BSC IS MORE THAN A CLASSROOM. WE'RE POLYTECHNIC AND POLYTECHNIC IS YOU.
POLYTECHNIC
Polytechnic is not just some fancy college jargon. It’s our mission. And our mission is you. At North Dakota’s only polytechnic institution, you’ll get hands-on learning that will prepare you for the workforce on Day One. By partnering with business and industry, we offer students realworld experiences through internships, job shadowing and classes grounded in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics). But hands-on doesn’t stop in the classroom. It means we’ll walk with you from application to graduation. It means we’ll help you get the right skills and make the right connections so that you can get on the right path–whether that’s continuing your education or starting your career.
ABOUT BSC
HISTORY
BSC was established as Bismarck Junior College in 1939. With only 107 students and 12 instructors, the first class met on the third floor of Bismarck High School. In 1960, the college broke ground on our current location – 70 acres of land donated by Harold Schafer.
MISSION
As North Dakota’s Polytechnic Institution, Bismarck State College focuses on student success through the delivery of affordable, flexible, high-quality, experiential learning enhanced by public-private partnerships.
VISION
Bismarck State College is a leader in polytechnic education, improving lives and building sustainable communities.
ENERGY
With full access to the latest lab facilities, online simulators and engaging industry-standard equipment at BSC, you’ll build foundational skills for an energy career. BSC is the right place to start, with powerful pathways leading to next-level opportunities in electrical technology, renewable energy, energy operations, instrumentation operations and more.
Choose from 12+ energy-related programs with online and on-campus class options
Start with a 2-year degree or upskill in your field with a 4-year degree.
Secure your future with 100% job placement for BSC students studying energy-related fields.*
*2022 U.S. Energy & Employment Jobs Report (USEER)
Always in-demand. BSC boasts 100% job placement for agriculture program grads.*
*BSC First Destinations Report, 2021-2022
The agriculture sector is expected to grow by 100,000 jobs or 5% over the next 10 years.*
*O-Net Online.
Build connections to industry through BSC’s community of agriculture business partners.
Qualified professionals are in demand, and with program paths leading to dozens of potential careers, BSC puts you in command. Industry-trained instructors and unique connections like internships and immersive industry experiences make BSC the right choice for those looking to cultivate a career in agriculture.
CYBERSECURITY
Get right to work in a federal cybersecurity career or explore opportunities in many other careers for state, large and small businesses. BSC is proud to be designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) – one of just three in North Dakota – by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.
Choose from bachelor’s, associate and certificate options, each opening doors to unlimited opportunities. Online and on-campus class options
HEALTH SCIENCES
Demand for qualified professionals in North Dakota and beyond is sizzling, with hospitals, clinics, companies and more paying top dollar for graduates with the latest skills. There has never been a better time to earn a living improving lives. Not surprisingly, salaries are soaring, with the most in-demand occupations reaching $100,000 or more.
Choose from 20+ real world-ready pathways covering patient care, sports and fitness, technology, management and more.
MANUFACTURING
Manufacturing and Automation programs at BSC are all about powering up your skills and plugging you into the workforce. Get the skills and certifications you need to move up in your career quickly. Or start fresh in an in-demand industry.
Unlock opportunities in 11 program areas like Industrial Automation and Robotics, HVAC, AI Machine Learning and Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing).
FINANCE
Finance at BSC will equip you with skills to manage and analyze financial performance in various sectors, gain practical experience through internships and apply finance theory to real-world scenarios. Customize your degree with stackable certificates in Accounting, Management, Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Data Analytics.
Earn a Bachelor of Applied Science in Finance with flexible on-campus or online formats.
My favorite thing about attending BSC is the atmosphere. BSC’s campus is the perfect size. A small student-to-faculty ratio makes it easy to communicate with faculty and get extra help if needed. All of my hands-on learning experiences at BSC have been extremely helpful and informative. Everyone I have worked with wants to see students succeed and are willing to lend a helping hand to make it happen.
