College of Arts and Sciences

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Dean: Dr. Holly Downing
Black Hills State University
1200 University Street Unit 9003
Spearfish, SD 57799-9003
605-642-6056

The mission of the College of Arts and Sciences is to provide all students of the University with the opportunity to acquire a broad liberal education in the areas of fine and applied arts, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences. These experiences develop valuable skills in critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, the use of the scientific method, numeracy, and oral and written communication as well as greater understanding and appreciation for different cultures and international issues.

The College’s mission also includes ensuring that challenging academic majors and minors are offered in the various disciplines of the College to help prepare students for their future careers. Students are guided into career appropriate course work through individualized advising by faculty mentors. Along with classroom instruction, the College fosters research and other creative activities with faculty and students. Such personal experiences create a profound impact that leads to personal and professional growth. The College supports alliances that form bridges to the outside community such as through its association with the Center for the Advancement of Mathematics and Science Education and the Center for American Indian Studies. Finally, the College contributes to the progress of the University, serves the needs of relevant disciplines and professions, and enhances the quality of life in our state and region through service activities.

From the College of Arts and Sciences it is possible to earn the Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Art, Biology, Chemistry, English, English Composite, History, Mathematics, Mathematics and Science Education, Instrumental Music Composite and Vocal Music Composite, Physical Science, Science Education Composite, Social Science Composite, Spanish, Speech Communication, Speech Communication Composite and Speech with a Theater Emphasis. Students may earn a Bachelor of Science degree in all of the major areas or a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Indian Studies, Art, Communication Arts, English, English Composite, History, Composite Music, Mass Communication, Sociology, Spanish, Speech and Speech Composite, Social Sciences, and Social Sciences Composite.

Major Programs & Coordinators

INBRE/BRIN, Cynthia Anderson, J110, (605) 642-6854, CynthiaAnderson@BHSU.edu
Center for the Advancement of Math and Science Education, Ben Sayler, WC, (605) 642-6874, BenSayler@BHSU.edu
Center for American Indian Studies, Pre-Law, John Glover, J103, (605) 642-6003, JohnGlover@BHSU.edu
Center for the Conservation of Biological Resources, Shane Sarver, J169A, (605) 642-6043, ShaneSarver@BHSU.edu
Spanish Study Abroad Program Coordinator, Peggy Buckwalter, MH 315, (605) 642-6195, PeggyBuckwalter@BHSU.edu
Japanese Exchange Program Coordinator, Roger Miller, J128, (605) 642-6510, RogerMiller@BHSU.edu
Pre-Professional (science), Charles Lamb, J150, (605) 642-6026, CharlesLamb@BHSU.edu


Students enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences must fulfill the general education requirements listed in this catalog. Transfer credits – no grade of less than a “C” will be credited toward any major, minor or AA program in this college.

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