Northern State University
Northern State: Your Future, Hand-Crafted.
📍 Aberdeen, United States 🇺🇸
Quick Facts about Northern State University
- Type: Public
- Tuition: $10,717 – $18,660/year
About Northern State University
Northern State University (NSU), located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, offers a comprehensive and affordable education in a welcoming community. With a focus on hands-on learning and a student-centered approach, NSU prepares students for success in various fields. The university is committed to providing a supportive environment for all students, including a vibrant international community.
Academics
NSU offers a liberal arts foundation with expert-led degree programs across 45 bachelor's degrees, 53 minors, six associate degrees, 16 pre-professional programs, 23 certificates, and 10 graduate degrees. Popular undergraduate majors for international students include Business Administration, Biotechnology, Finance, and Mathematics. The university emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to engage in research with faculty and connect with local businesses for professional experience. NSU also provides online degrees and workshops, offering flexibility for diverse learning needs.
International Students
Northern State University is dedicated to supporting its international student population, fostering an inclusive environment where all cultural backgrounds are recognized and respected. The International Programs office offers personalized support, academic resources, and a vibrant campus life to help students transition smoothly and thrive. International students are required to submit proof of English proficiency, with accepted tests including TOEFL iBT (61+), IELTS (5.5+), or Duolingo (90+). Health insurance is mandatory for all international students, and a mandatory International Student Orientation is held before each semester. International students may also be eligible for scholarships, including one that waives 50% of non-resident tuition for those who meet admission requirements and live on campus.
Campus & Location
Aberdeen, South Dakota, offers a safe, friendly, and affordable environment with a population of over 28,000, combining small-town charm with big-city amenities. The NSU campus features modern residence halls, a variety of dining options, and 24/7 campus security. Recreational opportunities abound, including parks, trails for biking and jogging, and indoor facilities for basketball, hockey, and swimming. The city also boasts cultural attractions like the Aberdeen Museum of History and the Capitol Theatre, which hosts live performances and films. A new winter transportation program, a partnership between NSU's Student Government Association and the City of Aberdeen, provides students with a safe and reliable ride option during colder months.
Career Outcomes
Northern State University's Career Services office provides professional guidance, resume workshops, and job fairs to connect students with career opportunities. Students can gain valuable experience through internships within the Aberdeen community and surrounding region. The university also has an online employment database, Wolf Work, to help students and alumni find on- and off-campus jobs, internships, and full-time positions. The Northern Innovation and Startup Center, launched in collaboration with the Aberdeen Development Corporation, fosters tech entrepreneurship and helps aspiring entrepreneurs turn their ideas into companies through workshops, mentoring, and networking. The annual Idea Pitch Competition further encourages student entrepreneurship, with awards sponsored by the Aberdeen Development Corporation.
Information for International Students at Northern State University
Northern State University in Aberdeen, United States welcomes international students.
- No visa support offered
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available
Admissions Requirements for Northern State University
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Northern State University:
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
Programs at Northern State University (58 programs)
Northern State University offers 58 programs across Bachelor, Master levels.
Bachelor Programs (45)
- Art (BA) — 48 months · English
The Art program offers concentrations in studio art, art education, and graphic design, fostering creativity and technical skills in various artistic mediums.
Field: Arts and Humanities
Career outcomes: Artist, Graphic Designer, Art Educator, Illustrator - Business Administration (BBA) — 48 months · English
Students gain a broad understanding of business principles, including management, marketing, finance, and economics, preparing them for diverse leadership roles.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Manager, Marketing Specialist, Financial Advisor, Entrepreneur - Accounting (BS) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, and government. Students learn financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and accounting information systems.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Accountant, Auditor, Tax Preparer, Financial Analyst - Criminal Justice (BS) — 48 months · English
This program explores the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections, preparing students for careers in public safety and legal fields.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Police Officer, Probation Officer, Paralegal, Forensic Investigator - English (BA) — 48 months · English
The English program cultivates strong analytical, writing, and critical thinking skills through the study of literature, language, and rhetoric.
Field: Arts and Humanities
Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Teacher, Communications Specialist - History (BA) — 48 months · English
Students explore past events, societies, and cultures, developing critical thinking, research, and analytical skills applicable to various professions.
