Best Online Master’s Programs in South Dakota 2022

Published: May, 11 2022

Find the best online colleges in South Dakota ranked by the academic success of faculty and alumni associated with the colleges and universities and their online degree programs. Faculty and alumni with influential ideas are the foundation of respectable online degree programs employers can trust.

Top 10 Online Master's Programs in South Dakota

University of South Dakota
South Dakota State University
Augustana University
Black Hills State University
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Dakota State University
Northern State University
University of Sioux Falls
Dakota Wesleyan University
National American University

Colleges and Universities in South Dakota

Almost 20 higher education institutions award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the state, and only two schools exceed 5,000 in student population. The average college tuition in the state is $8,450, which is under the national average. Of the 11 public institutions, South Dakota State University is the largest with just over 10,000 students, and it has a tuition of $9,000.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

With a comparable tuition, the University of South Dakota is the second largest and located in Vermillion. Students can earn degrees in areas such as earth science, physics, and engineering. Eight private schools offer degrees ranging in tuition from $3,000 to $33,000. Many of these universities are religiously affiliated, Augustana University being the largest and most expensive. This Lutheran university is located in Sioux Falls and offers programs in economics, psychology, and biology. The most affordable colleges, Oglala Lakota College and Sinte Gleska University, are both tribal institutions charging $3,000 in fees.

Two monuments are carved into the rock of the Black Hills: Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. In addition to its majestic mountains, South Dakota’s lands are some of the richest in fossils. Badlands National Park is home to unique rock formations as well as the fossils of saber-toothed cats, three-toed horses, and ancient marine animals. With vast plains and unique mountains, South Dakota offers a stunning setting for students looking to earn their degree in The Mount Rushmore State.

Find out more about the top programs and higher education opportunities available in South Dakota.

What are South Dakota’s Colleges & Universities?

South Dakota’s Best Overall

Online master’s degrees offered by respected colleges and universities are generally respected by employers. The main thing to consider about your online master’s choices is whether the school name is well known and respected. In many cases, employers won’t know your degree was earned online. But even if they do, a degree from a respected college is automatically to your benefit.

We rank the colleges and universities in this list by the influence of their alumni and faculty. For master’s degree students, including online master’s degree students, having faculty who are influential in your field matters a lot. It’s a big indicator that you have the chance to get a quality education. And, knowing that you will join an alumni association with some impressive people is nice, too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s Degrees

An online master’s degree costs about $40,000 for the average grad student. However, the cost of your online master’s degree will depend on the type of grad school you attend. In 2018-2019, the average cost for a year of tuition in a public grad school was $12,171. The average cost for a year of tuition in private, non-profit grad school was $27,776. An online master’s degree will usually cost about the same as a traditional master’s degree. Some schools will charge 5-10% more for online courses. This added cost pays for the technology and specialized training needed for online instruction. But getting a master’s degree online can also help you save money. The costs above don’t include expenses like housing, transportation, or certain campus fees. As an online grad student, you can save a lot of money by avoiding these added expenses. Many online master’s degree programs are also accelerated. Most master’s degree programs are designed to be completed in two years. But you may be able to earn your online master’s degree in as little as 12-18 months. Earning an accelerated online master’s degree can save you money on tuition.

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

How do we determine South Dakota's best online master's degree programs?

Methodology

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great! If you are serious about finding the best colleges and universities for a bachelor’s degree, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching and whether their graduates are themselves advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence in their fields of study.

Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Concentrated Influence provides a ranking that is freer from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

To rank the influence of schools, we first determine the influence of scholars and professionals based on the number of citations and publications they have had over the past 10 years. In addition to publications and citations, we consider the web links to and from these sources, and the page views of those sources. We then match the influential people to their alma maters and institutions of employment, so that their influence is attributed to those schools. Our machine-learning Influence Ranking algorithm produces a numerical score of academic achievements, merits, and citations across Wikipedia, wikidata, Crossref, Semantic Scholar and an ever-growing body of data. If you are interested in exploring how and why we rank by influence, explore our methodology in more depth.

