Admission Requirements

Minimum Requirements*
All baccalaureate or general studies students under twenty-one (21) years of age, including students transferring with fewer than twenty-four (24) credit hours, must meet the following minimum course requirements with at least a "C" average:
  1. Four years of English - courses with major emphasis upon grammar, composition, or literary analysis; one year of debate instruction may be included to meet this requirement.
  2. Three years of advanced mathematics - algebra, geometry, trigonometry or other advanced mathematics including accelerated or honors mathematics (algebra) provided at the 8th grade level; not included are arithmetic, business mathematics, general mathematics or other similar courses.
  3. Three years of laboratory science - courses in biology, chemistry, or physics in which at least one (1) regular laboratory period is scheduled each week. Accelerated or honors science (biology, physics or chemistry) provided in the 8th grade shall be accepted. Qualifying "physical science courses (with lab)" will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
  4. Three years of social science - history, economics, sociology, geography, government—including U.S. and South Dakota, American Problems, etc.
  5. Demonstrated computer skills - basic keyboarding skills and experience using Internet or other wide area network.
  6. One-half year of fine arts – art, theater, or music appreciation, analysis or performance.

Students who have not completed the minimum course requirements may demonstrate equivalent competency by attaining the following ACT (American College Testing) or Advanced Placement Examination scores:

English: ACT English sub-test score of 17 or above OR AP Language/Composition or Literature/Composition score of 2 or above.

Mathematics: ACT Mathematics sub-test score of 17 or above OR AP Calculus AB or Calculus BC score of 2 or above.

Science: ACT Science sub-test score of 17 or above OR AP Biology, Chemistry, Physics B, or Physics C score of 2 or above.

Social Science: ACT Social Studies/Reading sub-test score of 17 or above OR AP Microeconomics, Macro-economics, Comparative or United States Government and Politics, European or United States History, or Psychology score of 2 or above.

Computer Science: AP Computer Science A or AB score of 2 or above.

Fine Arts: AP History of Art, Studio Art 9 drawing or general portfolio or Music Theory score of 2 or above.

In addition, students must meet at least ONE of the following criteria to be granted admission:

  1. ACT (American College Testing) composite score of 18 or above.
  2. Rank in the top 60% of high school graduating class.
  3. High school grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.6 on a 4.0 scale.

Mandatory Mathematics Placement Procedure

Since Fall 1989, each campus has had a mandatory mathematics placement procedure for incoming freshmen. The instruments and criteria used for mandatory placement are at the discretion of each institution.

Exception Group

Each university may admit a group of students, limited in size to 3% of the previous year’s freshmen class, at the discretion of the university. The purpose of this exception group is to permit universities to admit students from under represented or under served populations, students with learning disabilities, or students with demonstrated artistic, musical, or athletic talent. Each university shall provide a progress report by June 30 each year on students admitted as part of this exception group. The report shall provide information on the reason for admission, year of admission, and student grade point average.

Non-Traditional Junior/Senior Transfer Students

Non-traditional students (21 years of age or older) and students transferring with more than twenty-four (24) credit hours into a baccalaureate or general studies program shall be admitted at the discretion of the institution. Non-traditional students in baccalaureate programs are encouraged to fulfill the minimum course requirements.

One-Year Certificate and Two-Year Associate Degree Programs

Students shall be admitted to certificate and associate degree programs at the discretion of the institution.

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