Field: Arts and Humanities
Career outcomes: Historian, Archivist, Museum Curator, Policy Analyst - Sport Marketing & Administration (BS) — 48 months · English
This program combines business principles with the unique aspects of the sports industry, preparing students for careers in sports management, marketing, and event planning.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Sports Marketing Manager, Athletic Director, Event Coordinator, Sports Agent - Sociology (BA) — 48 months · English
Students examine social structures, interactions, and cultural phenomena. The program develops critical thinking about social issues, inequality, and social change.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Social Worker, Community Organizer, Policy Analyst, Market Researcher - Biology (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of living organisms, their structures, functions, and interactions, with options for pre-professional tracks.
Field: Science
Career outcomes: Biologist, Research Assistant, Environmental Scientist, Healthcare Professional - Chemistry (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
The Chemistry program focuses on the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, with opportunities for laboratory research and advanced study.
Field: Science
Career outcomes: Chemist, Laboratory Technician, Pharmacist (with further study), Materials Scientist - Computer Science (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students learn fundamental principles of computing, programming languages, algorithms, and software development, preparing them for careers in technology and innovation.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Web Developer, Data Analyst, Network Administrator - Marketing (BS) — 48 months · English
Students learn about consumer behavior, market research, advertising, and digital marketing strategies to effectively promote products and services.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Marketing Manager, Advertising Specialist, Social Media Manager, Market Research Analyst - Music (BA) — 48 months · English
The Music program offers concentrations in performance, music education, and general music, fostering musical talent and theoretical understanding.
Field: Arts and Humanities
Career outcomes: Musician, Music Teacher, Composer, Sound Engineer - Elementary Education (BSEd) — 48 months · English
This program prepares future educators to teach in elementary school settings, focusing on child development, curriculum design, and effective teaching strategies.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Elementary School Teacher, Curriculum Developer, Educational Consultant - Finance (BS) — 48 months · English
This program provides a strong foundation in financial markets, investments, corporate finance, and financial planning, preparing students for careers in the financial industry.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Financial Planner, Loan Officer - Management (BS) — 48 months · English
This program focuses on leadership, organizational behavior, human resources, and strategic planning, preparing students for managerial roles in diverse industries.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Operations Manager, Human Resources Manager, Project Manager, Consultant - Mathematics (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program develops strong analytical and problem-solving skills through the study of calculus, algebra, statistics, and other mathematical concepts.
Field: Science
Career outcomes: Mathematician, Statistician, Data Scientist, Actuary - Communication Studies (BA) — 48 months · English
This program develops strong communication skills, critical thinking, and cultural understanding, preparing students for careers in media, public relations, and various organizational settings.
Field: Arts and Humanities
Career outcomes: Public Relations Specialist, Journalist, Marketing Coordinator, Event Planner - Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English
Students explore human behavior, cognition, and emotion, developing research and analytical skills applicable to various fields including counseling and social work.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Counselor (with further study), Social Worker (with further study), Research Assistant, Human Resources Specialist - Bachelor of Science (BSc) — 36 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
This undergraduate program focuses on scientific and technical fields, providing students with analytical and problem-solving skills for careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. - Bachelor of Arts (BA) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
This undergraduate program provides a broad education in the humanities, social sciences, or arts, preparing students for diverse career paths or further graduate studies. - Secondary Education (BSEd) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students to teach specific subjects at the middle and high school levels, combining pedagogical training with in-depth subject matter knowledge.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: High School Teacher, Middle School Teacher, Educational Administrator - Art (BA) — 48 months · English
The Art program offers concentrations in studio art, art education, and graphic design, fostering creativity and technical skills in various artistic mediums.
Field: Arts and Humanities
Career outcomes: Artist, Graphic Designer, Art Educator, Illustrator - Business Administration (BBA) — 48 months · English
Students gain a broad understanding of business principles, including management, marketing, finance, and economics, preparing them for diverse leadership roles.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Manager, Marketing Specialist, Financial Advisor, Entrepreneur - Accounting (BS) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, and government. Students learn financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and accounting information systems.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Accountant, Auditor, Tax Preparer, Financial Analyst - Criminal Justice (BS) — 48 months · English
This program explores the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections, preparing students for careers in public safety and legal fields.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Police Officer, Probation Officer, Paralegal, Forensic Investigator - English (BA) — 48 months · English
The English program cultivates strong analytical, writing, and critical thinking skills through the study of literature, language, and rhetoric.
