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Black Hills State University invites you to apply for admission to enroll in one of our high quality degree programs. It is recommended, though not required, that you apply at least three months prior to the term to which you intend to enroll. http://www.BHSU.edu/admissions.
Pre-Admission Immunization Requirements
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11.4.1. Terms in this section of the Policy mean:
11.4.1.1.”Public or private postsecondary educational institution” or “institution”: Any entity permitted to offer postsecondary education credits or degrees in South Dakota under § 13-49-27.1.
11.4.1.2.”Student”: any person born after 1956 who is registering for more than one class during an academic term, such as a quarter or a semester. The term includes any person who meets face-to-face at least once per week to receive instruction. The term does not include any person who receives non-credit-bearing or on-the-job training services.
11.4.2. Any student entering a public or private postsecondary education institution in this state for the first time after July 1, 2008, shall, within forty-five (45) days after the start of classes, present to the appropriate institution certification from a licensed physician that the student has received or is in the process of receiving the required two doses of immunization against measles, rubella, and mumps. As an alternative to the requirement for a physician’s certification, the student may present:
11.4.2.1.Certification from a licensed physician stating the physical condition of the student would be such that immunization would endanger the student’s life or health;
11.4.2.2.Certification from a licensed physician stating the student has experienced the natural disease against which the immunization protects;
11.4.2.3.Confirmation from a laboratory of the presence of adequate immunity;
or
11.4.2.4.A written statement signed by the student that the student is an adherent to a religious doctrine whose teachings are opposed to such immunizations. If the student is under the age of eighteen, the written statement shall be signed by one parent or guardian.
11.4.3. The institution shall require that the documentation from the student, provided for by section 11.4.2 of this policy, be submitted within forty-five (45) days after the start of classes.
11.4.4. A student allowed to register while completing the round of required vaccinations who fails to provide satisfactory documentation of his or her immune status or of a medical excuse under section 11.4.2 of this policy shall not be permitted to attend classes after the forty-fifth (45th) day or, in the case of classes delivered in less than forty-five (45) days, to register for or to attend classes beginning in a subsequent term. Every attempt should be made to collect this information at the time of admission. 11.4.4.1.Students who are unable to ascertain their immunization status may obtain, at their own expense, the necessary tests and vaccination from the Student Health Service of their university.
11.4.5. In the event the South Dakota State Department of Health declares an epidemic of measles, mumps or rubella, the institution involved shall provide to the State Department of Health a list of students who have not submitted immunization documentation. Subsequent campus actions shall consider the advice and authority of the South Dakota State Department of Health. Students who have no vaccination or immunity against the required preventable infectious diseases may be dismissed from the campus.
11.4.6. Vaccination for hepatitis B is required for students before they can be admitted to certain health profession programs. Each institution will compile information about current program-related vaccination requirements and make this information available to students along with other curricular and registration materials. It will be the responsibility of the department of the specific health profession program to ensure that the vaccination requirement has been met.
11.4.7. Immunization for tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis, varicella and meningitis is recommended, as is a tuberculin test. Vaccination for hepatitis B is also recommended, and an annual influenza vaccination is recommended for students living in residence halls to minimize disruption of routine activities during influenza outbreaks.
This section outlines admissions policies and procedures at Black Hills State University. The Black Hills State University Policies and Procedures Manual is the definitive source for the most current Black Hills State University policies. Policies duplicated on other websites or in print may not be the most current version. All policies documented on the site are official and supersede policies located elsewhere. Black Hills State University is governed by state and federal law, administrative regulations, and policies of the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) and the State of South Dakota.
Application Procedures
The BHSU Admissions Office processes applications on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply well in advance (six to ten months) of the semester they wish to attend in order to arrange housing, apply for financial assistance, and to attend new student orientation/early registration programs.
All applicants must submit the following to be considered for admission:
- Admission Application
- $21 Application Fee
If you have previously attended a South Dakota public university as a degree-seeking student within one year prior to the term of application, have been called into active duty with the military, or will be a non-degree seeking applicant, you are not required to pay the application fee to BHSU.
