
1200 University Street, Spearfish, SD 57799-9502, USA


Black Hills State University was established in the late 19th century, initially serving as a teacher training school. Its founding mission focused on preparing educators to meet the needs of the growing region. Over the years, the institution expanded its academic offerings beyond teacher education to include a wider range of undergraduate and graduate programs. This evolution reflected its transformation from a specialized normal school into a comprehensive university. Throughout its history, Black Hills State University has maintained a commitment to providing accessible higher education while adapting to changing educational demands. The university's development included multiple name changes and periods of growth, each marking significant shifts in its academic scope and institutional goals. Such changes illustrate its ongoing dedication to serving both local and regional student populations with diverse programs and opportunities.
Black Hills State University offers a range of academic divisions designed to cater to diverse student interests and career goals. These include the College of Arts and Humanities, which focuses on disciplines such as communication, history, and philosophy, providing a strong liberal arts foundation. The College of Business and Natural Sciences emphasizes programs in business administration, economics, biology, and environmental sciences, preparing students for both corporate and scientific fields. Additionally, the College of Education is dedicated to training future educators with coursework in teaching methodologies and educational leadership. Prospective students can choose from these concentrated areas of study to align their academic pursuits with professional ambitions.
Black Hills State University is situated in Spearfish, South Dakota, a city in the Midwest region of the United States. The university's campus is located at 1200 University Street, Spearfish, SD 57799-9502. Spearfish offers a setting that combines small-town charm with access to regional amenities, catering well to students seeking a community-oriented environment.
For healthcare needs, students have access to nearby medical facilities such as the Rapid City Regional hospital, ensuring convenient medical support within reach. The local area code is 642-6131, which may be useful for prospective students when making local arrangements or inquiries.
Black Hills State University aims to provide a comprehensive education that prepares students for success in a diverse and evolving world. The university emphasizes fostering critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning, ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills necessary for both professional achievements and meaningful contributions to society.
Its vision focuses on becoming a leading institution recognized for academic excellence and personalized learning experiences. The university strives to create an inclusive environment that supports innovation and community engagement, encouraging students to explore their potential and develop as responsible global citizens.
Commitment to student growth, accessibility, and quality education underpins the university's goals, offering programs designed to meet the needs of a variety of learners and promoting a culture that values diversity and collaboration.
Name of the institution
Black Hills State UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
Town: DistantInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999School type
Comprehensive higher education institutionMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1883
Certificate of less than 1 year
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Accounting and Related Services
Data not availableBiology, General
$25,935Business Administration, Management and Operations
$36,641Chemistry
Data not availableCommunication and Media Studies
$25,611Community Organization and Advocacy
$29,934Design and Applied Arts
Data not availableEnglish Language and Literature, General
Data not availableEntrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
Data not availableEthnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
Data not availableFilm/Video and Photographic Arts
Data not availableFine and Studio Arts
Data not availableGeneral Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
Data not availableHealth and Physical Education/Fitness
$21,080History
Data not availableHospitality Administration/Management
Data not availableHuman Resources Management and Services
Data not availableIndustrial Production Technologies/Technicians
Data not availableLiberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Data not availableMathematics
Data not availableMusic
Data not availableOutdoor Education
Data not availableParks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
Data not availablePhysical Sciences
Data not availablePhysical Sciences, Other
Data not availablePolitical Science and Government
Data not availablePsychology, General
$28,162Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
Data not availableRhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
Data not availableRomance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Data not availableSocial Sciences, General
Data not availableSociology
$29,825Special Education and Teaching
$38,787Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$36,857Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
$37,943