10 Best Sociology Bachelor's Degree Schools in South Dakota

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In South Dakota, it is easy to find wondrous views, especially when you take the trip to see Mount Rushmore.

Though you won’t find a large population of people here, you will discover wildlife and nature beyond measure.

Expect to see and do some incredibly adventurous things in South Dakota, and when you are ready you can find education institutions far and wide.

Whether you are looking for a large college or a small one, you will have your options in South Dakota.

People from South Dakota may even be looking out of state to find their next Bachelors degree, and there are definitely options in surrounding states as well.

Take a look at ten of the best schools for people from South Dakota who want to earn a degree in Sociology, whether in South Dakota or a nearby land.

1South Dakota State University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Online

South Dakota State University is the first school on our list, and for good reason.

Not only does this school offer in-person classes, but students are welcome to take their education online as well.

This comprehensive learning system is great for those who want a larger college experience and also accommodating for those who want to stay home and learn.

With over 200 options for degrees, South Dakota State University is a wonderful pick.

One of those programs is the Sociology Bachelors degree, which will provide students with knowledge in areas such as:

  • Investigating the Social World
  • Sociological Theory
  • Research Methods
  • Global Citizenship and Diversity

In order to stay in this program, students will need to maintain a 2.0 GPA throughout the four years it takes to earn the degree.

Seniors will need to complete a capstone project to show how much they have learned and how they can implement that into their lives.

Once you have finished all the 120 credit hours required for graduation, it is time to take your knowledge into the real world and score a career like:

  • Adoption Agent
  • Corrections Officer
  • City Planner
  • Program Specialist

Enrollment

Head to the South Dakota State University campus to begin a tour before committing to the school to ensure this is the right decision for you.

After deciding that you’d like to study here, apply directly on the website.

This is an easy and quick application that should take no more than thirty minutes of your time.

You will need to create an account in order to submit your application.

While you are on the admissions tab, you’ll want to take a look at the criteria for enrollment, which includes information like:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous education
  • SAT or ACT scores

After completing all of the necessary paperwork, there will be about a two week wait before you hear back from an academic advisor about the status of your application.

Fees

South Dakota residents will pay $7,770 per year not including room and board to attend South Dakota State University.

Non residents will pay $11,280 per year to attend this school, which does not reflect the prices of room and board.

This means that if you are a resident of South Dakota, a four year degree will cost about $31,080 and non-residents will pay $45,120.

Resident halls cost between $2,163 and $3,812 per semester and meal plans cost anywhere from $1,660 and $2,127 per semester.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1451 Stadium Rd. Brookings, SD 57007
  • Phone: 800-952-3541
  • Website: www.sdstate.edu

2University of South Dakota

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Online

The University of South Dakota is another great public school that offers both online and in-person degrees in various programs.

Located in Vermillion, South Dakota, students come from far and wide to enjoy this mid-sized college.

However, if you plan to stay home and learn that works as well, even in the Sociology Bachelors degree program.

The Sociology Bachelors degree is a four year commitment that helps students understand culture, race, ethnicity, social change, and much more.

In this program, you will take on research opportunities as well as discussion in classes such as:

  • Socio Cultural Theory
  • Methods of Social Research
  • Medical Sociology
  • Sociology of Education

In order to complete this program, you will need to maintain a 2.0 GPA throughout your time here.

After finishing all the requirements at the University of South Dakota, you will be ready to take on a role in Sociology like:

  • Consumer Advocate
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Youth Counselor
  • Technical Writer

Enrollment

If you are interested in enrolling at the University of South Dakota, academic advisors suggest taking a tour of the campus before committing.

This way, you’ll know if this school is right for you.

Once you have decided that you want to make the University of South Dakota your home for the next four years, head to the website to begin the simple application.

Please include the following information along with your application:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous education
  • ACT or SAT scores
  • Housing information
  • Financial aid information

After submitting, an academic advisor will contact you within two weeks via phone or email.

Then, you’ll get the chance to sign up for orientation as well as classes and begin your first day of school.

Fees

Students form South Dakota will pay $18,856 per year including housing and meal plans.

