Admissions Requirements

Baccalaureate Degree Programs

Admission criteria are subject to change or amendment by the Board of Regents of South Dakota and by the six universities in the Board of Regents system. The following amended requirements have been approved by the BOR.

 (Applicants younger than 24 years old at the start of term)

Admission Requirements*

  • Achieve a high school GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
    AND
  • Complete high school coursework requirements as listed below
    AND
  • Proof of College Algebra-readiness by one of the following methods:
    • ACT or SAT math sub-score of at least 20/520
    • Completion of a college math course (Intermediate Algebra or higher)
    • Qualifying score on the Accuplacer exam

      OR

  • Are a South Dakota Regents' Scholar

    High School Coursework Requirements

All degree-seeking applicants must complete the following required courses with a cumulative grade point average of a “C” or higher (2.0 on a 4.0 scale):

  • 4 years of English
    OR ACT English sub-test score of 18 or above OR AP English score of 3 or above
  • 3 years of Advanced Mathematics (includes algebra or any higher level of math)
    OR ACT Math sub-test score of 20 or above
    OR AP Calculus score of 3 or above
  • 3 years of Laboratory Science (includes biology, chemistry, physics, or other approved science courses in which there is a weekly lab period scheduled)
    OR ACT Science Reasoning sub-test score of 17 or above
    OR AP Science score of 3 or above
  • 3 years of Social Science
    OR ACT Social Studies/Reading sub-test score of 17 or above
    OR AP Social Studies score of 3 or above
  • 1 year of Fine Arts
    OR AP Fine Arts score of 3 or above

For purposes of admission, a degree seeking student who has attained the age of 24 and has not previously attended any post-secondary institution is classified as a non-traditional student. Non-traditional students who are high school graduates or have completed the general equivalency diploma (GED) and can demonstrate college algebra readiness will be considered for admission.

It is the policy of the South Dakota Mines to recognize that there is a great diversity in the background and goals of non-traditional students seeking college admissions. Each individual is evaluated for admission to the South Dakota Mines based on the minimum admission requirements as prescribed by the Board of Regents. Additional consideration will be given to non-traditional students who do not meet the BOR undergraduate admission requirements.

  • Non-traditional students who are high school graduates and meet the BOR minimum requirements will be admitted.
  • Non-traditional students who are not high school graduates and have obtained an ACT composite score of 18, ACT English and Mathematics sub-test scores of at least 18, and Social Studies/Reading and Science reasoning sub-test scores of at least 17, and meet any university determined requirements for admission will be admitted.
  • Non-traditional students who are not high school graduates and have completed the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) with the following scores:
    Scores earned since January 1, 2014: Reach a score of at least 145 on each subject and a total score of 580 or higher across all four subjects;
    Scores earned before January 1, 2014: Reach a score of at least 150 on each subject and a total score of 600 or higher across all four subjects
  • Non-traditional students who do not fit within the categories above will be considered for admission based on life experience and other evidence of success. Applications will be reviewed by a review group composed of the coordinator of educational services, the director of admissions, and the assistant director of admissions. An applicant accepted under this section will be placed on a one-semester probationary status. The review group reserves the right to impose additional conditions.

Transfer students who have earned fewer than 24 semester credits must also meet the freshman admission requirements above. Transfer students with 24 or more semester credits are eligible to be candidates for admission if they meet the standards below:

  • Have a cumulative college grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
  • Have proof of college algebra readiness.
  • Are in good standing with their most recently attended school.

NOTE: Minimum cumulative transfer GPA on all college work (24 or more total college credits) for acceptance consideration is 2.00. Applicants with cumulative transfer GPAs between 2.00 and 2.75 on all college work (24 or more total college credits) will be considered individually. Students with a lack of coursework or weak performance within mathematics and science classes are advised to improve their skills before applying.

Former students who want to reapply for admission must submit another admission application and official transcripts directly to the Office of Admissions for all colleges attended since leaving the university. You must reapply for admission if you if you interrupt your attendance by a semester or more.  Additional documentation will be required if a name change has occurred since prior attendance.  If your attendance has been interrupted by three or more semesters, you will be required to pay the $20 fee.

A student who desires to take classes at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology without being classified as a degree-seeking student must complete the undergraduate application for admission. Non-degree-seeking students are limited to enrolling in up to 30 credit hours of courses without becoming a degree-seeking student. Non-degree-seeking students may be required to submit an official copy of their previous college transcript(s) to verify prerequisites. Non-degree-seeking students are not eligible to receive financial aid.