The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (South Dakota Mines) is committed to excellence in science and engineering academics and research, and to developing the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers. The university offers a wide array of bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees.
Founded in 1885 to provide instruction in the region’s primary industry, mining, today the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology has evolved into one of the leading science and engineering universities in the region.
Located in Rapid City, in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, South Dakota Mines offers a rigorous academic experience, supported by small class sizes, committed faculty members, and many student development programs and organizations. We’re known for STEM Academics, Personal Attention, Outstanding Internship Opportunities, Great Value, Our wonderful location: the Rushmore Region
Welcome International Students!
The South Dakota Mines has a strong, inter-connected international community of students, faculty, resources and support. We all work together to help international students thrive and succeed here.
International students have historically constituted approximately 5 percent to 10 percent of the total student population. The number of international students is approximately 150 from more than 35 countries, enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate studies. The faculty includes many people with international backgrounds as well.
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Wherever you’re from, there is no doubt that you’ve heard about COVID-19, and that it has changed your life in a significant way. Colleges and universities all across the United States are making steps to adapt to the changes this virus has made and the threat it poses to international education
Named one of the best engineering schools in the country for return on investment, South Dakota Mines is the place you’ll find your people. You’ll master skills you didn’t think possible and study alongside passionate, brilliant classmates. You’ll learn from world-class science and engineering professors and have the opportunity to do research even as an undergrad.
With more than 20 bachelor’s degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), South Dakota Mines will open a whole world to you. Learn about our many programs here and don’t forget about our accelerated master’s degree, which allows you to finish both an undergrad and master’s in just five years. You’ll have an opportunity to explore everything from robotics and counterfeit drug prevention, to dinosaurs and pre-healthcare.
Our programs emphasize hands-on learning in maker spaces and labs that feature the same equipment you’ll use on the job. Break things. Build things. Then get paid to do it professionally.
The future is STEM, with careers expected to grow 13% by 2027. Come find your future at South Dakota Mines.
South Dakota Mines students get hired—often before they’ve even finished school. Our recent graduates have an average starting salary of $66,516, so you can be sure that you’ll get an excellent return on your college investment.
When it comes to return on investment, South Dakota Mines is hard to beat. For the past three years, we’ve been named the #1 Engineering School for Return on Investment from among 323 similar institutions across the United States. It’s also among the top 100 schools in the country for early and mid-career salaries. As a Mines graduate, you will enjoy an average starting salary of $66,500 and a placement rate of 96%.
A world-class education calls for faculty who are excellent instructors—and exceptional mentors too. At South Dakota Mines, you’ll benefit from small class sizes and ample face time with experienced professors who are every bit as invested in your success as you are. With their extensive knowledge, personalized guidance and valuable industry connections at your disposal, you’ll have all the support you’ll need to bring your goals to life.
Students at South Dakota Mines are smart, but nobody’s perfect. We believe that with cooperation and support for one another, we can empower every member of our campus community to reach their full potential.
Life at South Dakota Mines is more than books, homework, and tests. It’s robot races on the Quad, blacksmithing on Friday afternoons, late-night hangouts with friends in the dorm, and cheering for your favorite Hardrocker sports team. It’s finding “your” people – friends who geek out at the same stuff you do, whether that’s esports, robotics, fossils, or chemistry experiments. You’ll work alongside “your” people in classrooms and on student teams and organizations. At Mines, it’s more about collaboration than competition, and you’ll never be alone in your passions and interests.
There’s a reason the Black Hills attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. There’s tons to see and do! Our campus is nestled in the eastern slope of the Black Hills, just minutes away from the vibrant streets of Rapid City. Walk or bike downtown to grab a bite with friends, check out the local shops or put your puzzle-solving skills to the test at an escape room. Want to get away from it all for a while? Embark on an outdoor adventure in Badlands National Park or the Black Hills National Forest, where you can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, hunting, kayaking, trail riding and so much more.