Since it takes four years to complete a degree here, graduates will pay $75,424.

If you do not plan to use meal and boarding plans, that total cost will be $7,773 per year, which would end up being $31,902 upon graduation.

Students from Minnesota will pay $19,801 including room and board per year.

That total comes out to $79,204 upon graduation.

Those from other states will pay $22,366 per year including room and board.

A four year degree at the University of South Dakota for out of state graduates would equal about $89,304.

Contact Information

  • Address: 414 East Clark St. Vermillion, SD 57069
  • Phone: 877-269-6837
  • Website: www.usd.edu

3Black Hills State University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Founded in 1887, Black Hills University is a comprehensive public school in Spearfish, South Dakota.

This small campus is perfect for individualized learning and exploring higher education on a personal level.

Currently, about 3,500 students attend Black Hill State University each year, and you could be one of them.

You will find about 55 Bachelors level programs, including the Sociology degree that is great for people who want to understand society and culture.

Students will learn in four years all about social change, race, identity and much more in courses such as:

  • Social Stratification
  • Race and Ethnic Relations
  • Self and Society
  • Social Deviance

Students will need to take on an internship during their senior year which will last about one semester.

Then, it is time to engage in the real world once you graduate and succeed in a role like:

  • Law Enforcement
  • Social Scientist
  • Child Welfare Worker
  • Technical Writer

Enrollment

Check out the application options under the admissions tab on the Black Hills State University website.

Prospective students can apply as a first year freshman, transfer student, international learner, military student and adult learner.

Whichever application you choose will lead you toward a great career in a variety of majors.

Along with your application, it is important to submit the following information:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous university
  • ACT or SAT scores

Once you have been admitted, you’ll want to sign up for housing amenities if you need them as well as financial aid.

The application process should take no more than 3o minutes of your time.

Fees

The tuition at Black Hills State University is different for South Dakota residents than it is for residents of other states.

For those who are from South Dakota, the yearly tuition cost is $17,265 which equals out to $69,060 after four years of education.

All other states will have a higher tuition rate of $20,367 or $81,468 upon graduation.

Books and supplies are another expense that may apply and could cost about $1,000 a year.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for all students.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1200 University St. Spearfish, SD 57799
  • Phone: 605-642-6131
  • Website: www.bhsu.edu

4University of Sioux Falls

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Some people may be more equipped to enjoy a private education, and this can be done at the University of Sioux Falls.

This Christian Liberal Arts school is dedicated to encompassing faith and education, all while helping students succeed.

While you do not need to be a Christian in order to attend, it is considered an important part of the education system here.

At the University of Sioux Falls, you will find about 60 undergraduate degrees, including the Sociology Bachelors degree.

It will take four years to finish out your degree, and in that time students will take on interesting and insightful classes such as:

  • Human Behavior and Social Environment
  • Methods of Research
  • General Psychology
  • Domestic Violence

Students will need to take on independent study courses to help them focus and understand what they have learned in their time at the University of Sioux Falls.

After finishing out this 120 credit hour degree, expect to find many doors open for you in roles like:

  • Market Research Analyst
  • Interviewer
  • Surveyor
  • Child Welfare Officer

Enrollment

You can apply to the University of Sioux Falls even as a high school student.

Check out the admissions tab on the website to learn more about all the types of students who can apply.

Everything that you want to do with your application can be done right online and all you’ll need to provide is your transcripts and ACT or SAT scores.

Then, you’ll hear back from an academic advisor in about a week or two about whether you have been accepted or not.

At which time you’ll be able to begin orientation, enrolling in classes, and learning more about your new school.

Fees

Full time tuition for this school is $20,340 per year or $81,360 for four years of education.

Housing and meal plans are not added into these prices as they vary, some meal plans cost about $4,000 per year and rooms cost between $4,000 and $5,000 per year.

Additional tuition fees may include:

  • Books and supplies – $1,000
  • Transportation – $1,700
  • Personal expenses- $2,500

Contact Information

  • Address: 1101 West 22nd St. Sioux Falls, SD 57105
  • Phone: 605-331-5000
  • Website: www.usiouxfalls.edu

5Northern State University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

This public school is ranked in the top 100 for Best Midwest Schools by U.S. News and World Report and is known as Northern State University.

