Overview

The General Studies programme at South Dakota State University provides a versatile academic framework designed for students who wish to transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. This undergraduate degree allows learners to integrate various fields of study into a cohesive qualification that aligns with their specific professional aspirations and intellectual interests. By offering a customisable curriculum, the university ensures that returning students and adult learners can effectively leverage their previous college credits.

This programme is particularly suited for self-motivated individuals who thrive on intellectual challenges and wish to explore diverse career paths.

Why General Studies at South Dakota State University?

Choosing this programme at South Dakota State University allows students to access a wide range of academic resources across the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. The university provides multiple learning locations, including the Brookings Main Campus, Pierre, and Rapid City, alongside a comprehensive online study mode. This accessibility ensures that students can balance their education with professional and personal commitments while benefiting from the institution's established reputation for academic excellence.

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 around diverse focus areas, allowing students to select modules that best fit their objectives. Modules may include:

Agriculture and Natural Resource Management
Allied Health
Business
Education
Engineering
Fine Arts
Humanities
Social Science
Science and Mathematics

Careers with General Studies

Graduates of the General Studies programme are equipped for a broad spectrum of professional roles across various sectors. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree prepares students for positions in business, social services, and technology. Many alumni also choose to pursue further education in graduate school to specialise in a specific field.

Common career paths and roles for graduates include:

Business professional
Child care specialist
Sales representative
Entrepreneur
Radiologic technologist
IT systems administrator
Care specialist

Graduates have secured employment with a variety of notable organisations, including Avera Health, city government offices, St. Joseph’s Indian School, and the South Dakota Retailers Association. The programme also provides a strong foundation for those interested in self-employment or continuing their professional development within South Dakota State University.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Written Communication

Oral Communication

Social Sciences/Diversity

Arts and Humanities/Diversity

Mathematics

Natural Sciences

Audience

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, Online

Campus Location

Brookings, United States

Disciplines

General Studies View 585 other Bachelors in General Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.6

English requirements

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IELTS

5.5

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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 General Studies.

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

Audience

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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