- Official High School Transcript
Prospective students who have graduated high school or obtained their GED less than five years prior to their application date must submit official high school transcripts or GED transcripts to the institution. If a prospective student has graduated from high school or obtained their GED more than five years prior to their application date, they may submit either official high school transcripts or GED transcripts or may submit an affidavit of successful completion.
In addition, all transfer applicants must provide:
- Official Post-Secondary Transcript(s)
You must request official transcripts from all non-South Dakota Board of Regents schools you have previously attended. You do not need to have transcripts sent from other SD Regental universities. All transcripts should be sent from the issuing institution directly to the BHSU Admissions Office. If you are currently enrolled at another institution, you may send partial transcripts and be considered for provisional admission until the final transcript arrives.
BHSU is a test optional institution meaning that ACT or SAT scores are not required as part of the admission process. However, we do encourage students to submit scores if they have completed either test to be used in instances of conditional admission decisions and course placement where test scores may benefit a student.
Upon admission to the University and prior to enrolling for classes, all new applicants are required to provide proof of the Board of Regents required immunizations. This form will be given to students prior to their enrollment at BHSU.
Prior to or during the first term of enrollment:
- Degree-seeking students, who do not have an associate or bachelor’s degree completed, must have a final official transcript on file showing the completion of a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Degree-seeking students, who have completed post-secondary coursework, must have final official* transcript(s) on file showing the completion of any courses taken prior to enrollment at BHSU.
* Official transcripts must be sent through a secured transcript exchange service used by your institution or by postal mail sent directly from your institution to BHSU.
Questions regarding admission can be sent to:
BHSU Office of Admissions
Spearfish
1200 University St
Spearfish, SD
57799-9502
605.642.6131
Fax: 605.642.6254
Admissions@BHSU.edu
Rapid City
4300 Cheyenne Blvd
Box Elder, SD
57719-9502
605.718.4112
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
(SDBOR Policy 2.2.1.4)
BHSU offers all educational programs, material, and service to all people without discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.
Freshman Admission
Baccalaureate Degree Admissions
For admission to a baccalaureate degree program, high school graduates must meet either the Smarter Balanced or Curriculum requirements outlined below:
Smarter Balanced
- Achieve a Level 3 or higher on the English Language Arts and Mathematics Smarter Balanced Assessments
Curriculum
- Graduate in the top 60% of their high school graduating class; OR
- Earn a high school cumulative GPA of at least a 2.6 on a 4.0 scale; OR
- Achieve an ACT composite score or superscore of 18 or SAT Math and Reading/Writing subscore total of 970 or higher.
Minimum Course Requirements
Complete the following minimum course requirements with a cumulative grade point average of a “C” or higher (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or demonstrate appropriate competencies in discipline areas where course requirements have not been met:
or ACT English sub-test score of 18 or above
or AP Language and Composition or Literature and Composition score of 3 or above
- 3 years of Advanced Mathematics 1
or ACT Math sub-test score of 20 or above
or AP Calculus AB or Calculus BC score of 3 or above
- 3 years of Laboratory Science 2
or ACT Science Reasoning sub-test score of 17 or above
or AP Biology, Chemistry or Physics B score of 3 or above
- 3 years of Social Science
or ACT Social Studies/Reading sub-test score of 17 or above
or AP Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Comparative or US Government and Policies, European or US History or Psychology score of 3 or above
or AP History of Art, Studio Art drawing or general art portfolio or Music Theory score of 3 or above
For students graduating from high schools in states that do not require completion of courses in fine arts for graduation, high school level non-credit fine arts activity will be accepted.
1 Algebra, geometry, trigonometry or other advanced mathematics including accelerated or honors mathematics (algebra) completed prior to the high school level; not included are arithmetic, business, consumer or general mathematics or other similar courses.
2 Laboratory science includes biology, chemistry, physics, or other approved science courses in which there is a weekly lab period scheduled. Accelerated or honors science (biology, physics or chemistry) completed prior to the high school level shall be accepted.
Applications from students with deficiencies are reviewed on an individual basis.
