•AVERAGE: 69
Dakota State University is a public university governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents and located in Madison, South Dakota. Established in 1881 as the Madison Normal School, the school’s original mission was to train teachers and it was the first school in the Dakota Territory which was dedicated to the training of teachers. After South Dakota became a state in 1889, the school became known as the Eastern State Normal School. Over the next several years the school underwent a long series of name changes before adopting its current name in 1989, which was decided on by the South Dakota Legislature.
Academic Programs
Dakota State University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs through its four colleges, namely, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Information Systems, the College of Computing, and the College of Education. Baccalaureate programs offered at Dakota State University include Accounting, Biology Education, Business Education, Business Technology, Computer Education, Computer Game Design, Computer Science, Cyber Operations, Digital Arts and Design, Elementary Education, Exercise Science, Finance, General Studies, Health Information Administration, Information Systems, Management, Marketing, Mathematics for Information Systems, Network and Security Administration, Professional Accountancy, and Respiratory Care.Dakota State University’s motto is “Technically, We’re Better”. To this end, the University has made great strides to offer students the most technically-advanced educational experiences and opportunities possible. Students work with professional technology and all classroom seats are equipped with power outlets; students have access to Dakota State University’s high-end computer labs, including game design and hacker labs; and as part of the University’s Tablet Program, all freshman students are lent a tablet PC which is configured especially for Dakota State University academic programs.
Student Life
Dakota State University has a total enrollment figure of more than 3,000, including well over 2,500 undergraduate students. All full-time, unmarried students enrolled at Dakota State University are required to live on-campus in University housing during their first two years (certain exceptions are made, however, for students with dependent children or students who reside with their parents or legal guardians). Dakota State University offers two first year residence halls – Higbie Hall and Zimmermann Hall – and two upperclass halls and apartments.Dakota State University is home to a variety of student-led clubs and organizations which cater to a wide range of interests and allow students to connect with one another outside of the classroom. Dakota State University is a member of the NAIA Division II and the University’s varsity athletic teams compete in the North Star Athletic Association. Named the Trojans, Dakota State University sponsors a dozen athletic teams, including women’s volleyball, basketball, indoor and outdoor track, cross country, and softball and men’s football, basketball, cross country, baseball, and indoor and outdoor track.