Overview
The Exploratory Studies programme at South Dakota State University provides a structured environment for students who are undecided about their specific major or career path. This initiative is the most popular choice for first-year students, offering a supportive framework to reflect on personal interests and professional goals. By engaging with this pathway, you can evaluate various academic disciplines before committing to a final degree specialisation.
The curriculum is designed to assist with the transition to university life while establishing a robust academic base. Students work closely with advisors to set personal and professional objectives, ensuring they make informed decisions about their future.
Why Exploratory Studies at South Dakota State University?
Choosing this pathway allows you to save both time and money by avoiding multiple changes to your major later in your academic journey. You will gain access to comprehensive career research resources and world-class faculty who help you discover fields of study you may not have previously considered. The programme takes a holistic approach to student success, resulting in higher levels of satisfaction with the overall university experience.
The university has developed five distinct tracks to help narrow your focus based on broad interest areas. These tracks include Education, Social Sciences and Management; Humanities, Fine Arts and Design; Health Sciences; Engineering, Technology and Math; and Agriculture and Natural Sciences. Each track provides unique insights into related industries, helping you find a clear direction that aligns with your natural strengths.
Tuition Fee Breakdown
- International fee: USD 387 per credit
- National fee: USD 387 per credit
- Local fee: USD 267 per credit
Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.
Syllabus
The curriculum focuses on developing the essential skills required for high-level university study and professional decision-making. Modules may include:
- Exploratory Studies
- First Year Seminar
- Mastering Lifetime Learning Skills
- Academic and Career Success
- Career Planning
- Major Exploration
Careers with Exploratory Studies
This programme is specifically designed to lead into a wide variety of professional fields by helping students select the most appropriate major for their intended career. Graduates from the various tracks often move into roles within education, healthcare, engineering, or the arts. By utilising the Office of Career Development and specialised research tools, students identify industries where their skills are in high demand.
The focus on goal setting and resource management prepares students for the rigours of the modern workforce. Whether your interests lie in working with others in social sciences or hands-on roles in agriculture, the programme ensures you have the necessary information to pursue a successful career. The structured support system helps bridge the gap between general interest and specific professional employment.
Programme Structure
Exploratory Studies Course Tracks:
- Education, Social Sciences, and Management (focusing on working with others)
- Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design (developing and creating something meaningful)
- Health Sciences (having a career that focuses on helping others)
- Engineering, Technology, and Math (thinking in numbers and working with concrete resources)
- Agriculture and Natural Sciences(working in a hands-on environment)
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 48 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before , International
-
- Starting
- Apply before , International
-
National: SDSU accepts applications on a rolling admissions timeline.
Language
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Credits
Delivered
Campus Location
- Brookings, United States
Disciplines
Education General Engineering & Technology Fine Arts View 456 other Bachelors in Fine Arts in United StatesWhat students do after studying
Academic requirements
English requirements
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- Trusted by 300k learners
- 98 accuracy using real exam data
- 4.9/5 student rating
Other requirements
General requirements
For admission to SDSU, we look for one of the following academic achievements:
- An ACT composite score or ACT superscore of 18 or SAT Math and Reading/Writing subscore total of 970 or
- Level 3 or higher on Math and English Language Arts Smarter Balance Assessment or
- A high school cumulative GPA of 2.6 or higher or
- A ranking in the top 60 percent of graduating class.
Students should also complete the following core courses with a “C” average or above:
- 4 years of English (or ACT English subscore of 18 or above).
- 3 years of advanced math—Algebra I and higher (or ACT math subscore of 20).
- 3 years of laboratory science (or ACT science reasoning subscore of 17).
- 3 years of social science (or ACT reading subscore of 17).
- 1 year of fine arts (or AP Fine Arts score of 3 or above) Includes vocal, instrumental and studio arts.
Tuition Fees
-
International Applies to you
Applies to youNon-residents11610 USD / year≈ 11610 USD / year - Out-of-State11610 USD / year≈ 11610 USD / year
-
Domestic
Applies to youIn-State8010 USD / year≈ 8010 USD / year
Additional Details
Minnesota Resident: $312.25 per credit.
Living costs
Brookings
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
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Scholarships Information
Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Exploratory Studies.
Available Scholarships
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
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