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South Dakota Mines offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and a world-class education at an affordable price. SDM is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The undergraduate programs for all engineering, geology, and computer science degrees are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). In addition, the chemistry program is certified by the American Chemical Society.

See the full list of programs offered here:  www.sdsmt.edu/academics/explore-all-programs/

The division of Student Success encompasses all the help a student might need on their academic journey. Programs within this division, centrally located in the recently renovated Devereaux Library, include the Vanderboom Office of Student Success, home to the first-year transition programming for the university, including the First-Year Peer Mentor program, Tandem Advising Program, and First-Year Experience. The office also houses the university’s student success platform, Navigate 360, or as we call it, Hardrocker Success. Advisors within this office work closely with students to help them acclimate to the academic environment and university setting and work closely with faculty to ensure students stay on track academically. Other support mechanisms in the Devereaux include the SD-FIRST program, a scholarship program for first-generation students, the Tutoring and Testing Centers, the Slide Rule Math Help Center, the Mines Makerspace, Career Services, Accessibility Services, and Library Services.

South Dakota Mines employs 264 staff and 170 faculty who are unwavering in their commitment to the success and growth of our students. Many of our faculty are leaders in their respective fields with proven success in research and innovation. With a 12:1 faculty-to-student ratio, we prioritize personalized education, ensuring that every student receives the attention and support they need to succeed. From offering one-on-one mentorship and guidance to providing state-of-the-art resources and facilities, South Dakota Mines is committed to preparing students to become the next generation of leaders in the STEM fields.

Student life at South Dakota Mines is an enriching experience, blending rigorous academic pursuits with a wide variety of co-curricular and extracurricular activities. Students here enjoy a family-like community where lifelong friendships are formed. The campus offers over 120 clubs and organizations, from engineering societies and professional associations to competition teams and recreational groups. This diverse mix allows students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and engage in leadership opportunities. Additionally, the scenic surroundings of Rapid City provide ample opportunities for outdoor adventures such as hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and skiing.

Co-curricular activities are designed to enhance students' personal and professional development through various programs. CAMP is a competitive, nationally recognized program that brings students, faculty, and industry leaders together to partner on real-world projects, helping students become well-rounded scientists and engineers through participation on multidisciplinary competition teams in fields such as robotics, rockets, and racecars. These teams often work in The CAT Lab, a well-equipped space for collaboration and hands-on experimentation. The Personal Development Promise program, supported by industry, offers optional seminars to develop essential soft skills in areas like Global Awareness & Inclusion, Community Service & Citizenship, Communication & Relationships, Safety & Wellness, and Life Skills & Development. Popular seminars include Basic Self-Defense, Outdoor Survival Skills, Financial Literacy, and Homeownership & Renting. The President’s Leadership Academy (PLA) is a year-long leadership development program that immerses students in the skills and perspectives of effective leaders through a CEO speaker series, exclusive dinner conversations, engagement with elected officials, and networking opportunities with various leaders.

Despite not having any music majors or minors, nearly 300 students participate in nine music ensembles, including bands, choirs, and string orchestra. Over 45 students are currently on music scholarships totaling more than $65,000. Concerts are held on campus each fall and spring, with a special holiday concert performed at the local cathedral each December, and the Hardrocker Pep Band is an active club for Hardrocker Athletics. Recently, music at Mines has become recognized for excellence regionally and internationally and is being integrated into Arts and Engineering projects across campus.

Beyond the classroom, the university emphasizes the importance of community involvement and service. Students are encouraged to participate in volunteer work and community service projects, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and social awareness. The university also hosts numerous events and activities throughout the year, including career fairs, cultural festivals, and guest lectures, enhancing the overall student experience. With access to cutting-edge research facilities from the undergraduate through graduate levels and a supportive network of peers and mentors, our students are well-equipped to succeed academically while enjoying a fulfilling and well-rounded college life.

See more about student life here:  https://www.sdsmt.edu/student-life/index.html

Hardrocker Athletics play a pivotal role in enriching the student experience and fostering school spirit. Our teams compete in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) of NCAA Division II, showcasing exceptional talent and dedication in various sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, and track and field. The RMAC is a premier NCAA Division II conference with 15 members, as well as four associate members, located in the states of California, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Utah.