Associate Degree Admissions
Admission to associate degree (two-year) programs is granted if you meet one of the following criteria:
- Rank in the top 60% of your high school graduating class; OR
- Earn a cumulative GPA of at least 2.6 on a 4.0 scale; OR
- Achieve an ACT composite score or superscore of 18 or SAT Math and Reading/Writing subscore total of 970 or higher.
Students enrolled in the two-year programs who have not met the minimum high school course requirements may enter a bachelor’s program only after they have satisfactorily completed:
- At least 15 credit hours of the system general education requirements with a 2.0 GPA; AND
- Meet university minimum progression standards.
Transfer Students
You are considered a transfer student if you have college credits from an accredited institution and they were completed after the summer immediately following your high school graduation. If you are currently enrolled at another institution, you can send partial transcripts and be considered for provisional admission until the final, official transcript arrives.
Students transferring from a degree seeking program at one Regental university to a degree-seeking program at another Regental university will be required to apply for admission.
Students who have been admitted to a degree-seeking or special program at one Regental university may register for courses at any Regental university without submitting another application.
Students who Transfer to Baccalaureate Programs
- Transfer students who have completed 24 or more semester credits are eligible for admission if they meet the following requirements:
- Have a 2.0 (“C”) or higher cumulative grade point average. Students entering the professional program in Education must have a 2.5 GPA. Admission to the professional programs in Nursing or Pharmacy is on a competitive basis.
- Are in good standing with their most recently attended school.
- Students with less than a cumulative 2.0 grade point average may be admitted on probation, but each applicant is considered on an individual basis.
- For information on academic standing for incoming students with transfer credit, refer to SDBOR Policy 2.2.1.7.
- Transfer students under age 24 who have earned fewer than 24 semester college credits must also meet the Freshman Admission requirements as outlined above.
Students who Transfer to Associate Programs
Students under 24 years of age transferring into associate degree programs with fewer than 12 transfer credit hours must meet the associate degree admission requirements. Students with 12 or more transfer credit hours with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 may transfer into associate degree programs and do not have to meet the associate degree admission requirements.
Former Students
Disenrolled Status
Former Regental degree-seeking students who have not been registered and enrolled for up to twelve (12) months may complete a Readmit Change Form to register for courses. No fee shall be applied to this form.
Students must complete the institution Readmit Change Form to validate the current major program of study and any personal information that may have changed (i.e., address, cell phone, etc.). This notifies the institution and advisor of the return. Students shall meet with their advisor prior to registering. All previous application required records shall be utilized from the initial matriculation of that student’s application process.
Depending on the previous academic history, BOR Policy 2.8.1 shall govern the academic standing of the returning student. If a student was not in good standing, the student may not be admitted without additional processing and advising.
Inactivated Status
If a student is past the twelve (12)-month window, that student shall become inactivated. Students will be required to reapply based on BOR Policies 2.2.1.4 and 2.2.1.5. Application fees may be waived.
PLACEMENT REVIEW
Readmit students must meet appropriate Math and English placement criteria for course registration. AAC Guidelines 2.2.1.1.A and 2.2.1.1.B shall document requirements for course placement.
Non-High School Graduates
Applicants who did not graduate from high school must:
- Be 18 years or older to meet the compulsory school attendance requirement in South Dakota; AND
- Complete the General Educational Development (GED) test credential with the following minimum test scores:
- Scores earned since 2014: Earn a score of at least 145 on each subject and a total score of 580 or higher across all four subjects.
- Scores earned from 2002 to 2013: Earn a score of at least 410 on each subject and a total score of 2250 or higher across all five subjects (i.e., an average score of 450 across all five subjects);
- Scores earned from 1997 to 2001: Earn a score of at least 40 on each subject and a total score of 225 across all five subjects (i.e., an average score of 45 across all five subjects);
- Scores earned from 1981 to 1996: Earn a score of at least 40 on each subject or a total score of 225 across all five subjects (i.e., an average score of 45 across all five subjects);
- Scores earned from 1943 to 1980: Earn a score of at least 35 on each subject or a total score of 225 across all five subjects (i.e., an average score of45 across all five subjects);
OR
- Complete the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) and obtain a minimum score of 15 on each of the five subsections;
OR
- Complete the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) and obtained a minimum score of 500 on each of the five subtest categories.
