Open Door Admissions
Southeast Tech maintains an “open door” admissions process. Southeast Tech accepts all students who can benefit from the various kinds of instruction available and are at least 16 years of age, have completed their GED, or are high school graduates. Students who are under eighteen years of age and have not graduated from high school must see a Southeast Tech Admissions Counselor before being admitted to a credit class. Prospective students who have not completed high school are encouraged to complete their high school education or work toward receiving a GED certification.
Admissions
All applicants for admission into a program of study at Southeast Tech must complete the following steps:
- Submit a completed “Application for Admission” form to the Admissions Office. (Web application available on www.southeasttech.edu).
- Request official high school/college transcripts or GED certificate be sent to Southeast Tech. For transfer purposes, an official transcript is required from each college or technical school previously attended. Students currently in high school may submit a partial transcript. Upon graduation and prior to beginning classes at Southeast Tech, students must submit final transcripts to Southeast Tech.
- Southeast Tech will only accept high school transcripts from high schools accredited by agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education or by the state in which the school resides unless the student is home schooled or from a foreign country. (See “Home School Entrance Requirements” or contact Admissions for information regarding foreign transcript approval.)
- Complete any required assessments (reading, writing, computation, etc) or program requirements. Academic preparation courses are available for those who need to improve their skills. Applicants will be notified of assessment times after they have applied for admission.
Upon receipt of all application materials and completion of all admission requirements, the Admissions Office will determine acceptance of the student into their chosen program. A $75 nonrefundable matriculation fee is required to complete the application procedure and to assure enrollment in the student’s chosen career program.
Whenever the number of applicants for program enrollment reaches the maximum number, applicants will be notified that the program is full and their names have been placed on a waiting list. Students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Financial aid will not be considered until all admission requirements have been met, and the student is accepted into a program of study.
Southeast Tech’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program admission is on a competitive basis. Please contact Admissions for details.
Southeast Tech reserves the right to deny admission to students who have been previously accepted into a program and have withdrawn or dropped out from the program.
Southeast Tech offers opportunities through the Learning Center to work toward receiving a GED certificate or to do remedial work in skill areas (language, reading, and math) to help students develop the skills necessary for them to be successful in their chosen career area. This “basic skills building” can be done either before a person takes a Southeast Tech course or while they are taking a Southeast Tech course. There is no charge for using the Learning Center to work on developing basic skills.
Pre-academic classes are also offered in the above areas during specified times throughout the school year for students needing additional review and assistance. These classes are intended for students who have mastered the basic skills, but need refresher help to bring their scores up to expected levels of performance for completing required coursework. All students are required to complete the COMPASS assessment test for placement into English and Math courses. Students are strongly encouraged to complete this testing prior to attending an orientation session.
Online High Schools
Students who desire to complete their high school studies online must choose their school carefully. Many online high schools on the internet are not legitimate high schools. These schools promise that you can complete your entire high school career in as little as a few weeks for only a small fee. In addition, while they state that they are accredited high schools, their accreditation agencies consist of nothing more than a website and list no employees or contact information. These schools are obviously fraudulent and the diploma you receive is not legitimate and may in fact be illegal to use in many states.
Schools such as the South Dakota Virtual School are legitimate, recognized institutions. For students who want to complete their secondary education as quickly as possible, Southeast Tech recommends the GED option. If you wish to be accepted into a legitimate, post-secondary institution anywhere in the nation you must complete actual testing at an authorized GED testing center. Southeast Tech offers the GED through our Hovland Learning Center in the Mickelson Center which be reached by calling 605.367.7997.
Home School Entrance Requirements
Home-schooled high school students applying for admission into Southeast Tech have three options to meet the high school diploma requirement:
- Provide a home-school high school record of completion and receive the program entrance scores on the GED exam. The student must also take Southeast Tech’s entrance assessment and meet the required scores for the program.