Best Online Master’s Program in South Dakota 2022

#1
University of South Dakota
Vermillion , SD
#1 Best Research Universities in South Dakota 2022 #1 Best Public Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #1 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges in Each State 2021-2022
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
60%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1085/22
Online Master's Degrees
MA in Addiction Counseling and Prevention

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MA in Elementary Education

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
Master of Public Administration

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MA in Interdisciplinary Studies

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MA in Kinesiology and Sport Management

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
Master of Music

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MA in Pre-Kindergarten-12 Principal

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
Master of Professional Accountancy

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
Master of Public Health

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MA in Secondary Education

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
Master of Social Work

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Technology for Education and Training

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
#2
South Dakota State University
Brookings , SD
#2 Best Research Universities in South Dakota 2022 #2 Best Public Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #2 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges in Each State 2021-2022
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
59%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1155/22
Online Master's Degrees
Master of Engineering

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
Agricultural Education

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Chemistry

Concentrations

Chemical Education Specialization

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MEd in Curriculum and Instruction

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Dietetics

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MEd in Educational Administration

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MA in English

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Human Sciences

Concentrations

Developmental Sciences
Family and Community Services
Family and Consumer Sciences Education
Family Financial Planning
Merchandising

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Interdisciplinary Studies

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
Master of Mass Communication

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Nursing

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Operations Management

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
Master of Public Health

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Sociology

Concentrations

Community Development Specialization

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
#3
Augustana University
Sioux Falls , SD
#1 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #1 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #1 Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2022
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
72%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1225/26
Online Master's Degrees
MEd in Special Education

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
#4
Black Hills State University
Spearfish , SD
#3 Best Public Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #3 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges in Each State 2021-2022 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2022
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
39%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1070/21
Online Master's Degrees
MS in Strategic Leadership

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Curriculum and Instruction

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Secondary Education

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Sustainability

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MEd in Reading

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MAT in Special Education

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
#5
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Rapid City , SD
#5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges in Each State 2021-2022
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
50%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1255/26
Online Master's Degrees
MS in Construction Engineering and Management

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Engineering Management

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Mining Engineering and Management

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
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Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
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Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
- Master of Science in Communication
- Master of Science in Corporate Training and Communications
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Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL
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Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
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Michigan State University has set the standard for higher education for more than 150 years. Now, the authoritative research and educational leadership of this world-class university are accessible to professionals everywhere. Michigan State University offers 100% online non-credit and for-credit certificates, as well as online graduate degree programs in Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics, Healthcare Management, and Leadership and Management.
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Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
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The Johns Hopkins University is a world-class university in Baltimore, Maryland, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees.
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Babson College
Babson Park, MA
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Babson College is the premier educational institution for developing entrepreneurs of all kinds. Our AACSB-accredited graduate business programs, immersive and action-based curricula, engaged global network, and tight-knit community promote entrepreneurship as a make-it-happen mindset that can be applied to all business situations.
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Widener University
Chester, PA
- Master of Social Work – Advanced Standing
- Master of Social Work
Learn More About Widener University

What They’re Known For At Widener University, we proudly cultivate challenging and culturally diverse learning environments where academics, leadership, and service come first.
LEARN MORE
Northcentral University
San Diego, CA
Learn More About Northcentral University

Northcentral University was founded in 1996 to provide working professionals around the world with unprecedented access to richly engaging, professionally-relevant, and academically-rigorous education from a U. S. university.
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Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
Learn More About Grand Canyon University

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Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ
Learn More About Montclair State University

Montclair State University has over 250 undergraduate majors, minors, concentrations, and certificates; Graduate programs in nearly 100 fields of study.
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#6
Dakota State University
Madison , SD
#4 Best Public Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #4 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #4 Best Grad Schools in South Dakota 2022 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2022
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
49%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1137/22
Online Master's Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Analytics

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Computer Science

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Cyber Defense

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Educational Technology

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Health Informatics and Information Management

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Information Systems

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
#7
Northern State University
Aberdeen , SD
#5 Best Public Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #5 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2022
Other Rankings
- #7 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2022
- #9 South Dakota's Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
45%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1085/22
Online Master's Degrees
MS in Teaching and Learning

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
Master of Banking and Financial Services

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Education

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
Master of Accounting Analytics

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
Master of Sport Performance and Leadership

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
#8
University of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls , SD
#2 Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #3 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #3 South Dakota's Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #6 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2022
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
58%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/22
Online Master's Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Concentrations

