Historical Sketch
Dickinson Normal School was created in 1916 by a constitutional amendment approved by North Dakota voters. Classes began in 1918 with a two-year program designed to train elementary and secondary teachers. In 1931, four-year degrees were offered for the first time under the school’s new name, Dickinson State Teachers College. In recognition of the institution’s broadened curriculum, Dickinson State Teachers College became Dickinson State College in 1963. University status was granted in 1987 as the progression of education in the West River region was recognized by the State Board of Higher Education. The University was approved to offer its first master's degree in 2017.