Home Schooled or Non-Accredited High School Students
Students who are home-schooled or who attend a non-accredited high school must submit an official transcript (in a semester format) for review from either an accredited regional authority or home school provider in conjunction with state requirements:
Baccalaureate Degree Program
For admission to baccalaureate degree programs, home school graduates must:
- Meet the minimum course requirements established in the Freshman Admission section with an average grade of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale); OR
- Demonstrate appropriate competencies in discipline areas listed in the Freshman Admission section where course requirements have not been met; OR
- Obtain an ACT composite score or superscore of 18; or SAT Math and Reading/Writing subscore total of 970 or higher; or complete an Accuplacer exam meeting designated scores determined by the institution. Please inquire with BHSU Office of Admissions for more information.
Associate Degree Program
For admission to associate degree programs, home school graduates must:
- Meet associate degree admissions requirements depicted in the Freshman Admission section
Students enrolled in the two-year programs who have not met the minimum high school course requirements may enter a bachelor’s program only after they have satisfactorily completed:
- Complete at least 15 credit hours of the system general education requirement with a 2.0 GPA; AND
- Meet university minimum progression standards.
Non-Traditional Students
Applicants who are at least 24 years of age or older and who have not previously attended college will be admitted in good standing if they have graduated from high school or have successfully completed the GED, HiSET, or TASC with scores as indicated above.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Students who wish to enroll with a partial load or who do not plan to work toward a degree may be admitted as a non-degree seeking student. Non-degree seeking students are not eligible to receive federal financial aid. Traditional aged students, as defined by SDBOR policy, are recommended to apply as a degree-seeking student. Non-degree seeking students must be a high school graduate or meet non-high school graduate requirements as defined above.
High School Students
High school juniors and seniors may be admitted to BHSU as a South Dakota High School Dual Credit student or a concurrent high school student once you submit the appropriate admissions application complete with documentation of high school and parent approval and a current high school transcript. Students must meet admission requirements outlined in SDBOR Policy 2.2.1.6.A.
BHSU Traditional Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
The purpose of these guidelines is to protect the integrity of the admissions process. BHSU is a comprehensive regional university. The requirements outlined are aligned with the BHSU mission statement.
Governance
BOR Policy 2.2.1 series governs the academic guidelines; these procedures must follow state and federal rules and regulations.
Definitions
BOR Policy 2.2.1.1 incorporates all procedural definitions.
Procedures
Application
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the completeness of their application. All applicants should be assured that whatever the decision on their application, each will receive full and just consideration under the prevailing admissions policy.
General Admission Requirements
Baccalaureate Program Full Admissions: Students must meet any one or more of the following admissions requirements:
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.6 OR,
• Minimum composite ACT of 18 (SAT score of 970 or above)* OR,
• Rank in the top 60% of high school class.
Baccalaureate Program Provisional Admissions: A student that meets a GPA of no less than 2.0 and participates in the institutional support success initiatives.
Associate’s Program Admissions:
To be admitted to an associate’s degree, student may meet the general baccalaureate degree admission requirements or have obtained a high school diploma or GED and currently do not meet the baccalaureate program requirements.
Course Requirements
Applicants seeking full baccalaureate program admission to Black Hills State University are not required to complete any specific high school courses. Instead, prospective students must fulfill the graduation requirements of their respective home state high school. This ensures that students have successfully completed the basic educational foundation as determined by their state.
Application Communications
All written communications about an applicant must be placed in the applicant’s file; a record of oral messages must also be filed in each case where such messages are taken into consideration in the admissions decision. Communication from applicants that require a response should be acknowledged promptly.
Communication
BHSU must effectively provide this information to prospective students.
Reporting
BHSU will report to the Executive Director recommended changes which should be approved prior to modifying this guideline.
Timeline
This guideline goes into effect for students seeking admission for the Spring 2026 term and beyond.
Implementation
BHSU admissions office will implement processing documentation for their recruitment solution and for the Regental student information system as it relates to BHSU admission. Procedures should exist for periodic evaluation and audit.
