Admission Policies & Procedures

This section outlines admissions policies and procedures at South Dakota State University. For additional information, the South Dakota State University Policy and Procedure Manual may be viewed online at: www.sdstate.edu/policies-and-procedures. That website is the definitive source for the most current South Dakota State University policies.  Policies duplicated on other websites or in print may not be the most current version.  All policies documented on the site are official and supersede policies located elsewhere.  South Dakota State University is governed by state and federal law, administrative regulations, and policies of the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) and the State of South Dakota.  South Dakota Board of Regents policies may be viewed online at: https://www.sdbor.edu/policy/Pages/Policy-Manual.aspx.

Click on a link to be taken to the entry below.

Application Procedures

The SDSU Admissions Office processes applications on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply well in advance (six to ten months) of the semester they wish to attend in order to arrange housing, apply for financial assistance, and to attend new student orientation/early registration programs.

All applicants must submit the following to be considered for admission:

• Admission Application
• $20 Application Fee
  If you have previously attended SDSU or another South Dakota public university as a degree-seeking student within one year prior to the term of application or have been called into active duty with the military, you are not required to pay the application fee to SDSU.
• Official High School Transcript
• Official Report of ACT Scores

In addition, all transfer applicants must provide:

• Official College Transcript(s)
  You must request official transcripts from all non-regental schools you have previously attended. You do not need to have transcripts sent from other SD Regental universities. All transcripts should be sent from the issuing institution directly to the SDSU Admissions Office. If you are currently enrolled at another institution, you may send partial transcripts and be considered for provisional admission until the final transcript arrives.

Upon admission to the University and prior to enrolling for classes, all new applicants are required to provide proof of the Board of Regents required immunizations. This form will be given to students prior to their enrolling at SDSU.

Questions regarding admission can be sent to:

South Dakota State University
Admissions Office Box 511
Brookings, SD 57007
605-688-4121  1-800-952-3541 (Toll Free)
E-mail: sdsu.admissions@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

(SDBOR Policy 2:3)

SDSU offers all educational programs, material, and service to all people without discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

Freshman Admission

Baccalaureate Degree Admissions

For admission to a baccalaureate degree program, students must:

1. Graduate in the top 60% of their high school graduating class;

OR

Achieve an ACT composite score of 18 (or SAT Math and Critical Reading subscores total 870 or higher if taken before March 1, 2016; SAT Math and Reading/Writing subscores total 950 or higher if taken March 1, 2016 or later) or above;

OR

Earn a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.6 on a 4.0 scale.

AND

2. Complete the following required courses with a cumulative grade point average of a “C” or higher (2.0 on a 4.0 scale):

4 years of English
or ACT English sub-test score of 18 or above
or AP English score of 3 or above

3 years of Advanced Mathematics ¹
or ACT Math sub-test score of 20 or above
or AP Calculus score of 3 or above

3 years of Laboratory Science ²
or ACT Science Reasoning sub-test score of 17 or above
or AP Science score of 3 or above

3 years of Social Science
or ACT Social Studies/Reading sub-test score of 17 or above
or AP Social Studies score of 3 or above

1 year of Fine Arts for students graduating from South Dakota high schools
or AP Fine Arts score of 3 or above

For students graduating from high schools in states that do not require completion of courses in fine arts for graduation, high school level non-credit fine arts activity will be accepted.

¹ Advanced math includes algebra or any higher level math.
² Laboratory science includes biology, chemistry, physics, or other approved science courses in which there is a weekly lab period scheduled.

Applications from students with deficiencies are reviewed on an individual basis.

Associate Degree Admissions

Admission to associate degree (two-year) programs is granted if you meet one of the following criteria:

1. Rank in the top 60% of your high school graduating class;

OR

Achieve an ACT composite score of 18 (or SAT Math and Critical Reading subscores total 870 or higher if taken before March 1, 2016; SAT Math and Reading/Writing subscores total 950 or higher if taken March 1, 2016 or later) or above;

OR

Earn a cumulative GPA of at least 2.6 on a 4.0 scale.

