced materials, environmental quality, and national defense. Alumni are held in the highest regard by their fellow leaders in industry, consulting, government, health, research, and education. Undergraduate education is enhanced by graduate education and research and development in the areas of critical need to South Dakota, the nation, and the international community. This includes the opportunities now unfolding as a result of the Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL) project.

Northern State University is dedicated to providing all students with a superior education. NSU has four colleges consisting of more than 50 outstanding and well-respected programs and majors along with technological opportunities that support the academic instruction you receive in your field. We make it our priority to find the best fit for you. We welcome all students to enroll, learn, conquer and share in Northern’s vision that encourages its students to Be You- be yourself and develop your own interests, Be Us- become a part of the Northern community and reach your potential , Be Northern!

The role and mission of the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired to provide statewide services to meet the educational needs of sensory impaired children from birth through twenty-one in South Dakota by serving in a dual leadership and resource role in the statewide efforts to serve these students. This mission shall be carried out through cooperative efforts with all appropriate state agencies, educational cooperatives, local education agencies and college and universities. It is recognized that the mission of the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a significant part of the continuum of services in the statewide delivery system for children in need of special education OR special education and related services.

The South Dakota Board of Regents has constitutional authority to govern the system of public higher education in the State of South Dakota. Supported by an Executive Director and staff, the Board provides leadership and sets policies for the programs and services delivered through its six universities and two special schools.

Since 1982, Capital University Center has offered public university courses in central South Dakota. CUC merged with the public university system in 2003, and moved into its permanent home, the Wallace R. Halverson Education Building, in 2009. The Capital University Center Foundation and Advisory Board supports the work of CUC, identifying educational needs in the region, providing instructional space, and promoting degree and course offerings. CUC offers courses or degrees from all six of the state’s public universities, and is operationally administered by South Dakota State University. CUC has met a growing demand for adult postsecondary education in central South Dakota, which does not have ready access to a traditional university campus.

During the last decade SDSU has seen the largest sustained enrollment growth in history. With almost 13,000 students, the face of the campus is being reshaped to reflect the growing student body.
Located in Brookings, that makes SDSU the largest school in South Dakota. Students are enrolled in seven colleges and more than 200 majors and minors. Many get involved in research while undergraduates and study in 63 state-of-the-art labs and classrooms. Students also gain internships and use study abroad opportunities around the world.

As the state’s land-grant institution, SDSU serves the people of South Dakota as a learning base, as well as promoting discovery via the Agricultural Experiment Station, and applying knowledge through the South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service.

South Dakota State grads have been making an impact almost since its inception in 1881.
The list of famous graduates include Stephen Briggs, inventor of the Briggs and Stratton engine, Theodore Schultz, winner of the 1979 Nobel Prize in economics, and Tom Daschle, former majority leader of the United States Senate.

Founded in 1881 as Dakota Territory’s first teacher training institute, Dakota State University has grown into the state’s flagship university for information technology education. Integrating information technology across the entire curriculum, Dakota State offers programs leading to certification, associate, bachelor, master’s and doctor of science degrees through the Colleges of Arts and Natural Sciences, Business and Information Systems, and Education.

A mission change in 1984 re-focused the school and Dakota State has distinguished itself by developing a curriculum that incorporates the latest technology into the classroom and in online delivery systems. The small campus size means DSU can respond to changing trends, and stay current with the needs of future employers of our graduates. The result is DSU consistently reports placement rates in the mid to upper 90 percentiles.

Home to the National Center for the Protection of the Financial Infrastructure and the Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center, Dakota State continues to expand its research capabilities into areas the university’s founders could hardly have dreamed of in 1881.

Located in Madison, Dakota State is less than an hour’s drive from Sioux Falls. We invite you to discover DSU and explore the possibilities offered at this small but mighty university in eastern South Dakota.

South Dakota Public Universities & Research Center, also known as University Center, provides the greater Sioux Falls community with convenient local access to public higher education. At University Center the focus is on the adult learner and academic programs that foster and support the economic development of the Sioux Falls area. University Center offers more than 60 associates, bachelors, masters, and doctorate degree programs from five of the state’s public universities – the University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Dakota State University, Northern State University and Black Hills State University. More than 3,400 students take courses at University Center over the course of a year.

The South Dakota School for the Deaf (SDSD) provides comprehensive evaluations in the areas of Academic, Social/Emotional, Behavioral, Cognitive, Transition, Audiology, Speech and Language for children with a hearing loss. These services are also available (through referral by local school districts or parents) to deaf or hard of hearing students who do not attend SDSD. They are offered on a consultation basis and may include complete evaluation, or any combination of assessments to address specific referral questions or concerns.

Founded in 1862, The University of South Dakota is located on an attractive 286-acre campus in Vermillion, a small community nestled along the bluffs of the Missouri River in the southeast corner of South Dakota. Home to the state’s only law and medical schools as well as the College of Fine Arts, School of Health Sciences and the AACSB accredited Beacom School of Business, The U provides opportunities for involvement in music, theatre and a wide range of additional recreational, cultural, social and professional activities and organizations. USD’s main campus in Vermillion features the DakotaDome (home to NCAA Division I athletic competition), the National Music Museum, W.H. Over Museum, South Dakota’s only medical library and the Oscar Howe Art Gallery.

South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

South Dakota School for the Blind & Visually Impaired