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South Dakota State University

Brookings, United States Founded 1881 World Rank #1205

Overview

Acronyms: SDSU
Founded: 1881
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #1205
Rank in United States: #178
Motto: You can go anywhere from here
Colours: Yellow and blue
South Dakota State University student life
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Founded in 1881, the South Dakota State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of Brookings (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), South Dakota.

Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, South Dakota State University (SDSU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. South Dakota State University (SDSU) 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 143-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.

SDSU 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

Location pin, postal address, phone, email, website, and social profiles for South Dakota State University. Always verify channels through the official domain to avoid third-party impersonators.

Address: 1451 Stadium Road
Postal Code: 57007
Phone: +1 (800) 952 3541
Fax: +1 (605) 688 5822
Social Media:

Academic Details

South Dakota State University's student-to-faculty composition and recognition standing are listed below. Student support staff (advisers, counsellors) are typically separate from academic staff and often uncounted here.

Total Students: 9,198
Student Enrollment: 10
Academic Staff Range: 600-699
Campus Setting: Rural
Memberships & Networks
South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

To understand where programmes live within South Dakota State University, the academic structure is mapped below. Some institutions run joint faculties with external bodies — credentialing in those cases is shared.

Unit 8 items
  • College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • College of Education and Counseling
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Family and Consumer Sciences
  • College of General Studies
  • College of Nursing
  • College of Pharmacy

Programs Offered

Look through South Dakota State University's programmes by level or filter for keywords. Programme-level scholarships exist alongside institution-wide ones; the programme page typically lists them.

Bachelor's Degree

79 programmes

There are 79 programmes to choose from at South Dakota State University for undergraduates. A bachelor's degree builds the broad disciplinary foundation most employers and postgraduate courses expect.

Agriculture, General Agriculture
Agricultural Business and Management Agriculture
Agricultural Mechanization Agriculture
Agricultural Production Operations Agriculture
Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services Agriculture
Agricultural Public Services Agriculture
Animal Sciences Agriculture
Food Science and Technology Agriculture
Plant Sciences Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Forestry & Natural Resources
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management Forestry & Natural Resources
Architecture Architecture
City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning Landscape Architecture
Landscape Architecture Urban Planning
Architectural Sciences and Technology Architecture
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
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
Agricultural Engineering General Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician General Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies Family & Consumer Science
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Apparel and Textiles Family & Consumer Science
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies Law
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Biological Sciences
Biotechnology Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Liberal Arts
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Geography and Environmental Studies Liberal Arts
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies Sport and Exercise Science
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management Sport and Exercise Science
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Chemistry Chemistry
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Criminology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Air Transportation Aviation Studies
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration Pharmacy
Public Health Public Health
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Business/Managerial Economics Economics
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Construction Management Business Administration
History History

Master's Degree

49 programmes

South Dakota State University offers 49 programmes at master's level — postgraduate programmes that deepen a specialism, usually over one to two years after a bachelor's degree.

Animal Sciences Agriculture
Food Science and Technology Agriculture
Plant Sciences Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management Forestry & Natural Resources
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management Forestry & Natural Resources
Architecture Architecture
Architectural Sciences and Technology Architecture
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Agricultural Engineering General Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General Family & Consumer Science
Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies Family & Consumer Science
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Liberal Arts
Geography and Environmental Studies Liberal Arts
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management Sport and Exercise Science
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Chemistry Chemistry
Science Technologies/Technicians, General Natural Sciences
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Community Organization and Advocacy Public Administration
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration Pharmacy
Public Health Public Health
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations Business Administration

Doctorate

21 programmes

At the highest level, South Dakota State University runs 21 programmes. These doctoral programmes are built around a sustained research project rather than taught coursework.

Animal Sciences Agriculture
Food Science and Technology Agriculture
Plant Sciences Agriculture
Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management Forestry & Natural Resources
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Agricultural Engineering General Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Botany/Plant Biology Biological Sciences
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Biological Sciences
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Chemistry Chemistry
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration Pharmacy
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing

Professional Doctorate

2 programmes

At the highest level, South Dakota State University runs 2 programmes. These doctoral programmes are built around a sustained research project rather than taught coursework.

Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration Pharmacy
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing

Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications

55 programmes

South Dakota State University offers 55 programmes as shorter-cycle and preparatory qualifications, a flexible tier for skills-focused learners or those bridging into undergraduate study.

Agriculture, General Agriculture
Agricultural Production Operations Agriculture
Animal Sciences Agriculture
Animal Sciences Agriculture
Food Science and Technology Agriculture
Plant Sciences Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Education & Teaching
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Biological/Biosystems Engineering General Engineering
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General General Engineering
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician General Engineering
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
American Indian/Native American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies Family & Consumer Science
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies Law
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biotechnology Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies Liberal Arts
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Security Science and Technology Criminal Law & Justice
Community Organization and Advocacy Public Administration
Geography and Cartography Geography
Geography and Cartography Geography
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Air Transportation Aviation Studies
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration Pharmacy
Public Health Public Health
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities Health Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Real Estate Business Administration
General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations Business Administration
Construction Management Business Administration

How to apply to South Dakota State University

Step-by-step guidance for applying to South Dakota State University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. South Dakota State University runs 206 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Before applying to South Dakota State University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with South Dakota State University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.sdstate.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (800) 952 3541. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about South Dakota State University

Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting South Dakota State University as a study destination.

In what year was South Dakota State University established?

South Dakota State University was founded in 1881 (approximately 145 years ago).

Where is South Dakota State University located?

South Dakota State University is located in Brookings, United States.

Is South Dakota State University public or private?

It is a public higher-education institution.

What is the student enrolment at South Dakota State University?

Student enrolment at South Dakota State University is around 10,000-14,999.

How is South Dakota State University ranked?

South Dakota State University is ranked #1205 globally and #178 in United States.

How is South Dakota State University organised academically?

South Dakota State University is organised into 8 academic units across its disciplines.

Is South Dakota State University officially recognised?

Yes, South Dakota State University is recognised by Higher Learning Commission.

What is South Dakota State University's official website?

South Dakota State University's official website is www.sdstate.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Industry partnerships of the United States's top universities signal employer engagement at the apex of the system. Lower-ranked institutions including South Dakota State University may still partner with strong employers locally.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Joint research grants among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) members create funded collaborations that often extend to graduate-student opportunities. The network listed below collaborates regularly with South Dakota State University.

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Beyond South Dakota State University, the surrounding area hosts several universities with overlapping research strengths and faculty mixes. They are worth comparing if location flexibility matters to your decision and you want to keep options open within the same region.

Where Else to Study Agriculture

Choosing the right Agriculture programme is rarely about one university alone. Institutions across the United States cover the same discipline as South Dakota State University from different academic angles, and the right fit depends on what kind of teaching environment suits you.

Universities Often Compared with South Dakota State University

Beyond South Dakota State University, several other universities operate at a comparable level — by ranking, heritage, or scale. They are worth knowing as you build your shortlist, particularly if you want options at the same competitive tier.

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