Students enrolled in the two-year programs who have not met the minimum high school course requirements may enter a bachelor’s program only after they have satisfactorily completed:

1. At least 15 credit hours of the system general education requirements with a 2.0 GPA;

AND

Met university minimum progression standards.

Transfer Students

You are considered a transfer student if you have college credits from an accredited institution and are six or more months beyond high school graduation. If you are currently enrolled at another institution, you can send partial transcripts and be considered for provisional admission until the final, official transcript arrives.

Students transferring from a degree seeking program at one Regental university to a degree-seeking program at another Regental university will be required to apply for admission.

Students who have been admitted to a degree-seeking or special program at one Regental university may register for courses at any Regental university without submitting another application.

Students who Transfer to Baccalaureate Programs

1. Transfer students who have completed 24 or more semester credits are eligible for admission if they meet the following requirements:

• Have a 2.0 (“C”) or higher cumulative grade point average. Students entering the professional program in Education must have a 2.5 GPA. Admission to the professional programs in Nursing or Pharmacy is on a competitive basis.
• Are in good standing with their most recently attended school.

2. Students with less than a cumulative 2.0 grade point average may be admitted on probation, but each applicant is considered on an individual basis.
3. Transfer students under age 24 who have earned fewer than 24 semester college credits must also meet the Freshman admission requirements as outlined above.

Students who Transfer to Associate Programs

Students under 24 years of age transferring into associate degree programs with fewer than 12 transfer credit hours must meet the associate degree admission requirements. Students with 12 or more transfer credit hours with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 may transfer into associate degree programs at the discretion of the University.

Former Students

Former SDSU students who want to reapply for admission must submit official transcripts from all colleges attended since leaving SDSU. In addition, former students must submit another admission application if he or she has interrupted attendance by one or more semesters. Approval of admission is required by the dean of the appropriate college and the director of admissions.

Non-High School Graduates

Applicants who did not graduate from high school must:

1. Be 18 years or older to meet the compulsory school attendance requirement in South Dakota;

AND

2. Complete the General Educational Development (GED) test credential with the following minimum test scores:

1. Scores earned since January 1, 2014: Reach a score of at least 145 on each subject and a total score of 580 or higher across all four subjects;
2. Scores earned before January 1, 2014: Reach a score of at least 150 on each subject and a total score of 600 or higher across all four subjects;

OR

Complete the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) and obtain a minimum score of 15 on each of the five subsections;

OR

Complete the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) and obtained a minimum score of 500 on each of the five subtest categories;

Home Schooled or Non-Accredited High School Students

Students who are home-schooled or who attend a non-accredited high school must submit an official transcript (in a semester format) for review from either an accredited regional authority or home school provider in conjunction with state requirements:

Baccalaureate Degree Program

For admission to baccalaureate degree programs, home school graduates must:

1. Meet the minimum course requirements established in the Freshman Admission section with an average grade of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale);

OR

Demonstrate appropriate competencies in discipline areas listed in the Freshman Admissions section where course requirements have not been met;

AND

2. Obtain an ACT composite score of 18 (or SAT Math and Critical Reading subscores total 870 or higher if taken before March 1, 2016; SAT Math and Reading/Writing subscores total 950 or higher if taken March 1, 2016 or later) or above;

Associate Degree Program

For admission to associate degree programs, home school graduates must:

1. Meet Baccalaureate admissions requirements depicted in the Freshman Admissions section

OR

Complete at least 15 credit hours of the system general education requirement with a 2.0 GPA;

AND

2. Meet university minimum progression standards.

Non-Traditional Students

Applicants who are at least 24 years of age or older and who have not previously attended college will be admitted in good standing if they have graduated from high school or have successfully completed the GED with scores as indicated above.

Special Students

Students who are over 24 years of age and who wish to enroll with a partial load or who do not plan to work toward a degree may be classified as Special Students. Special Students are not eligible to receive federal financial aid.

