Dakota Wesleyan University

Dakota Wesleyan University

1200 West University Ave - Mitchell, SD 57301
Plains Region
Small Town Campus Setting
Very Small Size
771 Undergrad Enrollment
12:1 Student:Faculty
Master’s Highest Degree
Accepts Tuition Rewards
Dakota Wesleyan University logo

Dakota Wesleyan University
1200 West University Ave - Mitchell, SD 57301
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From Dakota Wesleyan University

Dakota Wesleyan University is rooted in our four values: lifelong learning, leadership development, faith exploration and genuine service to others. These values are deeply embedded in our United Methodist tradition and provide guidance and support to DWU graduates in their roles as successful members of the local and global communities.

Founded in 1885 and located in Mitchell, SD, DWU offers more than 40 majors and minors, plus four pre-professional programs, to a total enrollment of more than 900 students.

Our student body is purposefully small, allowing for an ideal student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1. Every student at DWU is more than just a number. We use the Clifton StrengthsFinder to develop the unique strengths of each student as an individual. You will explore career opportunities that align with your strengths. You will test your skills in meaningful service to others – and graduate grounded in your faith, prepared for success.

Dakota Wesleyan University
Dakota Wesleyan University
Dakota Wesleyan University

Neighborhood

Located in Mitchell, South Dakota, Dakota Wesleyan's campus sits in a welcoming college town where students enjoy easy walking access to downtown shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The surrounding neighborhood offers a safe, friendly atmosphere with local cafes, retail stores, and recreational activities within a short distance, making it convenient for students to explore without a car. Mitchell's manageable size creates an ideal balance between small-town charm and the amenities needed for a comfortable college experience.
5
Car-Dependent
Walk Score
0
Minimal Transit
Transit Score
30
Some Bike Lanes
Bike Score
½ mile
1 mile
2 miles
Food & Drink
Restaurants & Bars
Daily Needs
Grocery & Services
Shopping & Entertainment
Shopping & Entertainment
Health & Wellness
Gyms, Parks & Hospitals
Transit Access
Rail (subway, train, light rail)
Bus stops & stations
Median rent nearby: ~$838/mo

Admissions & Enrollment

  REQ Required REC Recommended CON Considered NR Not Required
Highschool GPA
Highschool Rank
Highschool Record
College Preparatory Program
Recommendations
Admission test scores
· REQ = Required
· REC = Recommended
· CON = Considered
· NR = Not Required
Standardized Tests % Submitted Score Range  
SAT 3 950 - 1420  
ACT 65 18 - 24  
Freshmen Class Total Men Women Another
Number of applicants 1,247 56 % 40 % -
Number admitted 915 58 % 38 % 4 %
Number enrolled 192 58 % 41 % -
Does not fall into either of the mutually exclusive binary categories provided

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Majors & Degrees

Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Biochemistry
Biology/Biological Sciences
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Accounting
Business Administration and Management
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management
Organizational Leadership
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies
Finance
Financial Planning and Services
Management Science
Marketing/Marketing Management
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Speech Communication and Rhetoric
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design
Education
Curriculum and Instruction
Education
Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership and Administration
Special Education and Teaching
Elementary Education and Teaching
Biology Teacher Education
English/Language Arts Teacher Education
History Teacher Education
Mathematics Teacher Education
Music Teacher Education
Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education
English Language and Literature/Letters
English Language and Literature
General Literature
Creative Writing
Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Foreign Languages and Literatures
Health Professions and Related Programs
Athletic Training/Trainer
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
History
History
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
Forensic Science and Technology
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
General Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
Mathematics and Statistics
Mathematics
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Behavioral Sciences
Biological and Physical Sciences
Natural Resources and Conservation
Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology
Exercise Science and Kinesiology
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management
Philosophy and Religious Studies
Christian Studies
Religion/Religious Studies
Physical Sciences
Chemistry
Physics
Psychology
Psychology
Public Administration and Social Service Professions
Human Services
Social Sciences
Economics
American Government and Politics (United States)
Political Science and Government
Sociology
Visual and Performing Arts
Graphic Design
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts
Music
Digital Arts
Certificate
Associate
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Top 10 in enrollment
Top 5 in enrollment
Top 10 based on enrollment
Top 5 based on enrollment
Area of Study Major Assoc. Bachelor Master Cert.
Biological and Biomedical Sciences Biochemistry — — —
Biology/Biological Sciences — — —
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services Accounting — — —
Business Administration and Management — —
Business Administration, Management and Operations — — —
Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management —
Organizational Leadership — —
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services — —
Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies — —
Finance — — —
Financial Planning and Services — — —
Management Science — — —
Marketing/Marketing Management — — —
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs Speech Communication and Rhetoric — — —
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia — — —
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design — — —
Education Curriculum and Instruction — —
Education — —
Educational Administration and Supervision — —
Educational Leadership and Administration — — —
Special Education and Teaching — —
Elementary Education and Teaching — — —
Biology Teacher Education — — —
English/Language Arts Teacher Education — — —
History Teacher Education — — —
Mathematics Teacher Education — — —
Music Teacher Education — — —
Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education — — —
English Language and Literature/Letters English Language and Literature — — —
General Literature — — —
Creative Writing — — —
Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing — — —
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Foreign Languages and Literatures — — —
Health Professions and Related Programs Athletic Training/Trainer — — —
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse — — —
History History — — —
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services Criminal Justice/Safety Studies — —
Forensic Science and Technology — — —
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities General Studies — —
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies — — —
Mathematics and Statistics Mathematics — — —
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Behavioral Sciences — — —
Biological and Physical Sciences — — —
Natural Resources and Conservation Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management — — —
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology Exercise Science and Kinesiology — — —
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management — — —
Philosophy and Religious Studies Christian Studies — — —
Religion/Religious Studies — — —
Physical Sciences Chemistry — — —
Physics — — —
Psychology Psychology — — —
Public Administration and Social Service Professions Human Services — — —
Social Sciences Economics — — —
American Government and Politics (United States) — — —
Political Science and Government — — —
Sociology — — —
Visual and Performing Arts Graphic Design — — —
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts — — —
Music — — —
Digital Arts — — —

Athletics

NAIA Division I
Sport Men Women
All Track Combined
Baseball
Basketball
Football
Golf
Soccer
Softball
Volleyball
Wrestling

Mission Statement

As an inclusive educational community, Dakota Wesleyan University provides a transformative learning experience that cultivates enduring intellectual growth, ethically grounded leadership, intentional faith exploration and meaningful service.