Field: Arts and Humanities
Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Teacher, Communications Specialist - History (BA) — 48 months · English
Students explore past events, societies, and cultures, developing critical thinking, research, and analytical skills applicable to various professions.
Field: Arts and Humanities
Career outcomes: Historian, Archivist, Museum Curator, Policy Analyst - Sport Marketing & Administration (BS) — 48 months · English
This program combines business principles with the unique aspects of the sports industry, preparing students for careers in sports management, marketing, and event planning.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Sports Marketing Manager, Athletic Director, Event Coordinator, Sports Agent - Sociology (BA) — 48 months · English
Students examine social structures, interactions, and cultural phenomena. The program develops critical thinking about social issues, inequality, and social change.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Social Worker, Community Organizer, Policy Analyst, Market Researcher - Biology (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of living organisms, their structures, functions, and interactions, with options for pre-professional tracks.
Field: Science
Career outcomes: Biologist, Research Assistant, Environmental Scientist, Healthcare Professional - Chemistry (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
The Chemistry program focuses on the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, with opportunities for laboratory research and advanced study.
Field: Science
Career outcomes: Chemist, Laboratory Technician, Pharmacist (with further study), Materials Scientist - Computer Science (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students learn fundamental principles of computing, programming languages, algorithms, and software development, preparing them for careers in technology and innovation.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Web Developer, Data Analyst, Network Administrator - Marketing (BS) — 48 months · English
Students learn about consumer behavior, market research, advertising, and digital marketing strategies to effectively promote products and services.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Marketing Manager, Advertising Specialist, Social Media Manager, Market Research Analyst - Music (BA) — 48 months · English
The Music program offers concentrations in performance, music education, and general music, fostering musical talent and theoretical understanding.
Field: Arts and Humanities
Career outcomes: Musician, Music Teacher, Composer, Sound Engineer - Elementary Education (BSEd) — 48 months · English
This program prepares future educators to teach in elementary school settings, focusing on child development, curriculum design, and effective teaching strategies.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Elementary School Teacher, Curriculum Developer, Educational Consultant - Finance (BS) — 48 months · English
This program provides a strong foundation in financial markets, investments, corporate finance, and financial planning, preparing students for careers in the financial industry.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Financial Planner, Loan Officer - Management (BS) — 48 months · English
This program focuses on leadership, organizational behavior, human resources, and strategic planning, preparing students for managerial roles in diverse industries.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Operations Manager, Human Resources Manager, Project Manager, Consultant - Mathematics (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program develops strong analytical and problem-solving skills through the study of calculus, algebra, statistics, and other mathematical concepts.
Field: Science
Career outcomes: Mathematician, Statistician, Data Scientist, Actuary - Communication Studies (BA) — 48 months · English
This program develops strong communication skills, critical thinking, and cultural understanding, preparing students for careers in media, public relations, and various organizational settings.