Concurrent High School Students

High school juniors and seniors may be admitted to SDSU as a concurrent high school student once you submit a concurrent admissions application complete with documentation of high school and parent approval and a current high school transcript.

U.S. Army Concurrent Admission Program (ConAP)

SDSU is a participant in the U.S. Army Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP). This program allows qualified applicants to be admitted to SDSU at the time they enlist in the U.S. Army. For more information contact the local U.S. Army recruiter or the SDSU Admissions Office.

Regental Policy for Transfer of Credit

(SDBOR Policy 2:5)

1. Academic courses will be transferred as meeting graduation requirements if the courses parallel the scope and depth requirements for the degree or if the courses meet electives required for the degree. Credit will not be given for duplication of courses.
2. For the purposes of this policy, an accredited institution is an institution holding accreditation from one of the following regional accrediting bodies unless otherwise specified: Middle States Commission on Higher Education, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Higher Learning Commission, Northwest Accreditation Commission, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Transfer of General Education Coursework

1. Student Transfer Within the Regental System
   1. A student who has completed the general education requirements outlined in Policy 2.7 and 2.26 at the sending Regental institution will have completed the equivalent degree level requirements at the receiving institution regardless of the course distributions or approved course lists.
   2. A student who has not completed all general education requirements at the sending institution will be required to complete additional coursework consistent with the course requirements at the receiving South Dakota Regental institution.
2. Student Transfer From Accredited Non-Regental Institutions with an Associate’s Degree (A.A. and A.S.)
   1. A student who has completed General Education requirements that are consistent with the six goals and credit hour requirements outlined in Policy 2.7 and 2.26 will enter the Regental system having fulfilled the General Education program requirements. Students will be expected to meet all degree program requirements including course prerequisites.
   2. When considering whether undergraduate transfer of academic courses received from non-Regental accredited institutions shall qualify to meet the System General Education credit hour requirements outlined in Policy 2.7 and 2.26, a Regental institution shall:
      1. Evaluate the general education goals and student learning outcomes rather than specific course equivalencies;
      2. Ensure that a minimum of three (3) credit hours of coursework is required for each of the six general education goals; and
      3. Request a general education transfer agreement be approved for students entering from the institution.
   3. When it is determined that the goals and credit hour requirements from a non-Regental accredited institution do not align with Policy 2.7 and 2.26, a Regental institution may request a partial general education transfer agreement be approved where goal consistency does exist.

