About

South Dakota State University (often called SDSU) is a distinguished public land?grant research university located in Brookings, South Dakota, United States, and it stands as the state’s largest and most comprehensive higher?education institution with a Fall?2025 enrollment of over 12,000 students from all 50 states and nearly 80 countries, offering a broad array of academic programs including around 90 undergraduate majors, 35 specializations, 107 minors, 39 master’s programs, 17 doctoral programs and professional doctorates in fields like engineering, agriculture, nursing and pharmacy as well as liberal arts, sciences, education and more; grounded in its Morrill Act heritage, SDSU emphasizes both practical and research?driven learning and fosters opportunities for students to engage in innovative research, experiential education and community impact while benefiting from a supportive environment that challenges and supports personal growth from the first day on campus through graduation. Founded in 1881, SDSU has grown into a vibrant research university that collaborates with industry, government and community partners to translate discovery into real?world solutions, particularly in areas such as precision agriculture, rural health and bioprocessing, and aspires toward the highest tier of research classification (R1) by 2031. The campus community participates in Division?I athletics as the Jackrabbits, enjoys a robust student life with clubs, traditions and service?oriented programs, and contributes meaningfully to the cultural and economic vitality of the Brookings region and beyond, all while maintaining its mission to provide the benefits of higher education to learners from diverse backgrounds and to prepare graduates for successful careers and engaged citizenship in a global society.

Industries Served

Agriculture & Natural Resources, Precision Agriculture Technology, Rural Health & Well?Being, Bioprocessing & Biotechnology, Life Sciences & Health Care, Engineering & Manufacturing, Education & Workforce Development, Community Development, Youth Development & 4?H, Food Safety & Nutrition, Environmental & Water/Soil Conservation, Renewable Energy & Biofuels, Startups & Tech Innovation, Government & Nonprofit Sectors, Agribusiness & Farm Industry, Livestock & Crop Production, Family & Wellness Sectors.