SDSU in Review

General Information

An act of the Territorial Legislature approved in 1881 provided for the establishment of what is now South Dakota State University.  As a Land-Grant institution, the University subscribes to the philosophy of education, research, and extension as its three-fold mission. The Graduate School is a separate administrative unit composed of selected scholars within the University engaged in work to further the land-grant mission. The institution granted its first Master of Science degree in 1891, its first Master of Education degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1958. All graduate work was supervised by a committee until 1957, when the Graduate School was established. 

The Graduate Council consists of fourteen (14) members, with one (1) representative and one (1) alternate from each college. The Dean of the Library serves as an ex-officio voting member.

The Graduate Faculty is composed of the University President, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, college deans, heads of departments in which graduate courses are offered, and tenure-track faculty with a terminal degree. Faculty who are not tenure-track and/or do not have a terminal degree will follow the nomination process for associate graduate faculty status and must be approved by the Graduate Council. All matters of policy and standards are acted on by the Graduate Faculty. In addition, Graduate Faculty are authorized to serve on graduate student committees, advise graduate students, and teach graduate-level courses.

The Graduate School provides an atmosphere for qualified students to obtain rigorous advanced education in a variety of fields in preparation for service and leadership in their professions and society. The Graduate School promotes scholarly pursuits and scientific research for the advancement of knowledge within a climate of freedom of inquiry. For material on undergraduate programs and for general information concerning South Dakota State University, refer to the Undergraduate Catalog.

This Catalog is printed to provide information about the graduate programs of South Dakota State University. Every effort has been made to provide as complete and accurate information as possible; however, it should be noted that changes may occur at any time and that the catalog does not represent a contractual agreement. The university reserves the right, as approved by the Board of Regents, to modify requirements, curricula offerings, and charges, and to add, alter, or delete courses and programs through appropriate procedures.  While reasonable efforts will be made to publicize such changes, a student is encouraged to seek current information from appropriate offices.

Students are allowed to fulfill the degree requirements in effect at the time of initial enrollment as a degree-seeking student, provided the student completes the degree requirements within the stated time frame through continuous enrollment. If a student needs to re-apply to a degree program, the guidelines in effect at the time of re-application must then be followed. It is the student’s responsibility to become familiar with and complete the requirements for the degree being sought.

Accreditations

The University holds institutional membership in a number of educational associations: the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (1307 New York Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005-4722; Phone: 202-478-6040) promotes the aims expressed in the Morrill Act of 1862, and in the subsequent acts of Congress relating to Land-Grant Colleges.

South Dakota State University Academic Accreditations and Certifications