3. Undergraduate courses considered for transfer are subject to all BOR policies and any conditions for validation that may be prescribed by the accepting institution. When a university evaluates and accepts the transfer of undergraduate credit under the provisions of this policy, these courses will be recorded and equivalencies granted using the following guidelines:
   1. If there are specific undergraduate courses at the university evaluating the credit, these specific courses should be used when granting equivalencies.
   2. If the academic discipline is available at the university evaluating the credit, but there is no discipline equivalent course, use the discipline prefix and the appropriate course level (100 for Freshman level, 200 for Sophomore level, 300 for Junior level, and 400 for Senior level).
   3. If the academic discipline is not available at the university evaluating the credit, use the GEN, ELEC, or UNSP prefix and the appropriate course level (100 for Freshman level, 200 for Sophomore level, 300 for Junior level, and 400 for Senior level).
4. Undergraduate transfer of academic courses received from accredited United States colleges and universities.
   1. All undergraduate transfer courses and all transfer grades (whether the grades are passing or not passing) must be recorded and an equivalency specified by the Regental university, calculated into grade point averages according to the Regental grade scheme, and recorded on the student’s academic transcript.
   2. Remedial courses (as identified on the sending institution’s transcript) received in transfer are recorded, transcripted, and assigned an equivalency at the receiving university but do not calculate into grade point averages.
   3. Transfer grades not existing in the Regental grading scheme will be equated to the Regental grading system. (Refer to BOR 2:10, Use of Grade Point Averages).
   4. In any subsequent evaluation, equivalencies for system common courses and system general education courses will not be changed. Equivalencies for unique courses may be changed. In subsequent evaluations, grades previously recorded cannot be changed.
   5. The university-specific degree requirements determine if the courses transferred are applicable to the student’s degree program at that university and if they meet the minimum grade criteria.
   6. Orientation, Life Experience, General Educational Development Tests, and high school level courses are not recorded in Colleague as transfer credit nor are they granted equivalent credit.
      1. High school courses for which students received college credit will not be entered as transfer credit, or given equivalent credit, unless validated by an Advanced Placement or CLEP score that meets Board of Regents guidelines for acceptance of credit, the college credit is granted by a university with which the Board has a dual credit agreement, or the college credit is granted by an institution meeting the accreditation standards of the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP).
5. Undergraduate transfer of technical courses received from accredited United States colleges and universities.
   1. University discretion is permitted in acceptance of courses. Courses considered for transfer are subject to all BOR policies and any conditions for validation that may be prescribed by the accepting institution.
   2. When the courses are accepted for transfer, equivalent courses are recorded on the transcript but the grade earned at the technical institute is not recorded or calculated into the grade point averages.
   3. In any subsequent evaluation, equivalencies for system common courses and system general education courses will not be changed. Equivalencies for unique courses may be changed, re-evaluated, or inactivated. Additional equivalencies may be added and evaluated.
   4. The university-specific degree requirements determine if the courses transferred are applicable to the student’s degree program at that university and if they meet the minimum grade criteria.
6. Graduate transfer courses received from accredited United States colleges and universities.
   1. All graduate transfer courses and transfer grades judged to be acceptable by the evaluating university, are recorded and evaluated by the Regental university, calculated into grade point averages according to the Regental grade scheme, and recorded on the student’s academic transcript.
   2. If transfer credits are judged acceptable; these courses will be recorded, and equivalencies granted, using the following guidelines:
      1. If there are specific equivalent graduate courses at the university evaluating the credit, these specific courses should be used when granting equivalencies.
      2. If there are no equivalent graduate courses at the university evaluating the credit, these courses will be recorded, and equivalencies granted, using the following guidelines:
         1. If the academic discipline is available at the university evaluating the credit, but there is no discipline equivalent course, use the discipline prefix and the appropriate course level (500/600 for master’s programs and 700/800 for doctoral programs).
         2. If the academic discipline is not available at the university evaluating the credit, use the GEN, ELEC, or UNSP prefix and the appropriate course level (500/600 for master’s programs and 700/800 for doctoral programs).
   3. Transfer grades not existing in the Regental grading scheme will be equated to the Regental grading system.
   4. In subsequent evaluation, all equivalencies may be re-evaluated, inactivated, or changed. Additional equivalencies may be added and evaluated. In subsequent evaluations, grades previously recorded cannot be changed.
   5. The university-specific plan of study requirements determine if the courses transferred are applicable to the student’s degree program at that university and if they meet the minimum grade criteria.
7. Transfer courses received from accredited postsecondary technical institutes.
   1. An academic course is defined as a course that is equivalent to a Regental general education requirement at the 100 or 200 level.
   2. A technical course is defined as a non-academic course that meets the technical program requirements for a diploma, certificate, or Associate of Applied Science degree.
   3. South Dakota Technical Institutes
      1. Transfer of academic courses from South Dakota postsecondary technical institutes is governed by BOR policies 2:25, 2:26, 2:27, 2:28, and 2:31.
         1. Transfer grades not existing in the Regental grading scheme will be equated to the Regental grading system.
         2. In any subsequent evaluation, equivalencies for system common courses and system general education courses will not be changed. Equivalencies for unique courses may be changed.
      2. Academic courses taken under articulation agreements in effect between July 1, 1999 and June 30, 2005 will be transferred according to those agreements.
      3. Effective Fall 2005, transfer of technical course credit hours from South Dakota postsecondary technical institutes only occurs as part of a program to program articulation agreement approved by the Board of Regents and South Dakota Board of Education.
