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 off-campus locations. The off-campus 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.
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 Community College for 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 professional development, 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.
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 taught by the same SDSU faculty and are similar to on-campus courses in quality and rigor. 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
For more information regarding SDSU’s online education opportunities call toll free at 866-827-3198, or go to the Continuing and Distance Education website.
Students enrolling in online courses may incur additional costs associated with online learning; such as, but not limited to, test proctoring and technology (software/hardware).
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 non-degree seeking students.
Off-Campus Centers
SDSU, in partnership with the other SD Board of Regents institutions, offers advising and support services, courses and programs at three off-campus centers across South Dakota: Black Hills State University – Rapid City, Capital University Center (CUC) – Pierre, and Community College for Sioux Falls. For more information regarding offerings at the off-campus centers, please visit the Continuing and Distance Education website.
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. Activities that are beyond the scope allowed through SARA may require individual state authorization. For further state authorization and complaint process information, please visit the Continuing and Distance Education website.
Professional Licensure & Certification
South Dakota State University offers a variety of courses and programs online and is committed to providing a quality education to help you reach your professional goals. Some professions require certification or licensure to practice/work in the field; for instance, a student must hold a teacher certification to teach or a nurse must be licensed to work in a hospital. The curriculum for a number of degree programs at South Dakota State University have been designed to meet the licensure/certification requirements in South Dakota, and prepare students to sit for licensure exams in South Dakota. The various licensure boards in each state are responsible for setting requirements for licensure/certification in their state and distance students with intent of returning or moving to any state other than South Dakota should be aware of the unique requirements for that state.
Students seeking to establish licensure outside the state of South Dakota can find information pertaining to the licensure requirements in their state on the Continuing and Distance Education Professional Licensure and Certification website. You are encouraged to engage with an academic advisor prior to beginning any online academic program that would lead to licensure, to best understand the licensure program in your intended state of residence. Assistance will be provided to candidates by contacting the appropriate program advisor.
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), coordinate professional development workshops, and partners with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offer short-term, non-credit classes.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
South Dakota State University has collaborated with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Community College for 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 (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.
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 e-mail to learn more about offering CEUs at your next conference.
Professional & Continued Education
SDSU Professional and Continuing Education is dedicated to building the workforce skill-sets needed for businesses to thrive in our evolving world. Our team of SDSU experts are committed to providing workshops and training programs for employees of businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies that center around relevant and essential skills that will increase the value of your employees to your business. Contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at 605-688-4154 or e-mail to learn more.
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