– Emily Salwey, Rugby, ND Business Administration, Coaching, and Graphic Design and Communications
With bachelor’s and associate degrees, and stackable certificate options
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)
Dialysis Technician
Diesel Technology
Digital Broadcasting
Digital Forensics & Incident Response
E Economics
Education - Early Childhood
Education - Elementary
Education - Secondary
Electric Power Technology
Electrical Transmission Systems
Technology
Electrician Technician (FALL 2025)
Electronics Technology
Electronics/Telecommunications
Technology
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Energy Management (BAS)
Energy Services & Renewable Technician
Engineering
English
Entrepreneurship
Environmental and Safety Regulations
Exercise and Sports Studies
Exercise Science
F
Farm & Ranch Management
Finance (BAS)
Financial Technologies
Foreign Language
G Geographic Information Systems
Technician
Geospatial Technology
Graphic Design and Communications
Graphic Design Technology
H
Health Administration (BAS) (FALL 2025)
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Heavy Equipment Operations
History
Human Services/Eligibility Worker
I
Industrial Automation & Robotics
Instrumentation & Control Technology
Insurance
Integrated Studies
IT & Cybersecurity Governance
L Land Surveying Technology
Leadership
Lineworker (Electrical)
M Management
Management Entrepreneurship
Mass Communication
Mathematics
Mechanical Maintenance
Technology
Mechatronics Engineering
Technology (BAS)
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technician
Mobile Application Development
Modern Computing Technologies
N
Nuclear Power Technology
Nursing
O
Offensive and Defensive Security
Operations Management (BAS)
P
Paramedic Technology
Performing Arts
Petroleum Production Technology
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Power Generation Technology
Pre-Chiropractic
Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Medical
Pre-Occupational Therapy
Pre-Optometry
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Radiologic Technology
Pre-Respiratory Therapy
Pre-Veterinary
Print and Digital Publications
Process Technology
Psychology
R
Ranch Operations
Religion
S
Secure Web Programming
Security and Hacking
Security Operations
Social Work
Sociology
Software Analysis
Spanish
Speech Communication
Sport and Fitness
Entrepreneurship
Sport and Fitness Management
STEM College Studies
Study Abroad
Surgical Technology
T
Technical Studies
U
Undecided (Transfer)
Unmanned Aeriel Systems
W
Water & Wastewater Technology
Web Programming Foundations
Welding
*Pending HLC approval
I chose to live on campus because I wanted to have the ‘traditional’ college freshman experience. I wanted to meet new people, be involved in on-campus activities like Welcome Week, and save gas money. When I lived on campus, I loved using the BSC Aquatics and Wellness Center, gym, pool and tea and shake shop. Being on campus is super convenient and within walking distance to everything.
– Molly Nies, Killdeer, ND – Forensic Psychology
HOUSING & DINING
BSC is your home sweet home away from home. Whether you need on-campus housing or just a place to eat and study, BSC offers many amenities.
400+ BEDS IN SIX RESIDENCE HALLS
Choose from traditional, apartment or suite-style rooms* in one of six co-ed or same-gender residence halls.
• Swensen Hall
• Werner Hall
• Mystic Hall
bismarckstate.edu/Housing
MYSTIC MARKETPLACE
• Lidstrom Hall
• Ritchie Hall
• Gate City Bank Hall
*Single rooms available upon request.
NEED COFFEE?
Caffeinate your studies at Mystic Java or checkout our other coffee shops on campus.
Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, Mystic Marketplace has made-to-order meals hot off the grill, fresh salad and sandwich bars, a pizza station, grab and go options and more. On-campus and off-campus meal plans make planning and budgeting for meals easy for you.
BSC MYSTICS CAN CATCH A GAME AND SUPPORT THEIR TEAMS!
BSC boasts more than a dozen men’s, women’s, co-ed, varsity and intercollegiate teams. Cheer from the stands or watch our livestream at bismarckstate.edu/MysticsLive.
My experience being a student athlete at BSC has been great! All the professors I had were very supportive and understanding when I had to miss class due to a game. My coaches always emphasized school first, sport second, and were extremely encouraging! To future athletes, it’s a grind to play in college, but it’s worth it! Find your balance and don’t forget to have fun doing it because it’ll be over before you know it.
Greta Gibson, Women’s Volleyball and Softball, Leonard, ND
GROWING LEADERS
BSC has broken ground on the BSC Bavendick Center–the future home of MysticNation for collegiate sports, recreational activities and campus events. Soon you can catch a Mystics game in the 2,000-seat arena, get your steps in on the walking track or enjoy a variety of campus events. It will be a game-changer.
BASKETBALL
BASEBALL SOFTBALL VOLLEYBALL
WRESTLING RODEO
TRACK & FIELD
CROSS COUNTRY & HALF MARATHON
CLAYSHOOT ESPORTS
STUDENT LIFE
COLLEGE DOESN’T STOP IN THE CLASSROOM.
Sip a coffee from Mystic Java, play arcade games in the Student Union, test your skills on the frolf course or cheer on a Mystics athletic team, all while building lifelong relationships.