         1. The transfer of technical course credit hours occurs as a block of credit hours upon completion of requirements for the university articulated program.
         2. The CR grade is used for the block of technical course credit hours.
   4. Other Technical Institutes
      1. University discretion is permitted in acceptance of academic courses. Academic courses considered for transfer are subject to all BOR policies and any conditions for validation that may be prescribed by the accepting institution.
         1. When the academic courses are accepted for transfer, equivalent courses are recorded on the transcript.
         2. In any subsequent evaluation, equivalencies for system common courses and system general education courses will not be changed. Equivalencies for unique courses may be changed, re-evaluated, or inactivated. Additional equivalencies may be added and evaluated.
         3. The university-specific degree requirements determine if the academic courses transferred are applicable to the student’s degree program at that university and if they meet the minimum grade criteria.
      2. Transfer of technical course credit hours from non South Dakota postsecondary technical institutes only occurs as part of a program to program articulation agreement approved by the Board of Regents.
         1. The transfer of technical course credit hours occurs as a block of credit hours upon completion of requirements for the university articulated program.
         2. The CR grade is used for the block of technical course credit hours.
8. Undergraduate and graduate credits received from United States colleges or universities that are not accredited.
   1. University discretion is permitted in acceptance of courses. Courses considered for transfer are subject to all BOR policies and any conditions for validation that may be prescribed by the accepting institution.
   2. When the courses are accepted for transfer, equivalent courses are recorded on the transcript but the grade earned at the non-accredited institution is not recorded or calculated into the grade point averages using the following guidelines:
      1. If there are specific equivalent graduate courses at the university evaluating the credit, these specific courses should be used when granting equivalencies.
      2. If there are no equivalent graduate courses at the university evaluating the credit, these courses will be recorded, and equivalencies granted, using the following guidelines:
         1. If the academic discipline is available at the university evaluating the credit, but there is no discipline equivalent course, use the discipline prefix and the appropriate course level (500/600 for master’s programs and 700/800 for doctoral programs).
         2. If the academic discipline is not available at the university evaluating the credit, use the GEN, ELEC, or UNSP prefix and the appropriate course level (500/600 for master’s programs and 700/800 for doctoral programs).
   3. In any subsequent evaluation, equivalencies for system common courses and system general education courses will not be changed. Equivalencies for unique courses may be changed, re-evaluated, or inactivated. Additional equivalencies may be added and evaluated.
   4. The university-specific degree requirements determine if the courses transferred are applicable to the student’s degree program at that university and if they meet the minimum grade criteria.
9. Courses submitted in transfer from postsecondary technical institutes that are not accredited will not be accepted.
10. Undergraduate and Graduate Courses from Postsecondary Institutions outside the United States.
    1. Courses considered for transfer are subject to all BOR policies and any conditions for validation that may be prescribed by the accepting institution.
    2. When the courses are accepted for transfer, equivalent courses are recorded on the transcript. Most commonly, the grade earned at the sending institution is not recorded or calculated into the grade point averages. However, at the discretion of the institution’s chief academic officer, grades may be recorded and used to determine the transfer and cumulative GPA’s. The following guidelines will be used:
       1. If there are specific equivalent undergraduate or graduate courses at the university evaluating the credit, these specific courses should be used when granting equivalencies.
       2. If there are no equivalent graduate courses at the university evaluating the credit, these courses will be recorded, and equivalencies granted, using the following guidelines:
          1. If the academic discipline is available at the university evaluating the credit, but there is no discipline equivalent course, use the discipline prefix and the appropriate course level (500/600 for master’s programs and 700/800 for doctoral programs).
          2. If the academic discipline is not available at the university evaluating the credit, use the GEN, ELEC, or UNSP prefix and the appropriate course level (500/600 for master’s programs and 700/800 for doctoral programs).
             1. In any subsequent evaluation, equivalencies for system common courses and system general education courses will not be changed. Equivalencies for unique courses may be changed, re-evaluated, or inactivated. Additional equivalencies may be added and evaluated.
             2. The university-specific degree requirements determine if the courses transferred are applicable to the student’s degree program at that university and if they meet the minimum grade criteria.
11. Credit Received Through Validation Methods & Prior Learning Assessment
    1. Credit earned through validation methods other than nationally recognized examinations is limited to a maximum of 30 hours of credit for baccalaureate degrees and 15 hours of credit for associate degrees. Credits may be earned through established procedures for prior learning assessment, including but not limited to assessment of military training and education; each campus may determine appropriate course equivalencies as warranted.
       1. Validation of military credit is limited to an additional 30 hours of credit for baccalaureate degrees and an additional 15 hours of credit for associate degrees.
       2. University discretion is permitted in acceptance of validated military credit for graduate programs, limited to a maximum of 12 credit hours.
    2. Credit for college level courses granted through nationally recognized examinations such as CLEP, AP, DANTES, etc., will be evaluated and accepted for transfer if equivalent to Regental courses and the scores are consistent with Regental policies. Such credits are only valid if transcripted by a university within five years of the student taking the examination. Regental institutions shall honor credits from nationally recognized examinations transcripted to meet degree requirements at a non-Regental institution.
       1. If credit received through validation is applied as elective credit, it may only be applied at the 100 or 200 level.
       2. Credit received through validation may apply to System General Education Requirements and Institutional Graduation Requirements.
       3. Credit received through validation may not apply to writing intensive requirements.

