Dickinson State University (DSU), located in Dickinson, North Dakota, is a public institution within the North Dakota University System (NDUS). Established to serve the western part of the state, DSU provides accessible higher education with a focus on preparing students for careers in education, agriculture, business, and health sciences. The university enrolls around 1,400 students and maintains small class sizes, allowing faculty to build strong relationships with learners. Jobs at Dickinson State University attract professionals passionate about rural education and community impact, offering roles in a supportive environment amid the scenic Badlands region.
DSU's commitment to student success is evident in its teacher education programs, which have earned national accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). For those seeking higher ed faculty jobs, DSU emphasizes practical teaching and regional relevance, making it ideal for educators interested in making a tangible difference.
Founded in 1918 as Dickinson State Normal School, the institution evolved to meet North Dakota's growing needs for teachers and professionals. It became Dickinson State College in 1947 and achieved university status in 1987. Over the decades, DSU expanded its offerings, introducing programs in ranch management and nursing to align with local industries like energy and agriculture. This history underscores the stability and adaptability of jobs at Dickinson State University, where long-term faculty often contribute to ongoing program development.
Key milestones include the establishment of the Equestrian Center in the 1970s, now a hallmark program, and partnerships with local ranchers for hands-on learning. Understanding this background helps job seekers appreciate DSU's culture of practical, community-oriented higher education.
DSU offers over 30 majors across seven schools: Agriculture and Technical Education, Arts and Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship, Education and Behavioral Sciences, Graduate Studies, Health Sciences, and University College. Popular programs include Elementary Education, Nursing (BSN), Ranch Management, and Accounting. These departments drive demand for specialized faculty and staff.
For instance, the School of Health Sciences seeks nursing instructors with clinical experience, while Agriculture hires experts in animal science. Job seekers can align their expertise with these areas for the best fit. Explore university job types to see how roles vary by department.
Jobs at Dickinson State University span faculty, administration, and support roles. Tenure-track professors conduct classes, advise students, and engage in service. Adjunct instructors teach part-time, ideal for those balancing multiple commitments. Administrative positions include deans, department chairs, and coordinators in student affairs.
Recent openings have included Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Nursing Faculty, and Director of Equestrian Programs. Staff roles like academic advisors and IT specialists support operations. For a full breakdown, visit types of positions available across universities.
To help navigate higher education employment, here are key terms related to jobs at Dickinson State University:
For faculty jobs at DSU, a doctoral degree (PhD, EdD) is standard for tenure-track positions in academic departments. Master's degrees suffice for adjunct or non-tenure roles, especially in professional fields like nursing (MSN required). All candidates need relevant teaching credentials; for education roles, North Dakota teacher licensure is essential.
Administrative jobs often require advanced degrees plus experience, such as a master's in higher education administration for director positions.
DSU prioritizes applied research supporting its mission. Expertise in teacher preparation, sustainable agriculture, rural health, or equine science is sought. Faculty may collaborate on grants from the NDUS Research Council or USDA programs. Publications in regional journals and experience with undergraduate research enhance applications.
Employers at DSU value 3-5 years of college-level teaching, publications (2-5 peer-reviewed articles), and grant funding experience. Community involvement, like advising student organizations or partnering with local ranches, is a plus. For nursing, clinical hours are crucial.
Essential skills include strong communication, curriculum development, and technology integration (e.g., Canvas LMS). Competencies like cultural responsiveness for diverse classrooms and data-driven advising are key. Soft skills such as collaboration and adaptability thrive in DSU's team-oriented setting.
To apply for jobs at Dickinson State University, monitor the DSU careers page and higher ed jobs boards. Submit a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and three references via the online portal. Interviews often include teaching demos and campus visits.
Actionable tips:
Applications are reviewed year-round, with peaks in spring for fall hires.
DSU fosters inclusion through its Diversity and Inclusion Council, which oversees training and hiring equity. Initiatives include the Native American Achievement Center supporting tribal students and scholarships for first-generation scholars. The university complies with NDUS Affirmative Action policies, aiming for diverse faculty representation. Events like Cultural Awareness Week promote dialogue, creating a welcoming environment for all employees.
DSU supports balance with 10-month contracts for faculty, flexible scheduling, and generous leave policies. Campus life revolves around community: rodeo events, theater productions, and wellness centers. Dickinson offers affordable housing (median home ~$250K), low crime, and recreation like hiking in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Employee perks include gym access and family events, ideal for those valuing small-town charm with urban proximity (2 hours to Bismarck).
Faculty report high satisfaction due to manageable workloads (12-15 credits/semester) and collaborative governance.
Salaries at DSU average $65K-$85K for assistant professors, competitive for North Dakota. Benefits encompass health/dental/vision, ND Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), life insurance, and tuition discounts for dependents. Professional development funds (~$2K/year) support conferences. For salary insights, see professor salaries.
Joining DSU means contributing to a vibrant institution shaping western North Dakota's future. With strong higher ed career advice resources and listings on university jobs, AcademicJobs.com helps connect talent. Explore higher ed jobs, post a job if recruiting, or advance via employer branding secrets. Dickinson State University offers rewarding careers in a unique setting.
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