Scholar-athletes at South Dakota Mines are known for their perseverance, teamwork, and commitment to excellence, both on the field and in the classroom. Through sports, students develop leadership skills, discipline, and a strong sense of camaraderie, contributing to the vibrant campus community and enhancing the overall university experience.he average GPA of all scholar-athletes is 3.282 with a department GPA of 3.0 for 24 semesters in a row. Athletics teams also average more than 2,500 community service hours annually.

During the NCAA DII era, Hardrocker Athletics has produced:

• 9 All-Americans
• 3 Academic All-Americans
• 5 RMAC Academic Player of the Year awards
• 14 RMAC Summit Award Winners

O’Harra Stadium offers one of the most unique viewing experiences in college football. It is the hub for outdoor activities for Hardrocker Athletics as well as the Rapid City Area Schools, civic groups, and community organizations. 

The King Center houses the wellness center, Fraser Gym, locker rooms, racquetball courts, and Goodell Gym, where our Hardrocker basketball and volleyball teams compete.

Visit our athletics website here:  https://gorockers.com/

The next president will play a key role in refining the ongoing case for support for philanthropic resources needed to advance the university’s scholarships, operational and campus enhancement goals. Having raised more than $20.5 million in each of the past three years, the next president will be called to work collaboratively with the Center for Alumni Relations and Advancement (CARA) and to continue this successful trend and close out the five-year $100 million New Heights Campaign.

Visit the CARA website here:  https://cara.sdsmt.edu/

South Dakota Mines promotes an innovative and research-driven culture that pushes the boundaries of knowledge and creates wide-ranging partnerships that benefit society through economic growth. The university has a unique and successful approach to innovation and commercialization that supports faculty and student researchers in their pursuit of discovery.   

In FY23, research expenditures were $19 million, an increase of 62% since 2019, and research awards were $24 million, an increase of 71% since 2019. Top funding sources include the National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, State of South Dakota, Department of Energy, NASA, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Industry, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The research agenda for Mines focuses on five broad topics:

1. Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
2. Data Science and Numerical Modeling
3. Smart and Resilient Cyberinfrastructure
4. Critical and Sustainable Resources
5. Deep Underground Science and Engineering

Current research initiatives:

• Bioprocessing at CNAM Bio and Dakota BioWorx
• Quantum Information Science
• Energy Storage
• Neutrino Research at Sanford Underground Research Facility
• Advanced Metals Processing

An Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

South Dakota Mines fosters a robust ecosystem of entrepreneurship that nurtures excellent ideas and turns them into thriving companies. Since 2012, the Office of Economic Development (OED) has helped faculty and students turn innovative ideas into businesses and inventions through various activities including:

• The Entrepreneurs-in-Residence program has 50 seasoned business executives and successful entrepreneurs who mentor students in developing business plans for their product ideas. The program has also created angel funds, raising more than $5 million to invest in Mines startups.
• $270,000 has been awarded to students and faculty in the Governor's Giant Vision Business Plan Competition. Mines has earned 16 out of 21 first-place awards.
• Over 100 teams have competed in an annual program called the Competitive Entrepreneurial Opportunity (CEO) Business Plan Competition since it started 10 years ago, resulting in several student-led, tech-based startups. These student-led startups have gone on to win SBIR funding, angel investment and to ultimately sell product.
• National Innovation Corps (I-Corps), sponsored by the NSF, enhances researchers' understanding of the commercial potential of the technologies they develop as they participate in a rigorous customer discovery process. Mines, the smallest member of the Great Plains Region I-Corps Hub, had 11 teams apply for the 2023 program, second only to the largest university in the consortium.
• Mines has received two Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) awards. The program helps researchers and innovators translate research into technologies and spurs university spinoff companies.

Read more about research here:  https://www.sdsmt.edu/research-innovation/index.html

South Dakota Mines receives its funding from a combination of state appropriations, federal grants, private donations, tuition and fees, and research contracts. For FY25, the university expects revenues of $87 million, not including plant funds. Of the expected revenues, state appropriations provide 29% while tuition and fees bring in 25%. Federal grants account for 20% of the anticipated funding, with another 12% in state, private, and other grant revenues. General sales and auxiliary revenues make up the remaining 14%.

In the 2022-2023 school year, $9,385,317 in grant or scholarship aid was awarded to undergraduate students, 83% of first-time, full-time undergraduate students received grant or scholarship aid, and 46% of undergraduate students borrowed federal student loans.

See the breakdown of tuition and fees here:  https://www.sdsmt.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-and-fees/index.html