    3. When validation credits are accepted, equivalent courses are recorded on the transcript but are not calculated into the grade point averages.

    4. In any subsequent evaluation, equivalencies for system common courses and system general education courses will not be changed. Equivalencies for unique courses may be changed, re-evaluated, or inactivated. Additional equivalencies may be added and evaluated.

    5. The university-specific degree requirements determine if the validation credits accepted also are applicable to the student’s degree program at that university.

12. When a course has been repeated for credit, all attempts will be entered on the transcript but the last grade earned will be used in the calculation of the grade point averages.
13. Total transfer credit for work at a two-year technical or community college may not exceed one-half of the hours required for completion of the baccalaureate degree at the accepting institution unless an approved program-specific waiver exists. The System Vice President for Academic Affairs may approve program-specific waivers of up to 75 total transfer credit hours at the accepting institution; Board of Regents approval is required for program-specific waivers of 76 total transfer credit hours up to a maximum of 90 total transfer credit hours at the accepting institution. Students who have completed more than the acceptable semester hours of junior, community or technical college work may apply completed, transferable courses to specific course requirements and thereby may not be required to repeat the courses. The semester hours of credit for those additional courses may not be applied toward the minimum credit hours required for the degree. Students who have completed more than the acceptable semester hours of junior, community or technical college work may apply completed, transferable courses to specific course requirements and thereby may not be required to repeat the courses. The semester hours of credit for those additional courses may not be applied toward the minimum credit hours required for the degree.
14. System general education requirements successfully completed at the sending South Dakota Regental institution will be accepted towards meeting these requirements at the accepting South Dakota Regental institution. In any subsequent evaluation of any transfer or non-course work, equivalencies for system common courses and system general education courses will not be changed.
15. Evaluations of courses will be made by the appropriate institutional officials at the time of admission by comparing descriptions, content, and level of courses completed with those at the accepting institution.
16. Each institution will develop and maintain a procedure for the appeal of transfer credit decisions.
17. A Regental internal transfer process occurs when an undergraduate course is used on a converted credit basis to meet graduate plan of study requirements at Regental universities or when graduate credit is used on a converted or actual credit basis to meet undergraduate degree requirements for a Regental accelerated program. Refer to BOR policy 2:8.3.A and 2:8.3.B.

