Dickinson State University

Dickinson State strives to provide a safe, affordable, and accessible learning environment for students. Ranked fourth in regional public colleges in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2017 Best Colleges list, DSU is also recognized as the safest public institution of higher education in the state by backgroundchecks.org and graduates have the lowest amount of student loan debt among ND graduates according to LendEDU.com. Dickinson State University is a regional four year institution within the North Dakota University System. The university’s mission is to provide high quality, accessible programs; to promote excellence in teaching and learning; to support scholarly and creative activities; and to provide service relevant to the economy, health, and quality of life for the citizens of the state of North Dakota. Dickinson State Normal School was established in 1916 by a constitutional amendment approved by North Dakotan voters. Classes began in 1918 with a two-year program designed to train elementary and secondary school teachers. Over 100 students attended those first classes, which were held at Dickinson High School—the newly established university had not yet begun construction. May Hall, the first building on campus, was completed in 1924. In 1931, four-year degrees were offered for the first time under the school’s new name: Dickinson State Teachers College. In recognition of the institution’s broadened curriculum, Dickinson State Teachers College became Dickinson State College in 1963. University status was granted to the school in 1987. Dickinson State University began to offer baccalaureate programs in cooperation with NDUS regional associate degree institutions in 1998; Bismarck State College was the first site established. In the fall of 2003, DSU began to offer online courses, making it possible for the institution to extend their programs globally. Today, the university offers 40 bachelor’s degree programs, four associate degree programs, three certificate of completion programs, and two certificate programs. Courses are offered in Dickinson, the state capitol of Bismarck, Williston and online.