- Provide a home-school high school record of completion and receive the composite ACT minimum scores required by the program. The student must also take Southeast Tech’s entrance assessment and meet the required scores for the program.
- Provide a home-school high school record of completion that has been certified by an accredited outside educational organization. The student must also take Southeast Tech’s entrance assessment and meet the required scores for the program.
Extended Coursework Option
Students who do not meet Southeast Tech program entrance requirements may be eligible for admission via the Extended Coursework Option. The Extended Coursework Option helps students build foundational skills prior to beginning core program coursework. Students taking the Extended Coursework Option must complete Required Extended Coursework and receive the minimum required grades before the student is eligible to continue in the program. See Southeast Tech Admissions staff for additional information and curriculum information. This option may require additional coursework and tuition and fees.
Law Enforcement Science Admission Requirements
All applicants for admission into the Law Enforcement Science program at Southeast Tech must possess or complete the following:
- A driver’s license. You will be suspended from Southeast Tech if, for any reason, your license is suspended, revoked, or taken from you during, from and after the time of your admission. You will be considered for reinstatement after you obtain your license again;
- A satisfactory background check. A felony conviction or a conviction for domestic violence, as that term is defined in applicable provisions of federal and state law, prevents your admission; convictions for misdemeanor offenses not involving domestic-violence circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis;
- Satisfactory drug testing. The student can expect to be asked to submit to drug testing at random times throughout his or her career at Southeast Tech;
- An interview conducted by an instructor in the program;
- A demonstrated willingness to comply with the program’s appearance requirements and Honor Code.
- All Law Enforcement Science students with prior military service must provide a certified copy of their DD214 before admission to the program.
Health and Law Enforcement Science Lab Participation Liability Notice
Due to the procedures covered in and the physical participation requirements of the Health and Law Enforcement Science labs, students are required to sign release forms that provide the student with a description of the required lab experiences, student lab responsibilities, and/or release of liability to the institution. For more information, see the Health Student Handbook or discuss the liability notice with your program instructor.
Background Checks & Drug Screenings
Background Checks and Drug Screenings are required in some programs, especially programs in the Health and Human Services area. (Additional programs and random drug testing may be added and required as needed.) The results of these checks and screenings may affect a student’s admission into the program, ability to attend a clinical or internship site, take specific courses, or continue the student’s enrollment in the program. Results may prevent a person from sitting for a board exam or from gaining employment in a chosen career field.
NOTE: Drug screen results are not appealable.
Immunizations
Due to regulations mandated by the State Health Department, medically signed proof of TWO properly administered MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) immunizations are now required for all new, readmitted and transferred students. History of these diseases is accepted with medical provider verification. If you have only one immunization, the required second immunization may be administered not less than one month after the first immunization. Students who fail to provide the required proof of immunizations may be refused class registration until in compliance. If you are not able to receive the required MMR immunizations due to medical or religious reasons, or if you cannot complete this requirement for other reasons, you may choose to complete the Exemption Form which may be obtained from Admissions.
Math & English Placement Testing
Students are required to complete the COMPASS assessment test for placement into English and Math courses. Students are strongly encouraged to complete this testing prior to attending an orientation session.
Transfer of Credits to Southeast Tech
Southeast Tech will accept credits from any post secondary institution accredited by one of the major regional accrediting associations, e.g., Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools – Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NCA-CIHE). Acceptance of transfer credits is contingent upon the student having completed the course or courses with a grade of “C” or better, and that in the judgment of the Registrar, the course credit and content is similar to that contained in the Southeast Tech course for which advanced standing by transfer is being requested. Granting of such credit is at the discretion of Southeast Tech’s Registrar.
Prospective applicants wishing advanced standing by transfer credit should request an evaluation of their official transcript(s) of courses taken at their previous school(s). This request should be made at the time of application for admission. The student will be notified of credits granted after they have been accepted. Transferred credits are not used in determining grade point average. The maximum number of credits granted for any course cannot exceed the Southeast Tech credit standard for a similar course.
