2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Dec 11, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Online, Off-Campus, and Continuing Education Programs


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South Dakota State University is committed to providing access to rich academic experiences which enhance the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation, and the world. SDSU has a long tradition, and responsibility for, delivering education to citizens near and far through credit courses, non-credit professional development, short courses, and workshops at off-campus locations and online. 

The Office of Continuing and Distance Education collaborates with the academic units to broaden the reach of SDSU, with a commitment to providing quality education no matter where students reside. Coursework and programs offered off-campus and online 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.

Academic Credit Programs

Academic standards and policies governing off-campus and online 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, College Deans, Department Heads, and School Directors.

Off-Campus Locations

SDSU, in partnership with the other SD Board of Regents institutions, offers advising and support services, courses and programs at off-campus locations across South Dakota. SDSU’s College of Education and Human Sciences provides academic program at Black Hills State University – Rapid City. SDSU’s College of Nursing provides academic programming in Rapid City and Sioux Falls and the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions provides academic offerings in Brookings, Huron, Madison, Rapid City and Sioux Falls. For more information regarding offerings at these off-campus locations, please visit the Continuing and Distance Education website.

Online Education

South Dakota State University offers undergraduate and graduate courses and programs online. SDSU offers online 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 comparable 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 605-688-4154, 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. 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.

High School Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment 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 can choose from numerous on-campus and online general education courses.

Benefits:

  • Jumpstart their post-secondary career,
  • Experience courses taught by college professors and expectations of college level coursework,
  • Potentially reduce time to graduation from college,
  • Lower the cost of earning a four-year degree, and 
  • Successful completion of SDSU dual credit courses may also earn them a Jackrabbit Journey Scholarship as a first-time, full-time student at SDSU.

Students bringing in substantial credits may complete their degree in a condensed timeframe or may 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.

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.

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 State Authorization website.

Professional Licensure and 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 licensure or certification 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 several degree programs at South Dakota State University have been designed to meet the licensure or certification requirements in South Dakota and prepare students to sit for licensure or certification exams in South Dakota. The various licensing boards in each state are responsible for setting requirements for licensure or 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 or certification outside the state of South Dakota can find information pertaining to the licensure or certification 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 or certification, to best understand the requirements in your intended state of residence. Assistance will be provided to candidates by contacting the appropriate program advisor.

Continuing Education

Continuing Education Units

The Office of Continuing and Distance Education can authorize Continuing Education Units (CEUs). 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, or visit the CEU website to learn more about offering CEUs for your next workshop, short course, or conference.

Professional Development Courses

SDSU’s College of Nursing and College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions offers programming for professionals in need of continuing education or professional development courses. Contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at 605-688-4154 or e-mail, or visit the Continuing and Distance Education website to learn more.