Since 1939, Bismarck State College (BSC) has been committed to student success by offering high-quality, affordable education designed to meet the needs of today's workforce. As North Dakota's only polytechnic institution, BSC offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. BSC offers over 100 programs leading to certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees; as well as liberal arts courses that transfer to four-year colleges and universities. BSC offers several fully-online degree programs and five bachelor of applied science (BAS) degrees. The addition of four-year degrees at BSC advances the college’s mission towards a polytechnic institution, specializing in technology, engineering and science fields. BSC also offers several additional bachelor’s degrees and graduate programs on campus in cooperation with other North Dakota University System institutions. The BSC National Energy Center of Excellence (NECE) is home to nationally recognized energy industry degree and training programs. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security has designated BSC as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE). BSC fields varsity NJCAA and NIRA intercollegiate teams including volleyball, baseball, softball, wrestling, men's and women's basketball, trap shooting, rodeo, track & field/cross country, and esports. The Mystics are part of the Mon-Dak Athletic Conference, an alliance of eight state, community and technical colleges located in North Dakota and Montana. Beginning the 2025-2026 academic year, BSC will be part of the NAIA, specifically the Frontier Conference. This reflects our polytechnic growth through student success like increased degree options, enhanced competition, and expanded scholarship opportunities. The 120-acre residential BSC campus, in the vibrant, capital city of Bismarck, is beautifully situated overlooking the Missouri River with easy access to the Interstate as well as Bismarck’s many amenities. Safe and easy to navigate, Bismarck-Mandan and the surrounding area have a growing population of more than 100,000.