*Students not providing transcripts in their first semester at STI may find themselves taking and paying for courses that could have been transferred and may experience delays in program completion.
In some cases, credit may be granted for military service school courses. Students must submit official documents containing specific credit recommendations for their service school training at the time of admission.
A minimum of 25% of a total program must be earned at Southeast Tech and the student must complete 25% of the major courses in the program at Southeast Tech in order to receive a Southeast Tech certificate, diploma or degree.
Southeast Tech will register students for required courses until the transcript is received and the transfer credits have been approved. It is the student’s responsibility to drop these courses during the add/drop period should the transfer be completed.
Students who fail to provide a transcript to STI and who remain in a course that would have transferred beyond the add/drop period will be required to pay for the course.
Prior Learning Credit
Students may receive credit for past experiences or coursework in lieu of taking comparable Southeast Tech courses. Prior Learning Credit may be obtained through the following methods:
- Credit by department evaluation (life/work experiences or coursework)
- Credit by examination
NOTE: Courses completed through Department Evaluation or Credit by Examination do not count toward financial aid full/part time enrollment requirements.
NOTE: Students who are awarded credit will be required to pay a $50 per course transcription fee.
Prior Learning/Department Evaluation
A person who wishes to obtain prior learning credit by department evaluation should first discuss the option with a Southeast Tech Admissions counselor or Student Success Advisor. The appropriate department will review previous coursework accomplished and/or documentation of experience to determine whether credit may be granted. Documentation should include statements from work supervisors (or the company’s human resources department), work projects examples, explanations of work and/or training experiences, etc.
The applicant will be notified of the results of the evaluation, and credits awarded will be listed on the student’s transcript. No grade will be recorded. Credits granted through evaluation will not be used in the calculation of the student’s grade point average.
In cases where students are granted prior learning credit, it will be necessary to complete only those additional requirements of the program in which they plan to enroll. HOWEVER, at least 25% of the credits for a program must be earned at Southeast Tech, and the student must complete 25% of the major courses in the program at Southeast Tech.
Prior Learning Credit/Credit by Examination
A person may be eligible for credit by examination if:
- Extensive high school work has been completed.
- Competency has been acquired through actual work experience.
- Courses taken at another institution are not transferable, but the content has provided sufficient background.
- Courses taken in a Vocational Diploma program, which cannot be directly transferred to an Associate in Applied Science Degree program, may warrant examination of the person’s competency.
- A person can demonstrate sufficient competency because of self-study or non-traditional education or training.
Examinations are available for most courses at Southeast Tech. They may be oral or written. In addition to the exam, a skill demonstration may be required. Persons who wish to obtain credit through a formal Southeast Tech exam can obtain information by contacting the Southeast
Tech Testing Center during the first week of the semester. A nonrefundable fee of $50 per test-out must be paid in the Business Office prior to testing. All testing must be completed within a week of payment.
Students are not required to enroll in the course in order to take the test-out. If a student would like to test out of a class they are not currently enrolled in, they may do so throughout the year. Those who are enrolled in the course and are interested in testing out must do so before the end of the first week of the semester. Students remaining in the class beyond the first week are no longer eligible for a test-out in that class. Test-outs cannot be retaken and students may not attempt to test out of classes that they have previously failed. Credits granted by examination are not used in determining grade point average.
Students may also be eligible for credit through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams, either the General Exams or the Subject Exams. No grade is granted when an exam is passed. Students wishing to obtain credit through CLEP exams should meet with an Admissions counselor. CLEP exams are charged out differently than other test-outs. There is a $15 proctoring fee payable to Southeast Tech and $80 payable to CLEP.
Advanced Placement Courses (AP)
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are typically offered at the high school level. Students take the course while in high school and then complete the AP test at the end of the course. Students who score “3” or higher and are degree-seeking students at Southeast Tech may be eligible for credit.
