Dakota State University

Two DSU Degrees for Graphic Design Jobs

Dakota State University appears in our ranking of the 20 Most Affordable Associates in Web Design and Development Online.

Online via D2L Brightspace, the College of Business & Information Systems awards a Web Development AS for Dakota State University Trojans who practice the programming basics of designing dynamic, data-driven internet pages securely accessed by consumer traffic. Directed by Dr. Dorine Bennett, the NSA Center of Academic Excellence delivers this 60-credit online associate at a 17:1 student-faculty ratio with a Fujitsu Tablet Program. Four semesters of 200-level asynchronous courses like Structured Systems Analysis and Data Communication aptly prepare for Microsoft MCSD certifications. There’s also a 12-credit Website Design and Development Certificate.

At Beadle Hall, the College of Arts & Sciences houses a Digital Arts and Design BS that gives on-campus Dakota State undergrads full creative license to utilize diverse media for conveying impactful stories through visual communication means. Led by Mr. Thomas Jones since 2000, the 120-credit, HLC-accredited major splits into four specializations: Computer Graphics, Film and Cinematic Arts, Digital Sound Design, or Production Animation. Students practice using Adobe Creative Cloud software in studio-based daytime or evening courses like 3D Design, Digital Editing, and Design Preproduction. Other options include joining Art Club, interning at The Hood magazine, photographing the Monster X Tour, entering the General Beadle Honors Program, and minoring in New Media.

About Dakota State University

Dakota State University originated in 1881 when Governor Nehemiah G. Ordway signed legislation to found the territory’s first teachers college called the Dakota State Normal School. In 1902, it became the Madison State Normal School in honor of its Lake County location. In 1927, its name was changed to Eastern State Teachers College as bachelor’s degrees grew. Two decades later, it was titled General Beadle State Teachers College after its beloved third president. In 1969, the institution came full circle to become Dakota State College. In 1984, the South Dakota Board of Regents chose Dakota State to specialize in new computing fields. On July 1, 1989, the Dakota State University name was adopted to signify graduate education. In 2004, DSU was recognized for cyber operations by the National Security Agency.

Endowed for $11.2 million, Dakota State University now inspires 3,382 Trojans from 49 states and 59 nations to “Embrace Innovation” online or at the 61-acre Madison campus with 30+ clubs like Phi Beta Lambda. In 2018, DSU’s Information Security Team was a National Central Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition finalist. In 2019, Dakota State was chosen to host the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Award ceremony. DSU won the 2018 American Institute of Architects South Dakota People’s Choice Award for its Beacom Institute too. The U.S. News & World Report ranked DSU the 118th best Midwest college and 36th top public school. On Niche, DSU boasts America’s 37th best online classes, 343th best public education, and 390th safest campus. College Factual named Dakota State University 18th for information technology. Washington Monthly crowned DSU the 200th best Midwestern value.

Dakota State University Accreditation Details

On January 18, 2019, the Higher Learning Commission on North Central Association (HLC-NCA) Institutional Actions Council formally informed Dakota State University that the Level V accreditation status was successfully extended through 2028-29 under its 23rd president, Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, who earned the American Society for Information Science Award of Merit. Located 616 miles east via Interstate 90 in Chicago, this giant 19-state Great Plains Region accreditor is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to check the quality of DSU’s seven associate, 29 baccalaureate, seven master’s, and two doctoral degrees. Further, Dakota State was reaffirmed by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) on February 26, 2019.

Dakota State University Application Requirements

Enrolling at Dakota State University is classified “moderately difficult” by Peterson’s because 820 of the 972 Fall 2017 applicants were triumphant for selective 84 percent acceptance. First-year Trojans seeking the Web Development AS must graduate from a licensed secondary school. Non-graduates and homeschooled students are welcome with GED scores above 580. Freshmen must rank in the upper 60th percentile of their classes. Cumulative GPAs of 2.6 and better are mandated in grades 9-12. Undergrads should reach at least the 18 ACT or 950 SAT mark. The General Beadle Honors Program enforces a 26 ACT and 3.7 GPA minimum. Advanced Placement courses like Fine Arts graded 3 or better will transfer. The Digital Arts and Design BS makes testing optional for nontraditional students over 24 years old. Same goes for individuals who’ve finished 24+ college credits at 2.0 GPAs.

Dakota State University has implemented a convenient rolling admission process. However, international students must file before June 15th for Fall or November 15th for Spring entry. The priority date for financial aid consideration is April 1st each year. The General Beadle Honors Program makes admission decisions the first week of June. Prospective Digital Arts and Design Department majors accordingly complete the $20 DSU Application online. Official transcripts are mailed to 820 North Washington Avenue in Madison, SD 57042. Electronic testing reports are generated with SAT code 6247 or ACT code 3910. Inquire further about program-specific steps at (605) 256-5696 or admission@dsu.edu.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For 2019-20, Dakota State University is charging full-time South Dakota undergrads $4,371 each semester. Non-resident associate/bachelor’s tuition is $5,906 by term. The Minnesota Reciprocity rate drops to $4,303 per semester. Traditional part-time study ranges from $286 to $393 per credit. Undergrads cover the $396 wireless computing fee. Room and board charges to reside at the Madison campus’ six dorms like Emry Hall are $3,516 extra. DSU budgets $1,200 yearly for books and supplies. Annual traditional attendance equals about $16,568 in-state, $16,433 from Minnesota, and $19,639 out-of-state. The Online Web Development AS bills flat-rate tuition of $351 per credit or $21,060 total. Current military receive an online discount to $250 per credit.

According to the NCES College Navigator, the Financial Aid Office in Heston Hall connects 41 percent of full-time DSU Trojans to tuition assistance averaging $4,126 each for $4.83 million combined. University funds include the Julie Doerr Farley Scholarship, Miles & Lisa Beacom Scholarship, Arleen Amert Scholarship, Hatterscheidt Foundation Scholarship, Kappa Sigma Iota Scholarship, John Ostraat Memorial Scholarship, Judith Payne Scholarship, Deb & Greg Reed Scholarship, Sioux Valley Energy Scholarship, Raymond Rauenhorst Scholarship, Allan Fisher Visual Arts Scholarship, and Faith & Don Stratton Scholarship. The Presidential Champion Scholarship gifts $2,150 yearly to freshmen exceeding the 28 ACT or 1240 SAT mark. The $1,000 Transfer Champion Scholarship selects current undergrads with 3.0 GPAs or higher. Signed FAFSA applications coded 003463 determine financial need for the Federal Pell Grant, Opportunity Grant, Work-Study Program, and Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan. South Dakota residents pursue the Dakota Corps Scholarship, Jump Start Scholarship, Annis Irene Fowler/Kaden Scholarship, Hagen-Harvey Scholarship, and more.

Keep learning about Dakota State University at the Digital Arts and Design Department website.