University of South Dakota Graduate Catalog 2023-2024

The Catalog is the official source of the university’s academic programs and courses. The catalog should be used as a guide, in collaboration with an academic advisor, in planning a course of study and in meeting requirements for graduation. The definite source for most current University of South Dakota policies may be accessed at: University Policies. University of South Dakota is governed by the laws, regulations, and policies of the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) and the State of South Dakota. SDBOR policies may be accessed at: Policy Manual.

Per SDBOR Policy 2.3.1 (https://public.powerdms.com/SDRegents/documents/1587658): 

The information contained in this catalog is the most accurate available at the time of publication, but changes may become effective before the next catalog is published. It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to stay abreast of current regulations, curricula, and the status of specific programs being offered. Further, the university reserves the right, as approved by the Board of Regents, to modify requirements, curricula offerings, and charges, and to add, alter, or delete courses and programs through appropriate procedures. While reasonable efforts will be made to publicize such changes, a student is encouraged to seek current information from appropriate offices.

The catalog of graduation begins with the summer term and ends with the subsequent spring term. Every student is required to have a catalog of graduation. New and transfer students are assigned the catalog in effect at the time of their initial enrollment at the university from which they are seeking a degree. Students may elect a catalog of graduation that is later than their initial catalog but may not elect a catalog of graduation that is earlier than their initial catalog. In order to receive a degree, a student must meet the program requirements listed in his/her catalog of graduation. SDBOR policy 2.6.2

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy

Equal Opportunity

In accordance with the South Dakota Board of Regents Policy 1.4.4, the institutions under the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents shall offer equal opportunities in employment and for access to and participation in educational, extension and other institutional services to all persons qualified by academic preparation, experience, and ability for the various levels of employment or academic program or other institutional service, without discrimination based on sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status or on any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination.

Non-Discrimination, Civil Rights and Affirmative Action

The Board reaffirms its commitment to the objectives of affirmative action, equal opportunity and non-discrimination in accordance with state and federal law. Redress for alleged violations of those laws may be pursued at law or through the procedures established by the provisions of 1.4.3 of this policy.

For additional information, please contact the Director, Equal Opportunity and Chief Title IX Coordinator, Jean Merkle, 205 Slagle Hall, Vermillion, SD 57069. Phone: 605-658-3665  Jean.Merkle@usd.edu​

Responsibilities of Chief Executive Officers

The chief executive officers of the respective institutions shall be responsible for assuring that the Board’s equal opportunity policies are communicated effectively to members of the institutional community and the public at large. The means for such communication may include seminars and other forms of public service or instructional programming and shall include notices to be posted or otherwise incorporated into institutional promotional materials. Such notices should clearly identify persons who are responsible for the implementation of equal opportunity policies and should advise readers or listeners of how they might contact the responsible institutional officials to obtain further information or to express their concerns about implementation of institutional policies.

Disability Services

Admission decisions are made without regard to disabilities. All prospective students are expected to present academic credentials at or above the minimum standards for admission and meet any technical standards that may be required for admission to a specific program. If you are a prospective student with a disability and need assistance or accommodations during the admission/application process, please contact the Director of Disability Services, Karen Gerety, The Commons, Room 116, USD, Vermillion, SD 57069. Phone: 605-658-3745 Fax: 605-677-3172 E-Mail: disabilityservices@usd.edu

Federal Law prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990), and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act of 2009. The University has designated Cheryl Tiahrt, Chief Information Officer, as the Coordinator to monitor compliance with these statutes. This obligates USD and Ms. Tiahrt to provide equal access for all persons with disabilities.