Regental Policy for Seamless Transfer of Credit
(SDBOR Policy 2.2.2.1)
The purpose of the policy is to outline flexible pathways for students to transfer among institutions within and from outside the Regental system to enable their opportunities for success.
The goal of transfer credit decisions, regardless of whether the credits were completed at an accredited institution, is to ensure that all degree-seeking students have met the same (or appropriately similar) curricular requirements upon graduation.
When evaluating transfer requests, the institution will consider the accreditation status of the sending institution as well as whether the academic program, level of study, and course content are similar in nature and applicable to the academic program of the receiving institution.
Grading schemes inconsistent with the Regental system grading scheme will be converted to the Regental equivalent.
Credit is only applied once per course per degree on a semester credit system; any course taken multiple times will be treated according to the Regental system repeat policy.
Credit for prior coursework is evaluated for transfer based on the following policies. The policies are established to meet specific student needs.
Minimum institutional credit requirements to earn an academic credential (certificate or degree) are identified in BOR Policy 2.6.1. All other credits beyond the required threshold as provided in SDBOR Policy 2.6.1 are eligible to be satisfied through transfer credit.
South Dakota Regental System Transfer of Credit
(SDBOR Policy 2.2.2.2)
The Board of Regents governing the six public universities has established a common course catalog and common transcript to ensure that a Regental student can seamlessly transfer within the Regental system. All Regental coursework, credit hours and grades are recorded on the student’s transcript.
Transfer of Credit within the Regental System
General Education Transfer and Common Course Transfer
- Students who complete the System General Education Requirements (SDBOR Policy 2.3.7) at any Regental institution will have fulfilled the System General Education Requirements for their degree program. The completion of the requirements will internally transfer with the courses, credit hours and grades assigned regardless of the course distributions or approved course lists.
- Students who complete system common courses will internally transfer with the courses, credit hours and grades assigned regardless of the Regental institution.
- A student who has not completed all System General Education requirements at the sending institution will be required to complete additional coursework consistent with the course requirements at the receiving South Dakota Regental institution.
- All prerequisites for associate and baccalaureate programs must be completed as determined by the student’s degree plan.
Major Specific, Validated, and Elective Transfer
- Students completing an internal transfer within the Regental system can request that program/major related, validated credits, and elective credits be applied toward the degree/graduation requirements (see SDBOR Policy 2.6.1 for graduation requirements).
- Credits earned through Pass/Fail grading options, credit-by-examinations, portfolio reviews, and other validated credit awards that may be known by other names at institutions will transfer as equivalent courses when available at the receiving institution.
- Students needing information on minor and dual majors requirements shall review SDBOR Policy 2.3.2 (for transfer purposes).
External (Non-Regental System) Accredited University/College Transfer of Credit
(SDBOR Policy 2.2.2.3)
The Board of Regents governing the six public universities has established a policy on the transfer of credits from accredited external universities and colleges. Students will be required to complete all requirements as outlined in the academic catalog.
The SDBOR defines an accredited institution as holding accreditation from one of the following institutional accrediting bodies, unless otherwise specified: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Undergraduate Transfer
Independent General Education/Common Course Transfer
- All individual general education courses will have a course evaluation.
- Approved equivalent courses and grades are recorded on the transcript; once the course is recorded, the equivalency will not change.
Block General Education Transfer
- A student who has completed general education requirements that are consistent with the six (6) goals and credit hour requirements outlined in SDBOR Policy 2.3.7 will enter the Regental system having fulfilled the General Education program requirements.
- A student who has completed a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution will have successfully completed the General Education Requirements.
- Degree and graduation requirements to meet one of the System General Education Requirements (SGR)s may stipulate that students’ complete credits/courses toward the degree program. Any such requirement will be outlined in the program articulation agreement.
- Approved transfer courses, number and name as well as grades are recorded on the transcript. Credit will be identified in the student information system that general education has been satisfied and transcripted.
Program Major Specific, Elective Transfer
Independent Major, Common, or Elective Courses
- The university-specific degree or plan of study requirements determine if the requested courses are applicable to the student’s degree program at that university and if they meet the minimum grade criteria required by the program.