A student’s AP score report will be sent to Southeast Tech when the student places our school code (7054) on their test registration application. When Southeast Tech receives the AP score report, the student will be notified in writing of the allowable credits. There is no cost to transcript the AP course on the students’ transcript.
Contact the Admission Office at 605.367.6040 to determine if you are eligible for credit for your AP course(s).
Bachelor’s Degree Transfer Options
When deciding whether to attain a two-year versus a four-year degree, you might not realize you can do both without sacrificing time or money. How? Exciting partnerships between Southeast Tech and Bellevue University, Dakota Wesleyan University, Colorado Technical University, Mount Marty College, Presentation College, the South Dakota Public University system and the University of Sioux Falls allow students with an Associate in Applied Science degree the opportunity to earn their Bachelor’s degree, without losing credit hours or repeating classes.
Southeast Tech graduates who transfer into specific programs may take advantage of these benefits:
- Junior-level status.
- Ability to earn a Bachelor’s degree in only two years.
- Some programs may require additional coursework to meet competencies.
- On-site or online courses.
- Evening courses and daytime courses, some specifically geared for working adults.
Additional information is provided below, or contact the Admissions Office to get complete details on our articulation agreements with these colleges and universities and the additional benefits each may offer.
Bellevue University
Apply your Southeast Tech degree or credits toward your Bachelors degree with Bellevue University through the STI/BU Bachelors degree partnership program.
Bellevue University awards full credit for AAS degrees to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree completion programs in business, healthcare, technology, information systems and leadership. Southeast Tech students will start as Juniors and will be able to complete a bachelors degree in as little as 12 months without leaving South Dakota.
Various degree programs are offered on-site at the Southeast Tech campus in the evenings and online. One of the first accredited universities to offer online degree programs, Bellevue University is recognized as a leader in online learning. Their award-winning online classroom was developed to provide students with an online experience that is even better than you could imagine - you are not out on your own, but actually communicating with your peers and professors.
For more information about on-site programs through BU at the Southeast Tech campus or online degree programs please call Bellevue University Admissions at 605.335.8010 or visit the Bellevue University-Smoothest Transfer website at www.bellevue.edu/advantage.
Based in Bellevue, Nebraska, Bellevue University has eight locations throughout the nation’s Heartland. Bellevue University is a private, non-profit university, regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools-Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NCA-CIHE). This status means that Bellevue University degree programs are welcomed by employers and other colleges and universities throughout the world.
Black Hills State University and South Dakota State University
Black Hills State and South Dakota State offer a Bachelor of Applied Technical Science (BATS) Degree. This allows students with Southeast Tech’s Associate in Applied Science degree to build upon their technical skills and knowledge and earn a BATS degree from Black Hills State in Spearfish or SDSU in Brookings.
Colorado Technical University
The Sioux Falls campus of Colorado Technical University (CTU) has established a partnership with Southeast Tech to accept Southeast Tech graduates into comparable bachelor degree programs. Articulation Agreements between Southeast Tech and CTU allow for the transfer of courses from related degrees into specific business, criminal justice, computer science, information technology or health science programs.
At CTU, state of the art technology is used to deliver course materials. Each student is provided with a laptop to facilitate learning and communication. Small class size and faculty with real-world experience promote a unique learning environment. Courses are offered on-site and online.
CTU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools – Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NCA-CIHE).
Dakota Wesleyan University
DWU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools-Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NCA-CIHE.)
Your Associate in Applied Science Degree in any of these programs: System Administrator; Network Administrator; Computer Programming; Computer Network Security Technician and Licensed Practical Nursing, can transfer to DWU so you are able to earn a bachelor’s degree in just two additional years.
Through a combination of general education and business courses, you will receive a highly marketable degree in one of our most popular majors at DWU. Invest in your future by continuing your education at DWU. For more information, visit DWU’s website at www.dwu.edu or call toll-free 800.333.8506.
