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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 programming 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. SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences provides academic programming in Pierre. 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. For more information visit the Summer Term website.
Compliance
Higher education is governed by state, federal and international laws and regulations, which impact areas including the delivery of online courses and programs, internships and other experiential learning activities, as well as programs designed and advertised as leading to professional licensure or certification.
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. SDSU is unable to enroll students who will be physically located in a state or territory on the first day of class in the licensure program in which the SDSU professional licensure or certification program does not meet or not yet determined to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification.
Continuing Education and Microcredentials
South Dakota State University has a rich history of providing opportunities and access to higher education pathways leading to degrees through its land-grant mission and is well-positioned to provide alternative credentials through microcredentials in support of lifelong learning initiatives. SDSU’s Pathway to Premier 2030 drives the university to develop and invest in continuing education opportunities with an emphasis on workforce and economic development, utilize high-impact processes to prepare individuals to become global citizens, expand outreach and educational opportunities through collaborative partnerships, and develop university staff through professional development and training programs.
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. Visit the Continuing Education Units website to learn more about offering CEUs for your next workshop, short course, or conference.
Digital Badges
South Dakota State University, in partnership with Credly, offers secure, verifiable digital credentials that showcase individuals’ skills and achievements. These digital badges provide a trusted method for sharing and validating competencies with employers, colleagues, and institutions. For more information, please visit the Digital Badges website.
Career Academy from Coursera
Through its partnership with Coursera, South Dakota State University offers currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff complimentary access to the Coursera Career Academy—a comprehensive catalog of non-credit courses and professional certificates. This initiative supports flexible learning, career development, and global engagement by connecting participants with a worldwide network of learners. For more information, please contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at 605-688-4154, email us, or visit the Career Academy website.
Professional Development Courses
SDSU academic units offer a variety of professional development and continuing education programming specific to their field of study. For more information, please visit the following websites:
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