- University discretion is permitted in acceptance of courses.
- Approved transfer courses will be entered into the student information system, the equivalency will not change once approved.
- Remedial courses (as identified on the sending institution’s transcript) received in transfer are recorded, transcribed, and assigned an equivalency. Remedial courses transferred will not be applied toward a student’s graduation requirements.
- Approved courses, grades and credit hours are recorded on the transcript.
Major Specific Block Transfer of Credit by Articulation Agreements
- Universities may enter into an articulation agreement including transfer of a cluster of courses for block credit toward the student’s degree program with the approval of the Board of Regents.
- Following a course evaluation ensuring the agreement was adhered, credits will be transferred as a block and a grade of CR applied.
- All approved equivalent courses and credit hours are recorded as a block on the transcript; the grade earned at the sending institution is not recorded or calculated into the grade point averages.
- Students and the receiving university may utilize a course-by-course equivalency upon request instead of the block credit.
Program-to-Program Transfer by Articulation Agreements
- Universities may enter into a program-to-program articulation agreement with the approval of the Executive Director, or designee, and the Board of Regents.
- A program-to-program agreement may provide for proactive/guaranteed admission to the receiving institution upon a student completing the requirements at the sending institution. (i.e., Associates to Bachelors [A2B] where the first two years are completed at a non-baccalaureate institution [AS degree] toward the receiving institution’s baccalaureate degree).
- A program-to-program agreement will define the requirements of the program, major emphasis, credit hours received and a pathway to degree attainment.
- Approved transfer courses, grades, and credits hours are recorded on the transcript.
Reverse Transfer
- Universities may enter into an articulation agreement for reverse transfer with the approval of the Board of Regents.
- Reverse transfer is utilized primarily for attainment of degrees through credits earned at the receiving institution and degree awarded by the sending institution. This reverse transfer can be utilized for any academic credential as defined by the agreement.
Graduate Program Major Specific and Elective Transfer
- The receiving university-specific plan of study requirements determine if the course requests are applicable to the student’s degree program.
- Transfer credits will have a course evaluation completed by the receiving institution.
- After the course evaluation is completed, courses will be recorded as either specific major course equivalencies or courses may be recorded as electives, and equivalencies granted.
- Approved grades and credit hours will be recorded on the transcript.
External (Non-Regental System) Non-Accredited University/College and International Transfer of Credit
(SDBOR Policy 2.2.2.4)
The Board of Regents governing the six public universities has established a policy on the transfer of credits from non-accredited external universities and colleges and international transfer. This policy shall only include those sending institutions that are nonaccredited institutions or international institutions.
Undergraduate/Graduate Transfer of Credit
Independent General Education Transfer
- University discretion is permitted in acceptance of general education courses.
- Courses considered for transfer are subject to all SDBOR policies and any conditions for validation that may be prescribed by the receiving institution.
- All individual general education courses requests for transfer will have a course evaluation. Approved equivalent courses and grades are recorded on the transcript; once the course is recorded, the equivalency will not change.
Major Specific, Validated Credit and Elective Transfer of Credit
- The receiving university discretion is permitted in acceptance of courses. All degree requirements determine course transfers.
- Major specific and elective courses considered for transfer are subject to all SDBOR policies and any conditions for course evaluation and validation that may be prescribed by the receiving institution.
- Approved transfer courses will be entered into the student information system, the equivalency will not change once approved.
Credit for Prior Learning
(SDBOR Policy 2.2.2.5)
The Board of Regents supports credit for prior learning by encouraging institutions to employ effective and efficient practices rooted in nationally recognized best practice standards to maximize awarding degree-relevant, college-level coursework to students. Recognizing the assets and capabilities of students through acceptance of credit for prior learning promotes access for South Dakotans. Therefore, institutions shall apply toward admission eligibility, course prerequisites, and/or degree requirements, academic credit earned outside of a traditional higher education setting.
Policy Statements and Standards
- Credit for prior learning shall be awarded for college-level learning which entails knowledge, skills, and competencies that students have obtained because of their prior learning experiences.
- Credit for prior learning shall be reviewed for students who have been admitted to one of the six Regental institutions and have a declared major.