Mount Marty College
Mount Marty College and Southeast Tech have developed an articulation agreement that provides you the opportunity to transfer your Southeast Tech credits to Mount Marty. These transfers are on a course-by-course basis. For specific course transfer opportunities, please visit Southeast Tech’s Admissions Office.
Mount Marty is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools-Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NCA-CIHE).
Presentation College
Presentation College and Southeast Tech have teamed up to provide a seamless completion of your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Bachelor of Science in Business degree. This unique opportunity not only gives you credit for what you already know; it provides you a flexible, convenient and cost effective way to enhance your career. Southeast Tech graduates interested in Presentation’s Bachelor of Science in Business degree should complete an application for admission to Presentation College and provide all necessary transcripts.
For admission into the BSN program, Southeast Tech graduates must be admitted to Presentation College, hold an unencumbered, active LPN license, be a Southeast Tech LPN graduate, have a cumulative 2.5 GPA, have a minimum of 1,000 hours of nursing practice experience (waived if a recent Southeast Tech graduate), submit two satisfactory professional, character references, and submit to a criminal background screening when clinical agencies require it. For more information, call Presentation College at 800.437.6060 Ext. 492 or visit the website at www.presentation.edu.
Presentation College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools-Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NCA-CIHE). Presentation’s BSN program is accredited through the National League of Nursing and the South Dakota Board of Nursing.
South Dakota Public Universities
The South Dakota Public University system has developed various program-to-program articulation agreements for Southeast Technical Institute Associate in Applied Science program graduates. Agreements are available in a variety of areas. For specific program transfer details, visit Southeast Tech’s Admissions Office, discuss options with your Southeast Tech instructor, log on to the university system’s web site at www.flexfactor.info, or visit a university admissions office.
In addition, general education course articulation agreements are also available (see the “General Education Core Curriculum ” information in the Academic Information section of this catalog). General Education courses that will transfer to the university system are indicated on the student’s transcript by a “T” next to the Southeast Tech course number.
University of Sioux Falls
USF has a diverse program base from which to choose. Even if you transfer into a totally unrelated field, USF will honor up to 64 transfer credits from Southeast Tech and grant students junior-level status. Students will be required to complete the full regimen of courses for the chosen major, which may cause students to attend USF slightly longer than two years. Southeast Tech graduates who transfer to USF will receive five key benefits:
- Junior-level status.
- Annual $1,600 scholarships for full-time students.
- 64 Southeast Tech credits will be accepted for transfer. (Any courses transferred to Southeast Tech will be evaluated separately and may affect the total transferable hours to USF.)
- Ability to earn a bachelor’s degree in only two years. Some programs may require additional coursework to meet competencies.
- Immediate entry into the USF Degree Completion Program (DCP). The DCP is a 17-month, one-evening-per-week program that allows you to combine study with full-time employment. After earning 64 Southeast Tech credits, you can begin this program and graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in management. DCP is ideal for working adults wanting to earn a college degree without interrupting their present employment.
For more information, visit USF’s website at www.usiouxfalls.edu or call 605.331.6600 or toll-free 800.888.1047.
The University of Sioux Falls is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools-Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NCA-CIHE.)
University of South Dakota
In the fall of 2010, Southeast Tech and the University of South Dakota received approval for a ground-breaking forward and reverse articulation agreement between the two institutions. This agreement allows Southeast Tech students who have attained a two-year associate in applied science degree in an approved STI health care program to transfer into the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences major at USD. USD students who have completed two years of the health sciences major requirements also have the ability to transfer to Southeast Tech to complete one of Southeast Tech’s approved programs. The specific health coursework from Southeast Tech will transfer back to USD as a block of electives applied towards the BS in Health Sciences.
Graduates who complete the requirements for the two health programs will earn both an associate in applied science and bachelor degree.
PATHWAY 1: Reverse Articulation
(Completing years one and two at USD, years three and four at Southeast Tech and transferring Southeast Tech block transfer credits back to USD for completion of degree)
- Students will complete the required health science major courses through the University of South Dakota during the first two years of their education. During the third year of their education, they will enter their chosen health program at Southeast Tech and complete the requirements for the AAS in the health program at the end of the fourth year.