Located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, you’ll find that this school has focused on student success since its founding in 1901.

With just about 3,000 students attending each year, this small school is great for those who are looking for a tight knit community.

You’ll have the option of just 59 programs to choose from here, and one of those is the Sociology Bachelors degree.

This Bachelors degree will require four years of your time and is insightful for those who want to learn more about society and human behavior.

Take on research and independent thinking in courses that are taught by industry professionals like:

  • Global Identities
  • Race and Ethic Relations
  • Sociology of Aging
  • Law and Society

Northern State University allows Bachelors degree graduates to earn their Masters degree in just one year after graduation.

Once you have completed all of the requirements for graduation, it is time to think about what doors will open for you in the world of Sociology, including:

  • Survey Research Technician
  • Market Researcher
  • Foreign Affairs Officer
  • Criminologist

Enrollment

Applying for admission at Northern State University is quite simple and can be done right on the school’s website.

You can even take a virtual campus tour if you can’t get to the physical campus to see what the school is all about.

On the website, you’ll want to head to the admissions tab to get started.

Once there, you can complete the application and provide your transcripts and ACT or SAT scores.

After completing all of the required information, you’ll need to wait to hear back from an academic advisor.

This can take about two weeks, at which time they will discuss orientation, enrolling in classes, and beginning your first day of school.

Fees

A year’s tuition for South Dakota residents will be $17,863 for on-campus living and meal plans included.

Without room and board, the price of tuition is $7,615.

South Dakota residents will pay between $30,460 and $71,452 for an education.

Those from Minnesota will pay $19,810 per year including room and board.

Minnesota residents will pay a four year tuition of $79,240.

Other students will pay $20,965 per year including room and board.

This comes out to $83,860 for a college education at Northern State University.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1200 South Jay St. Aberdeen, SD 57401
  • Phone: 605-626-3011
  • Website: www.northern.edu

6Dakota Wesleyan University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Dakota Wesleyan University is located in Mitchell, South Dakota and is a tiny school of just about 700 students.

Ranked at number 23 for Best Midwest Universities, Dakota Wesleyan University is the perfect spot to earn an exceptional education.

Small classes make up this 55 acre campus, which is a private institution with Christian beliefs.

Currently, there are 40 different Bachelors degree programs available here, and one of those is the Sociology degree.

Students will study human behavior and how it affects each and every one of us in four years.

Expect to take on general education classes as well as more specialized courses including:

  • Marriage and the Family
  • Methods of Social Research
  • Social Psychology
  • Minority Groups

It will require 120 credit hours to complete this degree.

Then, prepare yourself for a role in Sociology once you gradate from Dakota Wesleyan University.

Some of the great careers that await you are:

  • Criminologist
  • Corrections Officer
  • Human Services Worker
  • Program Specialist

Enrollment

Before you apply to Dakota Wesleyan University you may want to take a campus tour to make sure that the school is fit for you.

Once you have decided, head to the website to begin the easy and quick application process.

It shouldn’t take more than thirty minutes to complete the application if you have all the necessary paperwork ready to go.

You will need to have transcripts from your high school or previous education in order to apply.

Right now, applications are free, so get ready to fill out your information.

Once you have been accepted you can enroll in classes and get ready for your first day of school.

Fees

The total yearly cost of tuition here is $31,700 or $40,490 for those who want to take part in room and board amenities.

This means that a four year degree will cost between $126,800 and $161,960 for all students who attend Dakota Wesleyan University.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for all students.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1200 West University Ave. Mitchell, SD 57301
  • Phone: 800-333-8506
  • Website: www.dwu.edu

7North Dakota State University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

Our first out of state school is in the north at North Dakota State University, which is the largest university in North Dakota.

Students from South Dakota will need to move to this new state in order to begin their journey to earning a Bachelors degree as there are only in person programs here.

However, you will like this rural campus of just about 12,000 students attending each year.

