Black Hills State University
Spearfish, United States • Founded 1883
Overview
Established in 1883, the Black Hills State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the medium town of Spearfish (population range of 2,500-9,999 inhabitants), South Dakota.
Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Black Hills State University (BHSU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Black Hills State University (BHSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study.
This 141-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
BHSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Address book entry for Black Hills State University: location, phone, email, web, and social channels. The press or media office handles institutional inquiries; admissions handles student-specific queries.
Academic Details
Black Hills State University's key academic numbers — student body size, faculty composition, and accreditation context. Numbers reflect the most recent figures published by the institution and recognised bodies.
Academic Structures
The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up Black Hills State University's academic architecture are listed below. Knowing which unit hosts your subject helps locate the relevant admissions team.
Unit 3 items
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business
- College of Education
Programs Offered
Find a programme at Black Hills State University by filter, or browse by degree level. Online and on-campus delivery modes differ in tuition, time commitment, and credential recognition — confirm which mode each programme runs in.
Bachelor's Degree
35 programmes
Black Hills State University's 35 programmes at this tier lead to a bachelor's qualification, the first full degree most students pursue and the usual prerequisite for master's-level entry.
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Music Music
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Community Organization and Advocacy Public Administration
Psychology, General Psychology
Physical Sciences, Other Natural Sciences
History History
General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations Business Administration
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Chemistry Chemistry
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Mathematics Mathematics
Physical Sciences, General Natural Sciences
Outdoor Education Sport and Exercise Science
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies Sport and Exercise Science
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
8 programmes
Explore 8 programmes of postgraduate study at Black Hills State University. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Sustainability Studies Liberal Arts
Genetics Biological Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
30 programmes
Black Hills State University lists 30 programmes outside the standard bachelor-to-doctorate ladder — vocational and pathway awards that often carry credit toward a later full degree.
Music Music
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Construction Trades, General Civil Engineering & Construction
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Community Organization and Advocacy Public Administration
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
History History
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Teaching Assistants/Aides Education & Teaching
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Outdoor Education Sport and Exercise Science
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies Liberal Arts
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Black Hills State University
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Black Hills State University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Black Hills State University's catalogue includes 73 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Black Hills State University's admissions process.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Submit your completed application through Black Hills State University's official website at www.bhsu.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (800) 255 2478. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Black Hills State University
Quick reference for Black Hills State University: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
When did Black Hills State University open?
Black Hills State University traces its founding to 1883 (approximately 143 years ago).
In which city is Black Hills State University?
Black Hills State University is based in Spearfish, United States.
Is Black Hills State University a public or private institution?
Black Hills State University operates as a public institution.
How many students study at Black Hills State University?
Black Hills State University has approximately 3,000-3,999 students.
How is Black Hills State University organised academically?
The institution comprises 3 academic units.
Who recognises Black Hills State University?
Yes, Black Hills State University is recognised by Higher Learning Commission.
Where can I learn more about Black Hills State University?
Black Hills State University's official website is www.bhsu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
The institutions topping the United States's rankings give national context for Black Hills State University. Context matters because employer perception in the United States often correlates with national rankings.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)-affiliated universities form a network of comparable institutions — Black Hills State University sits among them. Network membership often signals shared values around academic quality and student support.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
The universities below sit close to Black Hills State University geographically and may suit students who want to stay within the same region for study. Proximity affects commuting cost, family contact, and the ease of switching institutions if circumstances change.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Below: institutions across the United States that offer Education & Teaching, providing comparison points for Black Hills State University's programme. Variations in elective range, placement support, and credential portability are worth examining carefully.
Universities Often Compared with Black Hills State University
Peer cohort post-graduation outcomes — employment rates, graduate-school placement, salary data — often track closely across institutions at Black Hills State University's level. Comparable cohorts tend to land in comparable places.