- Credits earned through Credit for Prior Learning must apply to the student’s declared program (major, degree, certificate) at the institution where the student is admitted.
- Credit for prior learning shall not be awarded for a course that is already on the student’s academic record by any of the six Regental institutions.
- Credits earned through Credit for Prior Learning will be transcribed as transfer credits, with a grade of “CR”.
- Credit earned and awarded through Credit for Prior Learning will not have any quality points awarded and will not be calculated in the grade point average or completion rate.
- Credits earned through Credit for Prior Learning are transcribed in the current semester for which they were approved and awarded (not the term they worked, experienced, or participated in the activity).
- Credits earned will not be counted in the student’s semester enrollment calculation, nor are they eligible for financial aid.
- Regental institutions shall abide by the established minimum scores for standardized exams, as documented in published guides.
- Regental institutions shall utilize the established minimum credit recommendations documented in published guides.
- Regental institutions shall ensure graduate-level institutional policies allow for acceptance of credits earned through Credit for Prior Learning as part of existing transfer credit policies.
- Credits earned through Credit for Prior Learning are considered transfer credits. Undergraduate credit requirements for graduation are identified in SDBOR Policy 2.6.1 and SDBOR Policy 2.2.2.1; no additional or separate limitation beyond the limit identified in that policy, is placed on credits earned through Credit for Prior Learning.
Prior Learning Transfer of Credit
As with the assessment of classroom learning, the objective of prior learning assessment is to identify student competency related to a specific set of learning outcomes. This policy applies to transfer students and currently enrolled students.
General Requirements
- There are five (5) accepted practices approved by the Board of Regents on credit for prior learning.
- Industry/Professional Certification or Training: Includes, but is not limited to any non-collegiate training programs that result in industry certification, professional licensure, skill development, apprenticeship completion, and other work-based learning programs, etc.
- Joint Services Transcript: Includes, but is not limited to rank, occupation, military education, training, military occupation, etc. as documented on the JST.
- Portfolio: Conducted through a designated third party, unless it is for graduate-level course credit, or a subject/discipline that the third party does not offer.
- Published Guides: Includes but is not limited to the ACE National Guide to College Credit for Workplace Training, the ACE Military Guide, and the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS).
- Credit by Examination: Includes standardized exams and institutional challenge exams.
- AP - Advanced Placement (CollegeBoard)
- CLEP - College Level Examination Program (CollegeBoard)
- DLPT - Defense Language Proficiency Test (Defense Language Institute)
- DSST - DANTES Subject Standardized Test (Prometric)
- GED - General Education Development Test (GED Testing Service)
- Institutional Challenge Exam - Institutionally-developed exam (Regental Institution or Non-Regental Institution)
- IB - International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (International Baccalaureate)
- UExcel - Excelsior University
- Fees will be assessed for awarded credit through the fee schedule.
Application of Policy
To facilitate Regental institutions being responsive to the rapidly evolving nature of Credit for Prior Learning, guidance to Regental institutions about the application of policy requirements shall be done through Academic Affairs Guidelines. The standards and procedures shall be accepted by all institutions and operationalized for the Information System.
Articulation Agreements
Technical college courses are designed to prepare students to enter the workforce for careers requiring less than a baccalaureate degree. Acceptance of these courses for credit at the South Dakota public universities is strictly the function of the receiving institution. Students who wish to transfer credits to a South Dakota public university for programs should contact the Admissions Office of BHSU for an evaluation of their program objectives and technical college transcript. An individual evaluation of course credits will be made in accordance with institutional and Board of Regents policy.
Black Hills State University has established articulation plans with a number of technical college programs. Articulation agreements also have been established with tribal colleges, regional community colleges, other colleges and universities, and selected international educational institutions. Students should contact their academic advisor with questions about articulated courses.
Admission of International Students on Nonimmigrant Visas
BHSU is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for students from abroad and has traditionally enrolled students from over 80 different countries.
