School of Mines Facts
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a university with a world-wide reputation as an outstanding engineering and science institution.
Founded in 1885, the School of Mines has been a leader in preparing world-class engineers and scientists for more that a century. Our graduates design, construct and operate modern technology to meet complex challenges such as global warming, health care delivery, energy resource development, mineral extraction and processing, environment quality, futuristic transportation, and national defense.
Successful Alumni
Our alumni are held in the highest regard by their fellow leaders in industry, consulting, government, health and education.
Meeting the Needs of Today (and Tomorrow)
The School of Mines has diversified to meet the needs of engineering and science throughout the world. Our 30 major programs prepare graduates through the doctoral level. Our intellectual environment was shaped a century ago by the ingenuity and rugged individualism of pioneers in science and technology. Tech graduates provide inspiration and remain on the cutting edge in the fields of engineering and the sciences.
Quality Students
There are approximately 2,100 undergraduates and 260 graduate students from 40 states and 27 countries. More than half graduated within the top 25 percent of their high school class and had ACT composite scores above 24.
Faculty Who Make a Difference
There are approximately 100 faculty with degrees from more than 150 institutions, 85 percent of whom have earned doctoral degrees.
Beautiful Black Hills
The School of Mines is located in Rapid City which lies between the South Dakota Badlands and the two-million acres of the Black Hills. Both Mount Rushmore and the emerging Crazy Horse Monument are within a 45 minute drive of campus.
With more than 60,000 residents Rapid City is South Dakota's second largest city. Rapid City's elevation of 3,240 feet produces cool summer evenings and protection offered by the adjacent mountains produces unexpectedly mild winters, when it is common for temperatures to rise into the 60s and 70s.
An Outdoor Recreation Paradise
Rapid City and the Black Hills offer School of Mines students opportunities to balance their academic activities with hiking, biking, skiing, camping, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, spelunking, and rock climbing.