MYSTIC ACTIVITIES COUNCIL (MAC)
Make college life unforgettable! Join MAC to help plan, promote and enjoy amazing student events and activities.
CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
• Ag Club
• Amateur Radio Club
• Art Club
• Bitcoin Research Club
• Campus Crusade (CRU)
• Concert Band
• Concert/Chamber Choir
• Cyber/FBLA/WiCys
• Digital Hive Club
• Drama Club
• Energy Club
• Graphic Design and Communications Club (GDCC)
• LGBT+ Club
• MESA Gaming Club
• Multicultural Club
• MystiCast (video publication)
• Mystic Catholics
• Phi Theta Kappa
• Student Nurses Organization (SNO)
• The Mystician (newspaper)
• The MYX (radio)
• Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
GOVERNING AND ORGANIZATIONAL BOARDS
• Congress of Student Organizations (CSO)
INTRAMURALS
• Basketball
• Billiards
• Bowling
• Cornhole
• Flag Football
• Pickleball
• Volleyball
CAMPUS FEATURES
• BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center
• Frolf course
• Game rooms
• BSC Library
• Student Union
• Mystic Java
• BSC Bookstore
• Student Government Association (SGA) bismarckstate.edu/Clubs
Beyond campus, enjoy all the fantastic activities and experiences the Bismarck-Mandan communities have to offer you. Spend a day on a paddle board at Harmon Lake, enjoy a kayaking trip down the Mighty Missouri, join the fans in the stands at a Larks baseball game, shop at exclusive downtown boutiques or explore the earth lodges on a hike through Ft. Abraham Lincoln State Park.
• BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center has pools for recreational, diving and lap swimming as well as fitness classes and strength training equipment
*All free for BSC students
• Try some local favorites like Brick Oven Bakery, Walrus, Laughing Sun, Big Boy or Fireflour Pizza
• Rent kayaks to explore McDowell Dam, Harmon Lake or the Missouri River
• Hike, bike, skate and run on Bismarck Parks & Recreation trails
• Visit the Dakota Zoo
• Have some fun at Raging Rivers, Craftcade or Super Slide Amusement Park
• Go fishing at the many lakes, rivers and ponds in the area
• Enjoy golf and disc golf at courses around town and on campus
• Learn about the area’s history and culture at Ft. Lincoln State Park, Double Ditch Indian Village, the Knife River Indian Villages or the North Dakota Heritage Center
• Catch a movie at Grand 22 Theatres
• Cheer on your favorite local developmental league teams in baseball (Bismarck Larks) and hockey (Bismarck Bobcats)
• Visit the Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau to find more things to do
Scan the code to view exclusive Mystic discounts around the area! bismarckstate.edu/StudentDiscounts
GOING TO COLLEGE DOESN’T MEAN DOING IT ALONE.
Whether you are a first-time freshman or a veteran returning to school after years away, BSC offers a number of student services to help you succeed academically and personally while you’re a student.
STUDENT SUCCESS
MYSTIC ADVISING & COUNSELING CENTER (MACC)
Feeling overwhelmed? Need help deciding on a career path? Maybe your grades are down, or you need someone to talk to. The MACC can help with academic advising, mental health counseling and career counseling.
STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY
BSC wants you to succeed, which is why we strive to provide equal access to programs and services for all students. We offer support programs to assist students with disabilities and provide reasonable accommodations to promote self-awareness, self-determination and self-advocacy.
TESTING/TUTORING
We provide the academic tools you need to succeed in your studies.
BSC’s Testing Services offers a variety of tests including ACCUPLACER, CLEP, DSST, ACT WorkKeys, ATI TEAS, ETS Praxis and Scantron testing. We also provide computerized and paper/ pencil proctoring services for BSC students, non-BSC students and community members.
Tutoring is available in a variety of subjects including biology, chemistry, math, writing, computer information systems, engineering, EMS and other subjects by request.
FAST TRACK
Receive credit for the learning you may have already done!
Not all college-credit happens on a college campus. The Fast Track program at BSC encompasses all the non-traditional ways students may have earned college credit, including:
AP/CLEP
AP (Advanced Placement) courses are taken in high school and students can receive college credit if they earn a 3 or higher on the exam. With CLEP (College-Level Examination Program), a student can earn college credit for what they already know on any of 34 CLEP examinations.
PRIOR LEARNING
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) can help by giving adults college credit for knowledge and competencies they’ve gained outside the classroom.
MILITARY
BSC awards credit for Military Training Programs as outlined by the American Council on Education (ACE).
