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South Dakota State University is a public land-grant institution located in Brookings, South Dakota and is the state’s largest, most comprehensive higher-education institution. The school was established in 1881 as the Dakota Agricultural College by the Dakota Territorial Legislature, six years before the State of South Dakota was formed. In 1904 the school’s name was changed to the South Dakota State College of Agricultural and Mechanic Arts; sixty years later, the school was again renamed, adopting its current name of South Dakota State University. The University’s location of Brookings has been named the safest college town in America by Safewise. Located just 55 miles North of Sioux Falls on Interstate 29, South Dakota State University is 200 miles away from Minneapolis and 400 miles East of Rapid City and the Black Hills.
Academic Programs
South Dakota State University is made up of several colleges and schools, including the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education and Human Sciences, the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, the College of Nursing, the College of Pharmacy, the University College, the Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College, and the Graduate School. South Dakota State University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools – the University’s initial accreditation was granted from 1916 to 1917, and then again in 1920.A wide range of academic programs are offered by South Dakota State University, including nearly 75 majors, over 35 specializations, 75 minors, more than 30 master’s degree programs, over a dozen Ph.D.’s, and at least two professional doctorates. In addition to all of these, the University also offers courses at its various off-campus sites and online through the Office of Continuing and Distance Education.
Student Life
South Dakota State University has a total enrollment figure of more than 12,500, including nearly 11,000 undergraduate students. On-campus housing is available to students through the University’s residence halls which feature fully furnished rooms, lounge areas, kitchens and laundry facilities. Each residence hall is conveniently located nearby to most academic buildings as well as the University’s dining options, activities and events. South Dakota State Universities requires that all students reside on campus during “the first two years from the time they were or would have been graduated from high school” unless married; special exception to this requirement is also offered to students with dependent children or who are living with their parent or legal guardian.South Dakota University recognizes a number of student-led clubs and organizations on campus, including cultural, Greek life, honorary, religious, service, special interest and social organizations, as well as departmental associations, fine and performing arts groups, sports clubs, and student government and program boards. As an NCAA Division I-AA school, the majority of South Dakota University’s intercollegiate teams, known as the Jackrabbits, compete in the Summit League.