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South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

501 East Saint Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD 57701-3995, USA

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology award
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology award
US ranking
position: 398
Tuition & fees per year: $10,400
Acceptance rate: 85.00%
Median alumni salary: $70,036
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1280 SAT, 27 ACT
Entrance difficulty: N/A

Courtesy of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

What is the history of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?

South Dakota Mines, established in 1885, was originally known as the Dakota School of Mines. Its initial purpose was to offer education and training in mining, engineering, and metallurgy. The school was situated in Rapid City, South Dakota, a thriving mining town during that period. It was the first institution of its kind in the region and quickly earned a reputation for delivering high-quality education.

In its early years, the school provided courses in mining engineering, metallurgy, and chemistry. Despite starting with only four students, the institution rapidly expanded in both size and reputation. By 1901, the school had broadened its curriculum and was renamed South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, now called South Dakota Mines for short.

Over the decades, the university has continually evolved, extending its academic programs beyond mining and engineering. Today, South Dakota Mines offers degrees in diverse fields such as computer science, physics, and civil engineering. It has also established research centers specializing in areas like materials science, nanotechnology, and energy.

During World War II, the school played a crucial role in the war effort by providing training and research facilities for the military. Post-war, the institution continued to grow, becoming a leading establishment in engineering, science, and technology.

In 1963, the school became part of the South Dakota Board of Regents system. More recently, South Dakota Mines has concentrated on enhancing the student experience through initiatives like the Student Success Center and the SlideRule program.

Today, South Dakota Mines is a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, science, and technology. The school is recognized for its strong emphasis on hands-on learning and research, and its graduates are highly sought after by employers in various industries.

What are the faculties and departments at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?

South Dakota Mines is a university that is entirely focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. The institution offers a variety of degrees, including Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Computer Engineering, to name a few.

The university prides itself on a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, which allows for personalized attention and guidance.

The faculty at South Dakota Mines are highly qualified, many of whom hold Ph.D. degrees from renowned universities such as South Dakota Mines, University of Michigan, Yale, Princeton, Colorado School of Mines, University of Tennessee, Arizona State University, and the University of Utah. These faculty members are committed to delivering a high-quality education and equipping students for successful careers in their respective fields.

South Dakota Mines is a leading STEM university that offers a wide range of faculties and departments, all aimed at helping students reach their academic and career aspirations.

What is the location of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?

South Dakota Mines is nestled in the heart of Rapid City, South Dakota, a city located in the Midwest region of the United States. The campus is situated at 501 East Saint Joseph Street, with the ZIP Code 57701-3995. This location offers prospective students a unique blend of urban and natural environments, as the campus is positioned on the eastern slope of the small foothills of the Black Hills.

Rapid City provides a vibrant backdrop for South Dakota Mines, offering a range of amenities and attractions that could enhance a student’s college experience.

What is the mission and vision of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?

The strategic plan, mission, and goals for South Dakota Mines is broken down into several categories. The vision of the university is to develop world-class leaders in science and engineering to benefit society. The mission is broken down into three parts: educate, innovate, and engage. The university strives to educate scientists and engineers to address global challenges, the university seeks to innovate to reach our creative potential, and the university wants to engage in partnerships to transform society.

The university has several goals, as well. The university strives for academic and co-curricular excellence and to graduate students who are innovative and ready to solve global problems. The university has a research and innovation goal to discover knowledge and create partnerships that benefit society. Through outreach and engagement, the university has a goal to build recognition and respect by promoting our achievements and increasing engagement. Finally, the university has a goal to create an inclusive campus culture and thriving campus environment.

What is the accreditation of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?

South Dakota Mines, a higher education institution in the United States, has been recognized by the Higher Learning Commission since 1925. This accreditation is a testament to the institution’s commitment to providing quality education and maintaining high academic standards.

In addition to this, the institution has also been granted programmatic accreditations by several esteemed bodies. These include the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET, the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, and the American Chemical Society (ACS). These accreditations are particularly significant for prospective students interested in the fields of computing and engineering.

The school’s engineering programs have been specifically accredited by ABET. These programs encompass a wide range of disciplines, including Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Geological Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Geology, and Mining Engineering.

The ABET accreditation is a significant marker of quality for these programs. It ensures that the programs adhere to the standards of the profession and equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career in their chosen field. Therefore, prospective students can be assured of the quality and relevance of the education they will receive at South Dakota Mines.

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rankings

See where this school lands in our other Rankings to get a bigger picture of the institution's offerings.

97 Best Colleges in the Midwest in 2023-2024 US

159 Best Public Colleges in 2023-2024

246 Most Popular Colleges in the Midwest in 2023-2024 US

398 Best Colleges in 2023-2024

991 Most Popular Colleges in 2023-2024

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Research.com Awards

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Profile - Basic Information

Name of the institution

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Level of institution

Four or more years

Granulation by control over the institution (public/private)

Public

School type

University

Setting type

City: Small

Calendar system

Semesters

Foundation year

1885

Institution size category

1,000 - 4,999

Main student body

Coeducational

Institutional Category

Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or above

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Programs and Degrees

iconMaster's degree
iconAssociate's degree
iconBachelor's degree
iconPostbaccalaureate certificate
iconPost-master's certificate
iconDoctor's degree - research/scholarship
iconOther degree
iconCertificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
iconCertificate of less than 1 year
iconCertificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
iconDoctor's degree - other
iconDoctor's degree - professional practice

Alumni Salary for South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Degrees

Degrees

Avg. salary

Engineering

$61,253