Transfer between Regental Universities

Transfer between any of the six South Dakota Board of Regents universities has been further facilitated by the recent revision of the common course numbering system and the STUDENT Project. Most general education courses at all six universities now have the same prefix, course number, and title. This will help transferring students understand how their courses will most likely transfer. Please be aware that majors and colleges have specific program requirements that must be met. These can include a minimum grade for transfer, a course sequence, or a more advanced course.

Articulation Agreements

Technical Institute courses are designed to prepare students to enter the workforce for careers requiring less than a baccalaureate degree. Acceptance of these courses for credit at the South Dakota public universities is strictly the function of the receiving institution. Students who wish to transfer credits to a South Dakota public university for programs should contact the Admissions Office of that desired university for an evaluation of their program objectives and technical institute transcript. An individual evaluation of course credits will be made by the receiving public university in accordance with institutional and Board of Regents policy.

South Dakota State University has established articulation plans with a number of technical institute programs. Articulation agreements also have been established with tribal colleges, regional community colleges, other colleges and universities, and selected international educational institutions. College deans assist students in determining the status of articulated courses.

Correspondence Credit

South Dakota State University will grant credit for correspondence courses from other colleges under the following circumstances: Limited credit for correspondence work may be applied toward a degree. Such credit will not be approved if the work is done while the student is enrolled in the University, unless arrangements have been made in advance with the dean of your college. Maximum acceptable credit by correspondence may be limited by the dean of the college you are entering. No credit will be given for correspondence courses in ENGL 101, 201, or 379 unless such courses are taken from a South Dakota Board of Regents institution.

A person not enrolled at SDSU who wants to earn credits by correspondence and apply them toward a degree at SDSU should consult with the appropriate college dean.

Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC)

South Dakota State University has been designated as an institutional member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC), a group of more than 400 colleges and universities providing voluntary postsecondary education to members of the military throughout the world. As a SOC member, SDSU recognizes the unique nature of the military lifestyle and has committed itself to easing the transfer of relevant course credits, providing flexible academic residency requirements, and crediting learning from appropriate military training and experiences. Servicemembers Opportunity College has been developed jointly by educational representatives of each of the Armed Services, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and a consortium of thirteen leading national higher education associations. It is sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges (AACJC).

Admission with Advanced Standing

Students may be qualified to enter college at a level above the average freshman. Students may receive this advanced standing and/or credit through a variety of testing programs (see “Examination for University Credit”). The final decision in granting advanced standing and/or credit rests with the head of the department in which the credit is sought.

Admission of International Students on Nonimmigrant Visas

SDSU is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for students from abroad and has traditionally enrolled students from over 90 different countries.

To be considered for admission, an international student must submit:

• International Student Application.
• Official academic transcripts for all secondary and postsecondary education.
• Official report of academic English language proficiency.
• Financial certification form/supporting financial documentation.
• Application fee of US $20.00.

International students generally need to have a minimum secondary grade point average of 2.6 (on a 4.00 grading scale) or have the equivalent of a B average in the U.S. System, or college transfer grade point average of a 2.0 or higher. Transfer students from academic programs at other U.S. institutions must have completed at least 24 consecutive semester credits (36 quarter credits) at a single institution. SDSU requires a minimum score submission from non-native English speakers of 61 TOEFL iBT (500 PBT), 44 Pearson PTE, or 5.5 IELTS.  SDSU also provides a list of waiver countries that are considered to be native English speakers and a comprehensive list of acceptable proof of language proficiency.

International students are required to purchase and maintain university approved health insurance for themselves and their dependents for the duration of their enrollment at SDSU.

SDSU regrets that it is unable to offer financial aid such as tuition waivers to international students. Applicants must, therefore, show clear evidence of adequate resources for financing their program of study.

SDSU reserves the right to require advance deposits of estimated tuition, fees, and living expenses when warranted by prevailing foreign exchange difficulties.