Organizational Leadership
Healthcare
Business Innovation and Marketing
Management

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
Master of Education

Concentrations

Educational Administration/Higher Education
Technology and Personalized Learning
Reading

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
#9
Dakota Wesleyan University
Mitchell , SD
#3 Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #4 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #7 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2022
Other Rankings
- #9 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2022
- #10 South Dakota's Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
44%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1020/21
Online Master's Degrees
MA in Education

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
Master of Educational Policy and Administration

Concentrations

K-12 Principal
English as a New Language
Athletic and Activities Administration

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
#10
National American University
Rapid City , SD
#2 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #2 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2022 #3 Best Grad Schools in South Dakota 2022
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$16K
Graduation
19%
Student body
1K
Online Master's Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
Master of Management

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Intelligence Management

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Strategic Security and Protection Management

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
MS in Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies

Required Credits: 30-36
Completion time: 2-3 years
Format: Online
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Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
Learn More About Grand Canyon University

Whether online, evening or on campus, GCU has you covered in the pursuit of higher learning. You’re only a few questions away from learning what it takes to become a Lope.
LEARN MORE
Widener University
Chester, PA
- Master of Social Work – Advanced Standing
- Master of Social Work
Learn More About Widener University

What They’re Known For At Widener University, we proudly cultivate challenging and culturally diverse learning environments where academics, leadership, and service come first.
LEARN MORE
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Learn More About Johns Hopkins University

The Johns Hopkins University is a world-class university in Baltimore, Maryland, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees.
LEARN MORE
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
- Master of Science in Communication
- Master of Science in Corporate Training and Communications
Learn More About Purdue University

Founded in 1869 as a land-grant school, the University is known today for its prolific faculty as well as a record of distinguished research and achievement in aerospace, engineering, technology, science, and math.
LEARN MORE
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL
Learn More About Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago, a private university founded in 1870 as St. Ignatius College, is the nation’s largest Jesuit, Catholic University and the only one located in Chicago. Shaped by our city and Jesuit traditions, Loyola University Chicago offers students an unmatched educational experience.
LEARN MORE
Northcentral University
San Diego, CA
Learn More About Northcentral University

Northcentral University was founded in 1996 to provide working professionals around the world with unprecedented access to richly engaging, professionally-relevant, and academically-rigorous education from a U. S. university.
LEARN MORE
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
Learn More About Wake Forest University

A collegiate university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina distinguished by small classes and faculty-student engagement.
LEARN MORE
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Learn More About Michigan State University

Michigan State University has set the standard for higher education for more than 150 years. Now, the authoritative research and educational leadership of this world-class university are accessible to professionals everywhere. Michigan State University offers 100% online non-credit and for-credit certificates, as well as online graduate degree programs in Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics, Healthcare Management, and Leadership and Management.
LEARN MORE
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ
Learn More About Montclair State University

Montclair State University has over 250 undergraduate majors, minors, concentrations, and certificates; Graduate programs in nearly 100 fields of study.
LEARN MORE
Babson College
Babson Park, MA
Learn More About Babson College

Babson College is the premier educational institution for developing entrepreneurs of all kinds. Our AACSB-accredited graduate business programs, immersive and action-based curricula, engaged global network, and tight-knit community promote entrepreneurship as a make-it-happen mindset that can be applied to all business situations.
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Best Online Master’s Programs in South Dakota 2022

Top 10 Online Master's Programs in South Dakota

Colleges and Universities in South Dakota

What are South Dakota’s Colleges & Universities?

South Dakota’s Best Overall

Best Online Master’s Program in South Dakota 2022

University of South Dakota

Online Master's Degrees

South Dakota State University

Online Master's Degrees

Concentrations

Concentrations

Concentrations

Augustana University

Online Master's Degrees

Black Hills State University

Online Master's Degrees

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Online Master's Degrees

Dakota State University

Online Master's Degrees

Northern State University

Online Master's Degrees

University of Sioux Falls

Online Master's Degrees

Concentrations

Concentrations

Dakota Wesleyan University

Online Master's Degrees

Concentrations

National American University

Online Master's Degrees

South Dakota’s Best Grad Programs in Your Area Interest

Find the Best Online Master’s Programs in Each State

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