University of South Dakota
Vermillion, United States • Founded 1862 • World Rank #2168
Overview
Founded in 1862, the University of South Dakota is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the medium town of Vermillion (population range of 2,500-9,999 inhabitants), South Dakota.
Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, University of South Dakota (USD) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution. University of South Dakota (USD) 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 162-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.
USD 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
University of South Dakota's campus location, postal address, and the channels students typically use to reach the admissions team. Verified contact points help avoid third-party impersonators.
Academic Details
University of South Dakota'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.
Academic Structures
The schools and colleges that constitute University of South Dakota's academic body are organised below. Each often controls its own admissions criteria, scholarships, and programme entry standards.
Unit 7 items
- Beacom School of Business
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Fine Arts
- Sanford School of Medicine
- School of Education
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Law
Programs Offered
University of South Dakota's catalogue, with name search and level grouping. Capstone or dissertation requirements vary across programmes — confirm what you'll be assessed on before applying.
Bachelor's Degree
49 programmes
University of South Dakota delivers 49 programmes at bachelor's level, the qualifications school-leavers most commonly apply to as their first step into higher education.
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
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
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Non-Professional Legal 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
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Sustainability Studies Liberal Arts
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies Sport and Exercise Science
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Dentistry
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities Health Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
42 programmes
These 42 programmes form University of South Dakota's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Liberal Arts
Biological and Physical Sciences Liberal Arts
Sustainability Studies Liberal Arts
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies Sport and Exercise Science
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Chemistry Chemistry
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Human Services, General Public Administration
Public Administration Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Public Health Public Health
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
14 programmes
Browse 14 programmes of research-degree study at University of South Dakota. Each culminates in a thesis defended before examiners as an original scholarly contribution.
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Materials Sciences Materials Science
Psychology, General Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies Health Sciences
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
6 programmes
Browse 6 programmes of research-degree study at University of South Dakota. Each culminates in a thesis defended before examiners as an original scholarly contribution.
Law Law
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Medicine Medicine
Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies Health Sciences
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities Health Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
48 programmes
This group collects University of South Dakota's 48 programmes of certificates, diplomas, and foundation or associate programmes — practical entry points or stepping stones toward a degree.
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Museology/Museum Studies Liberal Arts
Sustainability Studies Liberal Arts
Sustainability Studies Liberal Arts
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians Natural Sciences
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians Natural Sciences
Psychology, General Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Public Administration Public Administration
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Music Music
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Dentistry
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Public Health Public Health
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities Health Sciences
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities Health Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to University of South Dakota
What applying to University of South Dakota typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. University of South Dakota offers 159 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Each programme at University of South Dakota has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Apply directly via University of South Dakota's online portal at www.usd.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (877) 269 6837. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of South Dakota
Common questions students ask about University of South Dakota — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.
When was University of South Dakota founded?
University of South Dakota was established in 1862 (approximately 164 years ago).
What city is University of South Dakota in?
University of South Dakota operates from Vermillion, United States.
What is University of South Dakota's control type?
University of South Dakota operates as a public institution.
How big is University of South Dakota's student body?
University of South Dakota serves approximately 7,000-7,999 students.
Where does University of South Dakota stand in university rankings?
University of South Dakota holds rank #2168 globally and #279 in United States.
How many faculties does University of South Dakota have?
The institution comprises 7 academic units.
Who recognises University of South Dakota?
Yes, University of South Dakota is recognised by Higher Learning Commission.
Where can I learn more about University of South Dakota?
University of South Dakota's official website is www.usd.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
International student mix at the United States's top universities tends to be higher than at lower-ranked institutions. This affects campus culture and the value of student networks for international students.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Student exchange agreements within National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) formalise mobility opportunities. The universities below typically have dedicated exchange slots reserved for students from University of South Dakota.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Healthcare and student insurance rules often apply at the regional level around University of South Dakota. Nearby universities typically follow the same health-coverage requirements for enrolled students.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Cohort intake size shapes class culture meaningfully in Education & Teaching. Some the United States institutions accept a few dozen, others hundreds — the difference affects peer-learning depth and faculty access.
Universities Often Compared with University of South Dakota
Peer cohort diversity — gender, nationality, socioeconomic background — varies more than rankings might suggest. Diversity affects classroom dynamics and post-grad networks.
