South Dakota State University

General Information About South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University offers over 200 majors, minors and specializations. This public 4-year institutution boasts above-average exam scores for nursing and engineering graduates, and it places close to 100% of graduating engineers, teachers and pharmacists in jobs in their fields.

As the state's land-grant and sun-grant university, it supports a high level of research. The Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Day, Undergraduate Research Journal and Nelson Undergraduate Mentorship Program encourage early involvement with scholarly activity. SDSU's five Centers of Excellence focus on agriculture, natural resources, nutrition and geographic information sciences. Most research is about agriculture (especially corn and dairy), natural resources and conservation, human nutrition, biotechnology and biofuels, especially ethanol.

Admissions and Enrollment Information For South Dakota State University

Applying to almost any university starts when the applicant completes the online application form and sends the registration fee, official high school transcript or GED scores and official transcripts from any colleges previously attended to the Office of Admissions. SDSU asks for the ACT, but either ACT or SAT scores are accepted. The university's Jackrabbit Guarantee assures students with top SAT or ACT scores at least $1,000 in scholarships.

Applicants to graduate programs need a minimum 3.0 grade point average from their baccalaureate programs, although conditional acceptance is possible. Applicants send the school the application forms and fees, official transcripts, proof of immunizations and two letters of recommendation. GRE scores are recommended for chemistry and plant science and required for biology, electrical engineering, microbiology, pharmaceutical sciences, and wildlife and fisheries degree programs.

Colleges at South Dakota State University

Agriculture and Biological Sciences

SDSU is South Dakota's land-grant institution, responsible for research and extension outreach to benefit state residents. Research focuses on irrigated and dry land farming and livestock management in various parts of the state. Ten agriculture specializations, horticulture and landscape design majors are offered. The biology and economics departments are located in this college, as well as environmental management, park management and wildlife and fisheries sciences. The pre-veterinary program has access to the university's Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory for hands-on experience.

Arts and Sciences

The traditional liberal arts departments include English, modern languages, journalism, communication studies, philosophy and religion. History, political science, theater, geography and global studies are other liberal arts majors. In the sciences, students major in chemistry, psychology, sociology and health, physical education and recreation.

Education and Human Sciences

This college focuses on teacher, education administrator and school counselor preparation. An Agency Counseling track prepares students for work in human services settings and is approved by the South Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners.

Engineering

The 14 undergraduate and eight graduate degree programs here include math and statistics, physics, computer science, industrial and safety management and construction management. Engineering specialties include agriculture and biosystems, biomedical, civil, environmental, electrical and electronic, mechanical and software engineering. The college and some of its departments offer scholarships. A multi-school Engineering Expo, a job fair and Science and Engineering Youth Camps attract interested participants from a wide area.

Family and Consumer Sciences

Applied sciences such as early childhood education, nutrition, apparel merchandising, interior design, hotel management and consumer affairs are studied here. Minors include gerontology, food safety, merchandising and human development and family studies. Family and Consumer Sciences students may be eligible for 125 scholarships, ranging from $150 to $18,000 and totaling over $250,000.

Nursing

A nursing undergraduate degree prepares the student to succeed on the N-CLEX and become an RN. Master's degree programs prepare Clinical Nurse Leaders, Nurse Administrators and Nurse Educators. SDSU has just initiated a Doctor of Nursing Practice for existing and potential Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners in Family, Neonatal, Family Mental Health and Pediatric specialties. Continuing education units are available.

Pharmacy

The College offers Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Doctor of Pharmacy degree programs. Students may choose to enroll in both and complete the Pharm.D. in six years.

General Studies

Containing academic and career advising offices, the College of General Studies helps students with transitions. A general associate's, interdisciplinary bachelor's and a minor in Leadership are offered by the College. For students with an Associate of Applied Science degree from a South Dakota community college, the Bachelor of Applied Technical Science in five specialties is available. SDSU's ten pre-professional degree programs are coordinated through this college.

Contact Information

• Address: Admissions Office, Box 2201, Brookings, SD 57007
• Phone: (605) 688-4121 or (800) 952-3542