What’s New for 2026-2027

Items approved for the 2026-2027 academic year are listed below.

New Academic Programs

New Majors

• Dairy Technology (A.S.)  
• Finance (B.A./B.S.)  

New Specializations

• Electrical Engineering (B.S.) - Power Systems Engineering Specialization  
• Pharmaceutical Sciences (B.S.) - Marketing and Industry Specialization  
• Pharmaceutical Sciences (B.S.) - Research and Industry Specialization  

New Certificates

• Bioethics Certificate  
• Innovative Healthcare Leadership Certificate  

New Minors

• Health Coaching Minor   

Major Revision/Restructured Curriculum

• Agronomy (B.S.)  - reduced the total credit hours of the program from 125 to 120
• Manufacturing Automation and Electronics Engineering Technology (B.S.)  - changed program name from Electronics Engineering Technology and revised program requirements

New Degree Options

• Consumer Behavior (B.A./B.S.)  - added the B.A. degree

New Locations for Existing Programs

• Respiratory Care (A.S.)  - added delivery at Avera Queen of Peace in Mitchell
• Respiratory Care (B.S.)  - added delivery at Avera Queen of Peace in Mitchell

Discontinued Programs

• Apparel and Fashion Studies Minor
• Engineering Graphics Certificate
• Fashion Studies and Retail Merchandising (B.S.)
• Pre-Construction Planning Certificate
• Retail Merchandising Minor
• Wizipan Leadership and Sustainability Certificate

New Courses

General Education Revisions

• GEOG 219 - Geography of South Dakota - removed from the SGR #3 course list
• POLS 165 - Political Ideologies - removed from the SGR #3 course list
• REL 237 - Religion in American Culture - removed from the SGR #3 course list

Department and School Updates

• The School of Education, Counseling and Human Development has been reorganized into two separate schools: the School of Counseling, Human Development and Family Science  and the School of Education .
• The Museum Studies Minor  is now aligned with the School of American and Global Studies .

Policy Changes/Clarifications

• Credit for Prior Learning via State Seal of Biliteracy update: This policy outlines the awarding of postsecondary credit for students who demonstrate biliteracy proficiency through the Seal of Biliteracy program. 

• Dual and Multiple Degrees and Secondary Majors update: This policy clarifies requirements for students wishing to pursue more than one major or degree, or to pursue a minor or specialization.