Dakota State University
Madison, United States • Founded 1881
Overview
Founded in 1881, the Dakota State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the medium town of Madison (population range of 2,500-9,999 inhabitants), South Dakota.
This institution also has a branch campus in Madison. Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Dakota State University (DSU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution.
Dakota State University (DSU) 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, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 142-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 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. DSU 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
Below are the location pin, postal details, and primary contact methods for Dakota State University. International applicants should account for postal mail processing time when sending physical documents.
Academic Details
A snapshot of Dakota State University's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and the bodies recognising its work. Useful as a benchmark when comparing against peer institutions or national leaders.
Academic Structures
The departmental layout below shows how Dakota State University groups subjects, faculties, and teaching units. Subject grouping reflects institutional priorities, research strengths, and historical evolution.
Unit 4 items
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business and Information Systems
- College of Education
- The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences
Programs Offered
Every programme Dakota State University currently runs, grouped by degree level and searchable. Status and intake details vary by programme — verify with the institution before committing to applications.
Bachelor's Degree
24 programmes
Dakota State University's 24 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.
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations Military Science
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Physical Sciences, General Natural Sciences
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Medical Illustration and Informatics Health Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
Computer Software and Media Applications Digital Media & Game Development
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other English Language Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
6 programmes
Dakota State University offers 6 programmes at master's level — postgraduate programmes that deepen a specialism, usually over one to two years after a bachelor's degree.
Medical Illustration and Informatics Health Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
4 programmes
There are 4 programmes to choose from at Dakota State University for doctoral candidates. A PhD or equivalent typically takes three or more years of supervised, independent research.
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
24 programmes
These 24 programmes group Dakota State University's shorter and preparatory qualifications together: associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and foundation courses that suit focused or transitional study.
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Mathematics Mathematics
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Medical Illustration and Informatics Health Sciences
Medical Illustration and Informatics Health Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
Computer Software and Media Applications Digital Media & Game Development
Computer Software and Media Applications Digital Media & Game Development
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Information Systems & Technology
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Dakota State University
What applying to Dakota State University typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.
- 1 Research programmes at Dakota State University
Dakota State University's catalogue includes 58 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Dakota State University's admissions process.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
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 Lodge your application
Submit your completed application through Dakota State University's official website at dsu.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 Confirm receipt and track progress
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (605) 256 5111. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dakota State University
Common questions about Dakota State University answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.
When did Dakota State University open?
Dakota State University traces its founding to 1881 (approximately 145 years ago).
Where is Dakota State University located?
Dakota State University is located in Madison, United States.
What is Dakota State University's control type?
It is a public higher-education institution.
What is the student enrolment at Dakota State University?
Student enrolment at Dakota State University is around 3,000-3,999.
How many faculties does Dakota State University have?
Dakota State University is organised into 4 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Dakota State University officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from Higher Learning Commission.
Where can I learn more about Dakota State University?
The institution's website is dsu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
When shortlisting in the United States, students often start with the top-ranked institutions. Below are the national leaders worth comparing against Dakota State University, helpful for calibrating where Dakota State University sits in the broader landscape.
Members of National Athletic Association (NAA)
Joint conference hosting among National Athletic Association (NAA) members brings academic communities together. Students at Dakota State University and the institutions below often share access to these network-level events.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Within easy reach of Dakota State University, these institutions host comparable faculties and admissions structures — useful for regional shortlisting. Regional universities often coordinate on credit transfer and joint programme delivery.
Where Else to Study Information Systems & Technology
Beyond Dakota State University, several other universities in the United States deliver focused Information Systems & Technology programmes worth exploring before you commit to a single application. Programme depth and elective range vary significantly between institutions.
Universities Often Compared with Dakota State University
Peer cohort diversity — gender, nationality, socioeconomic background — varies more than rankings might suggest. Diversity affects classroom dynamics and post-grad networks.