Field: Arts and Humanities
Career outcomes: Public Relations Specialist, Journalist, Marketing Coordinator, Event Planner - Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English
Students explore human behavior, cognition, and emotion, developing research and analytical skills applicable to various fields including counseling and social work.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Counselor (with further study), Social Worker (with further study), Research Assistant, Human Resources Specialist - Bachelor of Science (BSc) — 36 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
This undergraduate program focuses on scientific and technical fields, providing students with analytical and problem-solving skills for careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. - Bachelor of Arts (BA) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
This undergraduate program provides a broad education in the humanities, social sciences, or arts, preparing students for diverse career paths or further graduate studies. - Secondary Education (BSEd) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students to teach specific subjects at the middle and high school levels, combining pedagogical training with in-depth subject matter knowledge.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: High School Teacher, Middle School Teacher, Educational Administrator - Nursing (BSN) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program prepares students for a rewarding career as a registered nurse, focusing on patient care, health promotion, and disease prevention.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Nurse Educator, Public Health Nurse, Nurse Administrator
Master Programs (13)
- Master of Science in Education (MSEd) - Educational Leadership (MSEd) — 24 months · English
This program prepares educators for leadership roles in schools and educational organizations. Students focus on curriculum development, school finance, and administrative practices.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: School Principal, Superintendent, Curriculum Director, Educational Administrator - Master of Science in Education (MSEd) - Teaching and Learning (MSEd) — 24 months · English
Designed for current and aspiring teachers, this program enhances pedagogical skills and deepens understanding of educational theory and practice. Specializations may include various subject areas.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Master Teacher, Instructional Coach, Curriculum Specialist, Educational Researcher - Master of Business Administration (MBA) (MBA) — 24 months · English
The MBA program enhances leadership and management skills, providing advanced knowledge in areas such as finance, marketing, and strategic management.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Senior Manager, Business Consultant, Executive, Entrepreneur - Master of Arts (MA) — English · Scholarship available
This graduate program offers advanced study in humanities, social sciences, or arts, preparing students for specialized roles, research, or doctoral studies. - Master of Science (MSc) — English · STEM · Scholarship available
This graduate program provides in-depth knowledge and research skills in scientific or technical disciplines, preparing students for advanced professional roles or further academic pursuits. - Master of Science in Education (MSEd) - Sport Performance and Leadership (MSEd) — 24 months · English
This graduate program focuses on advanced principles of sport performance, coaching, and leadership within athletic organizations and educational settings.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Athletic Director, Head Coach, Sport Administrator, Performance Analyst - Master of Science in Education (MSEd) - Educational Leadership (MSEd) — 24 months · English
This program prepares educators for leadership roles in schools and educational organizations. Students focus on curriculum development, school finance, and administrative practices.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: School Principal, Superintendent, Curriculum Director, Educational Administrator - Master of Science in Education (MSEd) - Teaching and Learning (MSEd) — 24 months · English
Designed for current and aspiring teachers, this program enhances pedagogical skills and deepens understanding of educational theory and practice. Specializations may include various subject areas.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Master Teacher, Instructional Coach, Curriculum Specialist, Educational Researcher - Master of Business Administration (MBA) (MBA) — 24 months · English
The MBA program enhances leadership and management skills, providing advanced knowledge in areas such as finance, marketing, and strategic management.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Senior Manager, Business Consultant, Executive, Entrepreneur - Master of Arts (MA) — English · Scholarship available
This graduate program offers advanced study in humanities, social sciences, or arts, preparing students for specialized roles, research, or doctoral studies. - Master of Science (MSc) — English · STEM · Scholarship available
This graduate program provides in-depth knowledge and research skills in scientific or technical disciplines, preparing students for advanced professional roles or further academic pursuits. - Master of Science in Education (MSEd) - Sport Performance and Leadership (MSEd) — 24 months · English
This graduate program focuses on advanced principles of sport performance, coaching, and leadership within athletic organizations and educational settings.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Athletic Director, Head Coach, Sport Administrator, Performance Analyst - Master of Education (M.Ed.) (M.Ed.) — 24 months · English
This program offers advanced study for educators, focusing on curriculum development, educational leadership, and specialized teaching methodologies.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: School Administrator, Curriculum Specialist, Instructional Coordinator, Lead Teacher
Scholarships & Tuition at Northern State University
Annual tuition for international students: $10,717 – $18,660/year
Visit the university's financial aid page for the latest scholarship information.
Campus & Facilities at Northern State University
- Student housing available
- No sports facilities
- No disability support info
Key Highlights
- Affordable, comprehensive education
- Hands-on learning focus
- Supportive international community
- Diverse degree programs
- Safe, friendly campus environment
Notable Alumni
- Tillie Black Bear
- Ronnie Cruz
- Paul Sather
- Elmer Diedtrich
- Cecil E. Harris
Frequently Asked Questions about Northern State University
What is Northern State University?
Northern State University is a public university located in Aberdeen, United States. .
How much does it cost to study at Northern State University?
Tuition fees at Northern State University for international students range from $10,717 – $18,660/year.
What are the admission requirements for Northern State University?
Selectivity: Open (60%+).
How many programs does Northern State University offer?
Northern State University offers 58 programs: 45 Bachelor's, 13 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
Apply to Northern State University with Abroadly
Use Abroadly's AI-powered platform to manage your application to Northern State University. Get matched to programs, track deadlines, and organize documents — all in one place.