The university was previously a member of the NAIA's Dakota Athletic Conference (DAC) and competed as an independent as a provisional member for the 2011–12 academic year before joining the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) in 2012.

In January 2011, MSU was admitted to the NSIC with the University of Sioux Falls, also transitioning from the NAIA to NCAA Division II.

Minot State's football team competes in NCAA Division II.

The Beavers have produced NFL players, including Randy Hedburg, who was an 8th round selection in the 1977 NFL Draft, and Ron Marsh, an undrafted free agent signed by the Denver Broncos.Minot State men's ice hockey team competes in the ACHA Division I level as the NAIA discontinued the sponsorship of the sport in the 1980s.

[11] Minot State's softball team appeared in three consecutive Women's College World Series in 1970, 1971 and 1972.