The support I received from BSC’s faculty made the slight changes from high school work to college-level classes a breeze. Even if you don’t have the time to fit an entire year of college courses into your time in high school, every credit counts and puts you ahead. This is an opportunity that I am so glad that I took advantage of and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
– Alexandria Dirk, Mandan High School
DUAL CREDIT & EARLY ENTRY
Save time and money and get on the fast track to your future when you take Dual Credit and Early Entry classes.
DUAL CREDIT
High school students enroll in college courses and receive both college and high school credit simultaneously. These courses are usually taken at their high school or online.
EARLY ENTRY
High school students take college courses from a BSC instructor either online or on the BSC campus in addition to their high school schedule.
BENEFITS OF TAKING
DUAL CREDIT CLASSES:
Not only will you save on tuition and get ahead of your peers, there are also some great perks to being a BSC Dual Credit or Early Entry student:
Be a part of MysticNation with student discounts around town, entrance to Mystic Athletics games, join the theatre or watch a show, or have fun at student life events.
Get access to academic services that will help you succeed, such as BSC Library, Tutoring, Career Services, Advising, and Counseling.
STUDENT FINANCE
You don’t have to figure this out alone!
BSC Student Finance can help you with:
• Individualized cost estimates
• Billing, refunding and payment plans
• Military and veteran tuition assistance
Out-of-state residents receive in-state tuition with reciprocity. This reciprocity agreement applies to the 10 states pictured and two Canadian provinces, including Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
bismarckstate.edu/StudentFinance
about $5k per year
2024-25 TECHNICAL + ENERGY TUITION ESTIMATES
BOOKSTORE
The BSC Bookstore is your one-stop shop for Mystic apparel, gifts, textbooks and supplies. Watch for deals and discounts such as 35% off on home game days and progressive sales to score 20, 30 and 50% off!
2024-25 GEN ED + TRANSFER TUITION ESTIMATES
To maintain full-time status, students will need to enroll in a minimum of 12 credits per semester. To finish an associate degree in two years, students will need to enroll in 15 credits per semester.
GET STARTED ON YOUR BSC APPLICATION
Complete your Admissions application online at bismarckstate.edu/Apply
Request Transcript
Request your official high school, GED or college transcript be sent directly to BSC
Submit Immunization Record
Submit documented proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella and meningococcal
NEXT STEPS
Apply for scholarships at bismarckstate.edu/Scholarships
Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid at fafsa.gov BSC school code: 002988
Apply for housing
Pay tuition deposit for limited enrollment programs (if required)
Submit placement scores (if required)
Additional admissions requirements may apply. For more information go to bismarckstate.edu/Apply
$1.3 MILLION
in scholarships over
FINANCIAL AID
All students are encouraged to apply
Financial Aid comes in the form of grants, student loans and Federal Work Study. Not all aid is need-based. Even if you don’t qualify for grants, you may still be eligible for loans. To find out if you qualify, fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA determines your financial aid eligibility and serves as the North Dakota State Grant application for eligible students.
WAIVERS are a dollar value applied to tuition, fees or residence hall costs based on the type of waiver the student has been granted. Waivers do not need to be repaid. A limited number of awards are available each year.
GRANTS are free money that does not have to be repaid. These are given by federal and state government based on your FAFSA.
STAFFORD LOANS are low-interest loans provided through the federal government that do not need to be paid back until six months after graduation.
WORK STUDY is a federal program that provides part-time on-campus jobs for qualifying students with financial needs, allowing them to earn money to help cover college expenses.
Visit studentaid.gov to get started on your FAFSA!
SCHOLARSHIPS
Bismarck State College awards over $1.3 million in scholarships to BSC students each year. Scholarships are funded by the BSC Foundation through generous contributions from alumni, faculty and staff, friends, parents, campus organizations and corporations.
Student awards range from $250 to $6,000 and can be re-awarded annually! Every student should apply. Scholarships are not limited to financial need, and both part-time and full-time students are eligible.
• 75% of applicants receive a scholarship
• First-time, returning, transfer students are eligible
• Scholarships available in every area of study
• All financial situations are considered
• All GPAs are considered
BUSINESS & INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS
Bismarck State College understands the importance of aligning their programs with workforce needs. Working alongside business and industry leaders, BSC is training the workforce to be responsive and ready for a career as soon as they graduate.
– Dave Farnsworth, Chair of ND Workforce Development Council
Through Business and Industry Leadership Teams (BILTs), BSC develops programs in collaboration with employers who identify the key knowledge, skills and abilities they need in new hires.
The result is exceptional career preparation, job placement and graduates who are prepared to solve complex social, economic and community problems and achieve success in the real world.
