South Dakota Ag Connection - Regents Approve Academic Program Requests

South Dakota Ag News Headlines

Regents Approve Academic Program Requests
South Dakota Ag Connection - 04/07/2020

The South Dakota Board of Regents granted academic program requests from four of its public universities. The following actions, sorted by the university making the request, were approved:

Dakota State University

Delivery of DSU's associate degree in network and security administration at Black Hills State University's Rapid City campus. The degree focuses on computer networking and theory, preparing students for careers as system administrators, network system engineers, systems and network analysts, network application developers, and technical consultants.

Permission to deliver Dakota State's existing minors in business administration, computer information systems, and web development in an online format. Offering these minors remotely will bring instruction to more students, while strengthening their skills to create a competitive advantage for area businesses. Northern State University

A master of science degree in accounting analytics will prepare data scientists for work in the business sector. It will replace NSU's B.S. degree in professional accountancy, which already requires 150 credit hours of coursework, based on requirements to sit for the CPA exam. NSU estimates 23 students annually will graduate with the advanced degree after full implementation.

South Dakota State University

To meet growing healthcare workforce needs in western South Dakota, SDSU will offer in Rapid City its accelerated program leading to the bachelor of science in nursing degree. This option presents students who already have a bachelor's degree in another field the ability to complete a nursing program in 12 months. Clinical, simulation, and laboratory experiences will be offered face to face in Rapid City.

A new undergraduate certificate will provide a semester-long learning experience through a unique partnership with the Indian University of North America, allowing SDSU students to study onsite at the Crazy Horse Memorial near Custer. The certificate in Wizipan Leadership and Sustainability will complement a broad range of majors and career paths in health care, engineering, natural resource management, and food systems. Students will study American Indian culture, management of natural resources, and leadership.

Permission to deliver SDSU's associate degree in agricultural science at three new sites: Black Hills State University-Rapid City, USD Community College for Sioux Falls, and online. This program prepares students to manage a farm or ranch enterprise, work in the agricultural industry, or earn credits to apply to a bachelor's degree.

Permission to deliver an existing minor in health communication in an online format. The study of effective communication strategies is critical to all aspects of health care, and will enhance graduates' skills in many fields, including nursing, therapy, athletic training, nutrition, and non-profit organizations.

University of South Dakota

New undergraduate certificates in digital marketing and marketing essentials will be available to non-business majors at USD. The certificates, each requiring nine credit hours of coursework, emphasize marketing principles and concepts, including the study of promotions, sales, and consumer behavior. The certificates may be earned by students studying on campus in Vermillion, at the USD Community College for Sioux Falls, and online.

A master of science degree in health sciences is authorized for students in the university's Ph.D. degree program in health sciences, who complete all coursework prior to the dissertation phase but are unable to continue in the program. This degree option is limited only to USD students already enrolled in the Ph.D. degree program in health sciences.

Other South Dakota Headlines