We're USD - the state's flagship university: The big-time university with a small-college feel. We're memorable mentors and lifelong friends. We're world-class academics and out-of-class opportunities. We're innovative technology and long-standing tradition. We're your university. We Are South Dakota.
- #801 Ranking
- 57 Bachelors
- 453 Academic Staff
- 9,971 Students
- Public Institution Type
Top reasons to study here
- Our Campus is been called "elegant," "eye-catching" and "naturally beautiful" with a "striking combination of old and new structures."
- Through our online and off-campus programs, we've moved some of our most popular programs closer to you.
- Forbes ranks USD among the nation's Top Colleges overall with additional rankings as a Forbes’ Top Research Universities and Best in the Midwest.
Bachelor's programmes
Humanities (15)
- B.F.A. Ceramics
- B.A. English
- B.A. German
- B.A. History
- B.M. Music Performance
- B.F.A. Painting
- B.A. Philosophy
- B.F.A. Printmaking
- B.F.A. Sculpture
- B.A. Spanish
Education & Training (12)
- B.F.A. Art Education
- B.S.Ed. Elementary Education
- B.S.Ed. Elementary and Special Education
- B.M. Music Education
- B.Sc. Psychology
Arts, Design & Architecture (11)
- B.F.A. Art Education
- B.F.A. Ceramics
- B.F.A. Graphic Design
- B.M. Music Education
- B.M. Music Performance
- B.M.A. Musical Arts
- B.F.A. Painting
- B.F.A. Photography
- B.F.A. Printmaking
- B.F.A. Sculpture
- Bachelor Theatre - Theatre Specialization
Social Sciences (11)
- B.A. Anthropology
- B.B.A. Economics
- B.Sc. Economics
- B.A. German
- B.Sc. Political Science
- B.Sc. Psychology
- B.Sc. Social Work
Natural Sciences & Mathematics (10)
- B.Sc. Biology
- B.Sc. Computer Science
- B.B.A. Economics
- B.Sc. Economics
- B.Sc. Mathematical Sciences
- B.Sc. Medical Biology
- B.Sc. Physics
Business & Management (9)
- B.B.A. Accounting
- B.B.A. Business Administration
- B.B.A. Economics
- B.Sc. Economics
- B.B.A. Human Resource Management
- B.B.A. Management
- B.B.A. Marketing
Medicine & Health (9)
- B.Sc. Dental Hygiene
- B.Sc. Exercise Science
- B.Sc. Health Sciences
- B.Sc. Medical Biology
- B.Sc. Nursing
- B.Sc. Psychology
Journalism & Media (3)
- B.A. Media and Journalism
- B.F.A. Photography
Computer Science & IT (2)
- B.Sc. Computer Science
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (2)
- B.Sc. Political Science
- B.Sc. Sustainability
Hospitality, Leisure & Sports (2)
- B.Sc. Exercise Science
Applied Sciences & Professions (1)
- B.Sc. Social Work
Engineering & Technology (1)
- B.Sc. Sustainability
Law (1)
- B.A. Criminal Justice
About
History
When the first Legislature of the Dakota Territory met in 1862, it authorized the establishment of the University at Vermillion, making it the oldest postsecondary institution in the Dakotas. The authorization was unfunded, however, and classes did not begin until 20 years later under the auspices of the privately incorporated University of Dakota.
Education
There's nothing quite like attending class on the beautiful USD campus. But with your job, family and other responsibilities, it's not always possible to pursue your degree in Vermillion.
Through our online and off-campus programs, we've moved some of our most popular programs closer to you while helping you move closer to your educational goal: A degree from the University of South Dakota.
Research
The University of South Dakota is a vibrant setting of innovation artistry and discovery, with research and creative activity opportunity in all disciplines across campus. In addition to individual research, the university hosts multi-disciplinary competitive research centers that foster academic excellence and spur economic growth.
Career
We will coach you through your major curriculum and career plans to ensure you every opportunity to be successful upon graduation.
ACPC can help you with many things during your enrollment at USD, such as:
- Succeeding academically and socially in your first year
- Academic scheduling and major exploration, declaration or change
- Helping you promote your skills to secure internships and employment opportunities
- Connecting you with employers
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2021
GSSA 2021
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2021. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 8 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
Learn more about the Global Student Satisfaction AwardsUniversity Ranking
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2022
801
2021
801 -200
2020
601
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2022
-
2021
1329
2020
-
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Services
Student services
The college years can be filled with new and enriching experiences but can also present challenges which may interfere with your academic progress and emotional well-being. The Student Counseling Center's (SCC) goal is to help you make the most of your years here at USD. On our website you will find information about our services, staff, campus resources, crisis management and how to refer someone. There are also links to self-help tools and general health information.
Library services
The University Libraries strives to advance the teaching, learning, and research priorities of the University of South Dakota by providing services in discovering, accessing, and using authoritative resources and collections.
Medical services
It's never too late to begin the journey to better health, and the Wellness Center is here to help you achieve whatever goal you have set for yourself. We have daily classes, personal trainers and state-of-the-art facilities that will provide you with all the tools necessary to reach your potential.
Student Life
Campus life
It's been called "elegant," "eye-catching" and "naturally beautiful" with a "striking combination of old and new structures." Most of all, it's called "home" by our students, faculty and staff. Come and experience the beauty of USD for yourself.
Sports facilities
- Basketball
- Football
- Golf
- Cross Country
- Swimming and Diving
- Track and Field
Student clubs
There are more than 120 organizations and clubs, including social, sports, religious, pre-professional and hobby groups.
Accreditation
Continuously accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1913.
Student Reviews
Great academic experience!
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars
It is a small campus with very dedicated teachers
experience
harsh kapadia rated 4 out of 5 stars
practical knowledge was missing,otherwise overall experience was great
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