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Regents' Scholar Curriculum
In 1988, the South Dakota Board of Regents identified the Regents' Scholar Curriculum to provide students with a strong academic foundation and support their college and career readiness. This curriculum includes coursework in six content areas. Notably, the required coursework closely mirrors the requirements of the Advanced Honors Endorsement, ensuring students complete a rigorous and comprehensive academic pathway.
Note: Receipt of the Regents' Scholar Diploma does not indicate that the holder has satisfied initial eligibility requirements for the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship program.
Curriculum Requirements
- Language Arts: 4 units, including 1.5 units of writing, 1.5 units of literature (with 0.5 unit of American Literature), 0.5 unit of speech or debate, and 0.5 unit of an elective.
- Mathematics: 4 units, including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and an advanced math course.
- Science: 4 units, including Biology, a physical science, Chemistry or Physics, and a science elective.
- Social Studies: 3 units, including U.S. History, U.S. Government, World History, Geography, and a social studies elective.
- Fine Arts: 1 unit of Fine Arts.
- Modern/Classical Language or Career & Technical Education: 2 units of either approved Career & Technical Education or a modern/classical language (both units must be in the same language).
Regents' Scholar Diploma Program
Established in 2001, the Regents' Scholar Diploma program recognizes high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence through completion of the coursework listed above. Students designated as Regents' Scholars also receive automatic admission to all six South Dakota public universities upon application.
To be nominated for the Regents' Scholar Diploma, students must:
- Graduate from a South Dakota high school;
- Complete all required coursework across the six identified content areas;
- Earn a grade of “C” (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher in all required courses; and
- Achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (grade of “B”) or higher on a 4.0 scale prior to graduation.
Traditionally, Regents' Scholar Diplomas are presented during graduation ceremonies or academic award events.
High School Officials
To award Regents' Scholar Diplomas, high school administrators must submit the names of all eligible students to the South Dakota Board of Regents by March 1st, any submissions after that date will receive a certificate template and will be required to print their own for their students. Submitted Excel files should include each student's name and the date that goes on the award. An Excel template is available at the link provided below. Once the list is received, the Board of Regents will print and return the Regents' Scholar Diploma certificates for presentation.
Excel File Template can be found in the Attachment section to the right of this article.
Contact Information
BOR Scholarship Office: Contact Us