- Upon successful completion of the requirements of the AAS degree at Southeast Tech, the student will transfer a block of 46 technical credits to USD and apply for graduation. In addition to the 46 block credits, general education coursework that is equivalent to Regental courses will be transferrable and accepted by USD up to a total of 60 transfer credits.
- USD will waive the graduation requirement that 16 of the last 32 credits for the baccalaureate degree must be earned as institutional credit.
- Students must meet all other Board of Regents and University graduation requirements in order to receive a bachelor’s degree.
PATHWAY 2: Forward Articulation
(Completing your chosen AAS degree in a heath program at Southeast Tech and transferring to USD to complete the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences)
- Upon successful completion of the requirements of the AAS for a Southeast Tech health program of their choice, students may transfer to USD to complete the BS in Health Sciences. At that time, USD will accept a block of 46 technical course credits from the Southeast Tech AAS degree. Transferable general education coursework in addition to the 46 block credits will also be accepted, up to a total of 60 transfer credits.
- Students will complete the requirements for the health sciences major and any general education or graduation requirements that remain unsatisfied.
- Students must meet all Board of Regents policies and University graduation requirements in order to receive a bachelor’s degree.
The BS in Health Sciences offered at the University of South Dakota is a dynamic major that is interdisciplinary in nature and provides flexible options that allow students to prepare for many kinds of careers related to health. The major provides the opportunity for students with an interest in the health professions to explore the many opportunities in the field and to develop the knowledge, values and interpersonal skills needed to be successful in today’s health and human service settings. The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences will qualify students for entry into graduate programs in a specific health profession, entry-level employment in health care or health care-related positions and educational mobility for individuals who wish to advance their education. All required coursework is offered on the Vermillion campus, on site in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, and online through the Division of Continuing and Distance Education.
High School Credit Transfer Agreements
Southeast Tech has articulation agreements with high schools in South Dakota. Articulation agreements make it possible for students to receive credit for courses they successfully completed during high school. Articulation agreements may allow students to bypass a particular course at Southeast Tech and/or to pay a reduced rate for tuition.
High school and post-secondary instructors work together to develop articulation agreements. They develop the criteria for granting credit. Credit is awarded based on the competencies the student has mastered in high school courses, academic performance, portfolio review, or the results of a written examination or skill test.
Southeast Tech’s staff will make every effort to inform students about articulation agreements; however, it is the student’s responsibility to request articulation agreement credit. Below are Southeast Tech’s Secondary to Post-secondary Articulation Guidelines.
- All students enrolled under the articulation agreement shall meet the admissions standards as established by the post-secondary institute for that particular program.
- To receive articulated credit, the student must have completed the high school course within the last two years.
- For a student to articulate courses after the two year time limit, an assessment of skill mastery will be required.
- A minimum of “B” average (3.0) in the course(s) to be articulated is required.
- No grade will be assigned for articulated credit. These courses will not be counted in determining the student’s post-secondary grade point average, nor for financial aid purposes.
- Credits articulated will count toward the total number needed for graduation from the program.
- Articulation agreements will be reviewed on an annual basis as well as during the program review cycle at the post-secondary level.
- Articulated courses may be honored by all South Dakota technical institutes for those course(s) that have common numbers and titles.
- All articulation agreements between secondary schools and the technical institutes reflect only the transferability of credit between these agencies and not necessarily with state or other universities.
Transfer of Credits Within Southeast Tech
Courses are transferable from one program to another with associate in applied science degree courses generally transferable to other associate in applied science degree programs or to vocational diploma programs, and vocational diploma courses transferable to other diploma programs. Students considering such credit transfer should consult an Admissions Counselor or Student Success Advisor to determine which credits will or will not transfer. An audit course cannot be used towards graduation. |
