Office of Continuing and Distance Education
E-mail: distance@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/continuing-distance-education
The Office of Continuing and Distance Education works to broaden the reach of SDSU, with a commitment to providing quality education no matter where students reside. The office serves students on campus and across the globe. In addition to online education, the Office of Continuing and Distance Education coordinates the program offerings at several off-campus locations. The University Centers effectively extend the reach of SDSU by offering the same quality education to students who want to earn their degree while living and working in their home community.
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Outreach Mission
South Dakota State University has a long tradition of, and responsibility for, delivering a variety of outreach efforts to locations around the world. These include educational services to University Center – Sioux Falls, Black Hills State University – Rapid City, the Capital University Center in Pierre (CUC), and numerous other distance education classes, workshops and services.
The Office of Continuing and Distance Education provides coordination and support for off-campus educational programs and serves as a conduit for the University’s service mission to citizens of South Dakota, the region and world. Outreach Programs are designed to deliver both state- and self-support education through on-site or online education credit courses, non-credit conferences, short courses and workshops.
Academic Credit Programs
Academic standards and policies governing off-campus and technology delivered courses are identical to the on-campus instructional program. Hence, credit course offerings, instruction and academic standards are the responsibilities of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Deans of the colleges and department heads. There are outreach locations throughout South Dakota where credit courses are presented each semester and many courses are available by distance education. Additional locations are added as needed.
High School Dual Credit
Dual credit is an opportunity for high school students to enroll in college courses at South Dakota State University and earn credits toward their high school diploma while starting on their requirements for a degree from SDSU. Students are able to choose from a number of on-campus and online general education courses.
Benefits:
- accelerate your SDSU education
- lower tuition cost
- simplify the transition from high school
Students bringing in substantial credits may complete their degree in a condensed timeframe or may benefit in other ways as well. Students may find that with college credits already completed, their schedules will allow them to explore a variety of opportunities to enhance their college experience and academic career.
Dual credit students can more easily:
- add a second major
- add minors
- participate in a study abroad program
- complete undergraduate research
- complete an internship
- serve in a leadership role in student clubs/ organizations
- complete an Experiential Learning Certificate
These options can provide students with a well-rounded educational experience and a valuable advantage in succeeding in their future career.
**A large number of incoming credits does not in itself guarantee a shorter path to a degree! Visit www.sdstate.edu/dualcredit for more information.
Online Education
South Dakota State University offers undergraduate and graduate courses and programs online. SDSU offers Internet-based courses and programs for students needing a more flexible schedule, yet a rigorous and quality educational experience. Online courses are similar to on campus courses in quality and rigor, and are taught by the same faculty. Students receive the same credit for completing an online course as they would for an on campus course. Based upon more than 80 years of effective off-campus education, SDSU is committed to serving:
- Working adults
- Part-time students
- Time- and place-bound individuals
- K-12 students, teachers and administrators
- Employees seeking career development skills
- Government and military personnel
- Persons with disabilities
Every year, several thousand students enroll in the 20 degree programs, 9 certificate programs and 250+ courses that SDSU offers online.
For more information regarding SDSU’s online education opportunities call toll free at 866-827-3198, or go to the Distance Education website at www.sdstate.edu/continuing-distance-education.
Summer Term
SDSU offers a wide range of courses on and off-campus to continue your studies during the summer months as well as numerous special workshops, short courses, distance education classes, evening offerings and non-credit programs. Summer programming is offered May through August and is characterized by innovation and responsiveness to your needs. Classes are comfortably sized and time is available for individual attention from the faculty member. Participants need not be regularly matriculated at SDSU but may be admitted as special students.
University Centers
SDSU, in partnership with the other SD Board of Regents institutions, offers advising and support services, courses and programs at three university centers across South Dakota: Black Hills State University – Rapid City, Capital University Center (CUC) – Pierre and University Center – Sioux Falls. For more information regarding offerings at the university centers, please visit www.sdstate.edu/continuing-distance-education.
Non-Credit Programs
The Office of Continuing and Distance Education provides opportunities for individuals to participate in professional development and personal enrichment activities throughout the year. Continuing and Distance Education can authorize Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and offers tax update workshops and partners with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), the Institute of Reading Development, and the International Institute for Learning, Inc. (ILL) to offer short-term, non-credit classes.
CAPM EDGE Project Management Training
Through a partnership with the International Institute of Learning, SDSU is able to offer an on-demand, self-paced course in project management. This course fulfills the 24 hours of course content required to sit for the Certified Association in Project Management exam.
Event & Conference Planning
Thinking about bringing association or industry meetings to SDSU? With the help of the office of Continuing and Distance Education, your event will be taken to a whole new level. From room bookings and venue options to registrations and check-ins, your events are managed with ease.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
South Dakota State University has collaborated with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at University Center – Sioux Falls to provide the residents of Brookings, SD and surrounding area the ability to participate in this lifelong learning opportunity.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University Center (OLLI) is a non-profit membership based organization that seeks to provide intellectually stimulating lifelong learning and personal growth opportunities for people fifty (50) and older. OLLI exemplifies the University’s commitment to community service though is collaborative work with the partner institutions, academic and professional groups, and organizations devoted to engaging the minds and fostering the well-being of adults. With OLLI, there are no grades, no tests and no pressure, just the joy of learning.
Professional Development & Continuing Education Units
Today’s workforce needs constant and current information to keep up-to-date with industry and association certifications. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) offer flexibility in delivery and fulfilling certification requirements. Contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at 605-688-4154 or SDSU.Seminars@sdstate.edu to learn more about offering CEUs at your next conference or inquiring about learning opportunities available through many partner businesses and associations.
Reading Development
Offered through the Institute of Reading Development, SDSU extends summer reading programs to student and adults alike. Programs targeted towards K-12 students help with reading comprehension, phonics and word association. Adult and advance student courses focus on comprehension and increasing speed. K-12 programs are offered face-to-face in Sioux Falls and online across the state. Adult courses are offered on campus during the fall semester. Courses are a supplement to reading education and do not count for academic credit.
Tax Update Workshops
For more than 40 years, SDSU Continuing and Distance Education has been the trusted provider of continuing education programs for tax preparers in South Dakota and beyond. The daylong seminar, taught by experienced professionals and IRS liaisons, qualifies for CPE, IRS, South Dakota Real Estate Commission and Iowa Bar certification hours. The seminar is held one day each in Yankton, Rapid City, Pierre, Watertown, Aberdeen, Mitchell, and twice in Sioux Falls.
State Authorization
Colleges and universities who market to, recruit and offer educational activities to out-of-state students must understand and follow the laws and regulations set forth in those states. Authorization may be required for SDSU to serve and reach students in states outside of South Dakota. SDSU is determined to comply with all state regulations and will apply for authorization, when necessary, from those states where it conducts activities such as delivery of online courses, placement for field experiences (internships, clinicals, practicums, etc.) academic and athletic recruiting, marketing, etc.
SDSU participates in the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA). South Dakota became a SARA state in November, 2014 and SDSU became a SARA member institution in March, 2015. This membership provides SDSU the authorization to provide educational activities within other SARA states without further authorization. For further state authorization and complaint process information, please visit www.sdstate.edu/continuing-distance-education.
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