Students will be involved in interesting courses that are taught by professors who have the highest degree in their field.

Not only that, but small classes are perfect for individualized attention and success, especially in the Sociology Bachelors degree program.

Within this program students are faced with the comprehensive experiential education needed to further their career, especially in classes like:

  • Social Inequality
  • Gender Issues
  • Environmental Sociology
  • Applied Sociology

In order to finish out your college career here, you will need to complete a local internship to show how much you have learned as well as to gain hands-on experience.

After that, you will be ready to find a lifelong career in Sociology upon graduation, such as:

  • Program Supervisor
  • Legislative Aide
  • Interviewer
  • Market Researcher

Enrollment

First year application and transfer students can apply right on the school’s website.

Incoming students must have a GPA of at least 2.75 to be considered for admission at this university.

Along with your application, please submit your transcripts and ACT or SAT scores.

Once you have completed all of the required paperwork, submit your application and wait a couple of weeks to hear back about the status of our enrollment.

An academic advisor will contact you about the next steps, like signing up for classes and completing orientation.

Fees

North Dakota residents have a tuition cost of $9,308 per year for basic tuition.

A Bachelors degree from North Dakota State University is a four year process, so the average North Dakota graduate will pay $37,232.

Those from Minnesota will have a tuition of $10,426 per year and out of state residents will pay $11,170 per year.

This means that graduates will either pay $41,704 or $44,680 to complete a degree.

These prices do not include room and board which can be discussed with an academic advisor as the prices change frequently.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1340 Administration Ave. Fargo, ND 58105
  • Phone: 701-231-8011
  • Website: www.ndsu.edu

8Minot State University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

Maybe you are looking for a smaller school that is still out of state, and this is where Minot State University comes in.

In West Minot, North Dakota, this small school is perfect for those who want a change of pace but not quite such a large school.

Expect to find about 2,500 students at this historic and private university.

Small classes and industry professionals as professors will get you excited to learn here, but maybe the most important accolade is that Minot State University is considered the safest school in the United States.

You will find over 100 different programs to get involved in here, many at the Bachelors degree level.

If you are interested in learning more about people and why we do what we do, then consider enrolling in the Sociology Bachelors degree.

This degree centers around hands-on learning as well as important discussion on theories in classes such as:

  • Social Problems
  • Sociological Theory
  • Popular Culture and Society
  • Critical Media Analysis

You will need to complete an internship once you start your senior year to ensure you know all that is needed in a Sociology career.

It will be easy to find an internship in government agencies, schools, healthcare facilities and much more.

Then, you will be ready to take on a lifelong career in Sociology with much success, including roles that look like:

  • Diversity Manager
  • School Counselor
  • Child Welfare Specialist
  • Addiction Counselor

Enrollment

Freshman undergraduate students as well as transfer students and international students can all apply here.

Graduate students are also welcome to apply but that is a separate application.

First, you will want to pay the $35 non-refundable fee in order to complete your application.

Then, you can create an account to sign in and fill out your personal information.

Don’t forget to submit the following documents as well:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous education
  • SAT or ACT scores

It is required to have at least a 2.5 GPA in order to be accepted to Minot State University.

If you meet all of the criteria and seem like a good fit for the school, an academic advisor will contact you about the next steps in the process within two weeks.

Fees

For those who live on campus, the yearly tuition rate at Minot State University is $15,790.

If you don’t want to live on campus, that tuition price goes down to $8,632 per year.

Typically, a Bachelors degree requires four years of education so graduates who live on campus will pay $63,160 while non-campus living students will pay $34,528.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for this school.

Contact Information

  • Address: 500 University Ave West Minot, ND 58707
  • Phone: 800-777-0750
  • Website: www.minotstateu.edu

9University of North Dakota

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Online

The University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, but students from South Dakota won’t need to travel there if they plan to enroll.

This is because you can choose to earn your degree online or in person.

Although, if you would much rather learn in person, this 10,000 student campus is perfect for those looking for the real college experience.

You will find a diverse group of people here, and many of those will share common interests.

