The legislature established Northern State University to meet the needs of the State, the region, and nation by providing undergraduate and graduate programs in education and other courses or programs as the Board of Regents may determine. (SDCL 13-59-1)

The Board implemented SDCL 13-59-1 by authorizing graduate and undergraduate programs in education to promote excellence in teaching and learning, to support research, scholarly and creative activities, and to provide service to the State of South Dakota, the region, and the nation. The Board approved a special emphasis on E-learning in the university curriculum and service.

Curriculum

Degrees are authorized at the associate, baccalaureate, and masters levels. The following curriculum is approved for the university.

A. Undergraduate Programs
Associate degree programs in arts and sciences, business, education and fine arts. Baccalaureate degree programs in arts and sciences, business, education, and fine arts.

B. Graduate Programs
Masters degrees in education and E-learning.

VISION AND VALUES STATEMENT

Vision

Northern State University is an historic, public institution of higher education established on an attractive campus in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The NSU community takes pride in the institution and in providing an advanced teaching and learning environment. Integrating technology across the curriculum, NSU offers excellence in liberal and professional education with programs in Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Fine Arts.

Values

NSU's students, faculty, and staff are drawn together by the following values:

Community: With strong ties to our city and region, we are a welcoming community of scholars and learners, with a focus on a student-centered environment.

Scholarship: We engage in research and creative activities in an innovative atmosphere of intellectual rigor, with academic freedom and integrity.

Citizenship: We educate individuals for a lifetime of learning and service to their ever-changing communities, nations, and world.