International Students have a separate application packet. Applicants outside of the U.S. must complete applications and submit documentation by June 15 to be considered for fall admission and November 15 for spring admission. Applications not meeting the deadline requirement for one semester will remain active and considered for the following semester when completed. Contact the International Student Affairs Office for the application packet and further information: International Student Affairs, Briggs Library, Suite 119; Box 2115, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: 605-688-4122; e-mail sdsu.intlstud@sdstate.edu or fax 605-688-6540.

Policy for Transfer of International Undergraduate Credit

College level and advanced secondary level courses taken at international institutions will be evaluated for transfer consideration by an independent credential evaluation service. Students who have been accepted to South Dakota State University and have attended colleges or universities outside the United States must provide South Dakota State University with an ICAP Comprehensive Course-by-Course evaluation from World Educations Services, Inc. www.wes.org. This is not required for admission; however, it is required to determine how your credits will apply toward your degree requirements. Credit will be considered for transfer only when content is determined to be equivalent to SDSU courses. A syllabus from the international institution is required to determine equivalency. No elective credit will be allowed for courses not equivalent to SDSU courses. No English course will be accepted for credit from an international institution. For those international institutions that have an articulation agreement with SDSU, the agreement determines the courses that transfer full credit.

Transfer credit grades from international institutions will not be entered in the cumulative or semester grade point averages, but will be entered on the SDSU transcript as “CR” (credit) grades. There will be a limit of 32 credits which may be transferred from international institutions determined to be vocational/technical level programs.

The only exception to the above-stated policy will be if the student earns credit through participation in programs sponsored by universities and member organizations with which SDSU has a South Dakota Board of Regents-approved agreement. Students earning such credit through an approved program will have the option of electing either the satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) or letter grade option, provided the transcript, or its equivalent, as supplied by the partner university or membership organization, has letter grades recorded on it. The student and the student’s advisor, or department head or the International Affairs Director, depending upon the course/courses in question, will determine before the exchange takes place whether the S/U or letter grade option will be used. Such an agreement must be made in writing, with a copy sent to the SDSU Office of International Affairs for the student’s file.

Non-Native Speakers of English

All international non-native English speaking (NNES) undergraduate students entering South Dakota State University will have the opportunity to take the Accuplacer Exam for placement into the appropriate English writing courses.

1. In accordance with policies mandated for domestic students, international NNES undergraduate students will have the opportunity to take the Accuplacer exams to enter ENGL 101.
2. All international NNES undergraduate students who do not meet minimum Accuplacer scores (86) required for ENGL 101 will enroll in ENGL 013: English as a Second Language: More Complex Structural Patterns and Advanced Composition or ENGL 099: English as a Second Language (Advanced ESL remedial writing 2).
3. In the event that an International NNES student has not taken or does not wish to take the Accuplacer exams, the student’s equivalent TOEFL/IELTS score can be used to place students into ENGL 013 (TOEFL average ≤22 or IELTS average ≤6.0) or ENGL 099 (TOEFL average 22-23 or IELTS Average =6.5) only.
4. No student shall enter ENGL 101 without successful completion of ENGL 099 or required Accuplacer scores, regardless of scores on TOEFL and IELTS exams.

Testing will be conducted prior to enrollment. Results will be used to determine whether a student needs to complete one or more support courses in English as a Second Language in addition to regular academic classes. The courses are designed to better prepare students for their academic program in general as well as for the English core curricula required of all entering students.

Further information regarding English proficiency requirements may be obtained from the English Language and Culture Institute, West Hall 121, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007, Phone: 605-688-5076. E-mail: sdsu.esl@sdstate.edu.

Residency Requirements

In accordance with South Dakota Codified Law and Board of Regents Policy, establishment of resident status hinges on the following criteria:

• Location of permanent residence within the borders of South Dakota
• Purpose for reasons other than pursuit of higher education
• Time span of 12 or more consecutive months which immediately precedes the first scheduled day of classes for the first term of post-secondary study

Qualifications for residency for tuition purposes may be obtained by visiting www.sdstate.edu keywords: residency requirements or by contacting the SDSU Admissions Office at 605-688-4121.