Along the way, you will discover that the University of North Dakota provides the Sociology Bachelors degree to people who want to learn more about society and human behavior.

This degree will require four years of your time, either online or in person, and you will get to learn in classes such as:

  • Basic Sociological Theory
  • Sociological Research Methods
  • Statistics
  • Sociology of Gender

Those who maintain good grades in this program will have the opportunity to apply for the International Sociology Honor Society, which will allow for advanced research and even internships.

Once you have finished this 120 credit hour degree program, you will be ready to enjoy hands-on experiences in careers like:

  • Public Realtions Specialist
  • Sociologist
  • Actuary
  • Historian

Enrollment

It is easy to apply to the University of North Dakota, all you need to do is go to the website for the school to get started.

If you have good grades, you will be rewarded with scholarships if you attend the University of North Dakota and you are a resident of the state.

In order to obtain your scholarship at the University of North Dakota, your GPA must be:

  • 3.9 – $14,000
  • 3.7-3.89 – $11,000
  • 3.5-2.69 – $1,500

You will also find that National Merit Scholarships are available for students as well.

Along with your application, please submit the following information:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous education
  • SAT or ACT scores

Upon submitting your application, you’ll see that there is a $35 non-refundable fee.

It may take about two to three weeks to hear back from an academic advisor with the next steps in the process.

Fees

Residents of North Dakota will pay $11,989 per year to attend this school.

Since a Bachelors degree is a four year commitment, graduates of North Dakota will pay $95,912.

Non-residents will pay $17,127 per year which adds up to $68,508 upon graduation.

Housing and meal plans will add about $14,190 per year to that price for both non-residents and residents.

Contact Information

  • Address: 3501 University Ave. Grand Forks, ND 58202
  • Phone: 701-777-3000
  • Website: www.und.edu


10Regis University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

The last school on our list is for those who want to take a leap and head to a completely different state.

In Colorado you will find Regis University, a Jesuit Catholic school that invites people from all walks of life onto the campus.

You will need to move here in order to complete a degree as only in person programs are available.

However, you will be greeted with love and long-lasting friendships at this small school of just about 2,000 students.

Get ready to learn about social change, culture, diversity and much more in the Sociology Bachelors degree program.

Offered throughout the year, this 120 credit hour program will give you access to classes like:

  • Global Environmental Awareness
  • Diversity and Cultural Tradition
  • Survey of Social Change
  • Urban Studies

Expect to gain knowledge through hands-on experience as well as discussion on theories in this program.

Then, you can take all that you have learned at Regis University back to South Dakota and find a successful career in a role such as:

  • Marketing Research Analyst
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Interviewer
  • Historian

Enrollment

Regis University has an easy and free application right on the website which shouldn’t take too long to fill out.

Along with your application, be ready to submit the following information:

  • Transcripts from high school
  • Personal statement
  • Letter of recommendation

Academic advisors would love if you planned a campus tour to make sure that Regis University is exactly what you are looking for in a college.

Transfer and returning students should also submit transcripts from previous education to ensure all credits are counted.

It should take about four weeks to hear back about the admissions decision.

Fees

Expect to pay $41,990 per year to attend Regis University if you plan to live on campus.

After four years, graduates will pay $163,320 in total to attend this school.

If you are not planning to live on campus, the yearly tuition is $15,450 and for four years that total comes out to $61,800.

You may acquire other fees like:

  • Meal plans – $322-$3,026
  • Activity fee – $225
  • Health insurance – $2,458

Financial aid and scholarships are available through this university.

Contact Information

  • Address: 3333 Regis Blvd. Denver, CO 80221
  • Phone: 800-388-2366
  • Website: www.regis.edu

Final Thoughts

You can find all you need on our list of ten of the best schools for people who want to learn in and around South Dakota.

Whether you are looking for a large school or a small one, you will certainly be happy with the choices you have in this great state.

Jamie Willis
Career Specialist at BecomeopediaHi, my name is Jamie Willis, and I have been helping students find their perfect internships and education paths for the last ten years. It is a passion of mine, and there really is nothing better than seeing students of mine succeed with further studies.