Overview

The Journalism programme at South Dakota State University provides students with the essential technical and critical thinking skills required to excel in the fast-paced media industry. By combining rigorous academic coursework with practical experiential learning, the university ensures that graduates are prepared to tell impactful stories across various digital and traditional platforms.

Why Journalism at South Dakota State University?

Students benefit from a versatile curriculum that covers both broadcast and news-editorial journalism. The university emphasises hands-on experience, requiring an internship to ensure students gain professional exposure before graduation. Additionally, the department supports active student media outlets, including KSDJ FM Radio and The Collegian, providing real-world environments to hone reporting and editing skills.

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 is designed to build expertise in multi-platform communication and ethical reporting. Modules may include:

Broadcast Journalism
News-Editorial Journalism
Digital Storytelling
Reporting
Editing
Photojournalism

Careers with Journalism

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped for diverse roles within the media, corporate, and public sectors. Many alumni secure positions as reporters for television stations or newspapers, while others pursue careers as digital media managers, copy editors, or news producers. The skills gained also translate effectively into roles within government agencies and non-profit organisations.

Recent graduates have found success with a variety of prominent employers, including:

KELOLAND Media Group
Daktronics
Dakota News Now
Watertown Public Opinion
FloSports

The programme's strong emphasis on professional placement is evidenced by students securing internships at high-profile organisations such as CBS Sports, 605 Magazine, and the Grand Forks Herald. These opportunities allow students to build professional networks and apply their classroom knowledge to real-world media challenges.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Basic Media Writing

Social Media Strategies

Digital Media

Data Analysis in Communication

News Editing
Editing Laboratory

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-15 00:00:00 , International

More details

National: SDSU accepts applications on a rolling admissions timeline.

Language

English

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IELTS

5.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Brookings, United States

Disciplines

Journalism View 514 other Bachelors in Journalism in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.6

English requirements

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

5.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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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

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

11610 USD / year

≈ 11610 USD / year
Out-of-State

11610 USD / year

≈ 11610 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8010 USD / year

≈ 8010 USD / year

Additional Details

Minnesota Resident: $312.25 per credit.

Living costs

Brookings

United States

1085 - 1888 USD / month

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 Journalism.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Brookings

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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