To be considered for admission, an international student must submit:
- Admissions Application
- Official or unofficial academic transcripts for all secondary and postsecondary education
- Official report of academic English language proficiency
- Application fee of US $20.00
International students generally need to have a minimum secondary grade point average of 2.6 (on a 4.00 grading scale) or have the equivalent of a B average in the U.S. System, or college transfer grade point average of a 2.0 or higher. Transfer students from academic programs at other U.S. institutions must have completed at least 24 consecutive semester credits (36 quarter credits) at a single institution. BHSU requires a minimum score submission from non-native English speakers of 61 TOEFL iBT (500 PBT), 44 Pearson PTE, 5.5 IELTS, or 90 Duolingo. BHSU also provides a list of waiver countries that are considered to be native English speakers and a comprehensive list of acceptable proof of language proficiency.
International students who have been offered admission will need to provide a Financial Certification Form and supporting financial documentation to allow BHSU to issue Form I-20 for the visa application process.
International students are required to purchase and maintain university approved health insurance for themselves and their dependents for the duration of their enrollment at BHSU.
BHSU regrets that it is unable to offer financial aid such as tuition waivers to international students. Applicants must, therefore, show clear evidence of adequate resources for financing their program of study.
BHSU reserves the right to require advance deposits of estimated tuition, fees, and living expenses when warranted by prevailing foreign exchange difficulties.
Applicants outside of the U.S. must complete applications and submit documentation by July 1 to be considered for fall admission and December 1 for spring admission. Applications not meeting the deadline requirement for one semester will remain active and considered for the following semester when completed. Contact the Office of International Relations and Global Engagement for the application packet and further information.
Policy for Transfer of International Undergraduate Credit
College level and advanced secondary level courses taken at international institutions will be evaluated for transfer consideration by an independent credential evaluation service. Students who have been accepted to Black Hills State University and have attended colleges or universities outside the United States must provide Black Hills State University with a course-by-course evaluation and official university transcript. Black Hills State University considers evaluations from World Educations Services, Inc (WES) to be more accurate than other evaluation services. We also recommend the WES International Credential Advantage (ICAP) package, as the included transcripts are considered official. Course-by-course evaluations submitted from other NACES member approved evaluation services will be accepted at the discretion of BHSU. A syllabus from the international institution is required to determine equivalency. No English or Speech course will be accepted for credit from an international institution unless English is the official language of the country. For those international institutions that have an articulation agreement with BHSU, the agreement determines the courses that transfer full credit.
The Board of Regents governing the six public universities has established a policy on the transfer of credits from non-accredited external universities and colleges and international transfer. This policy shall only include those sending institutions that are nonaccredited institutions or international institutions. Refer to the section above regarding External (Non-Regental System) Non-Accredited University/College and International Transfer of Credit (SDBOR Policy 2.2.2.4).
Non-Native Speakers of English
All international non-native English speaking (NNES) undergraduate students entering Black Hills State University will have the opportunity to take the Accuplacer Exam for placement into the appropriate English writing courses.
- In accordance with policies mandated for domestic students, international NNES undergraduate students will have the opportunity to take the Accuplacer exams to enter ENGL 101.
- All international NNES undergraduate students who do not meet minimum Accuplacer scores (263) required for ENGL 101 will enroll in ENGL 013 English as a Second Language: More Complex Structural Patterns and Advanced Composition or ENGL 039 English as a Second Language (Advanced ESL remedial writing 2).
- No student shall enter ENGL 101 without successful completion of ENGL 039 or required Accuplacer scores.
Testing will be conducted prior to enrollment. Results will be used to determine whether a student needs to complete one or more support courses in English as a Second Language in addition to regular academic classes. The courses are designed to better prepare students for their academic program in general as well as for the English core curricula required of all entering students.
Further information regarding English placement requirements may be obtained from the Testing Center.
Residency Requirements
In accordance with South Dakota Codified Law and Board of Regents Policy, establishment of resident status hinges on the following criteria:
- Location of permanent residence within the borders of South Dakota
- Purpose for reasons other than pursuit of higher education
- Time span of 12 or more consecutive months which immediately precedes the first scheduled day of classes for the first term of post-secondary study
Qualifications for residency for tuition purposes may be obtained by contacting the BHSU Admissions Office at 605-642-6343.
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