ABERDEEN, S.D. – The South Dakota Board of Regents this week approved several items that expand academic opportunities at о State University, including a new graduate certificate, expanded online program delivery, an articulation agreement with Dakota State University and the initial steps toward a new bachelor’s degree.
The Board approved о’s new graduate certificate in visual impairment, designed to help licensed, in-service teachers meet South Dakota Department of Education endorsement requirements for teaching students who are blind or visually impaired.
“Through the new Graduate Certificate in Visual Impairments, о seeks to address the shortage of teachers of students with visual impairments in South Dakota and across the nation,” said Interim Provost Dr. Erin Fouberg. “All courses are offered online, and graduate students who earn this certificate can apply all their credits to о’s master’s in Special Education-Visual Impairment program.”
Coursework covers instructional foundations, access technology, eye anatomy, Braille and Nemeth codes, orientation and mobility, and includes a supervised practicum.
While о already offers this training as part of its master’s program, the new graduate certificate creates a more accessible pathway for licensed, in-service teachers to complete the endorsement requirements, either as a stand-along credential or as a direct bridge into the full master’s program.
This certificate also offers affordability, Fouberg added.
“A donor has established a scholarship for this program, making it incredibly affordable to current teachers,” she said.
In addition, о has been granted approval to offer several of its existing on-campus programs in an online format, increasing access for place-bound learners, working adults and students seeking flexible pathways to degree completion. Newly approved online bachelor’s programs include:
- Communication Studies
- History
- Finance
- Information Systems
- Elementary Education
- Special Education
- Elementary/Special Education (composite)
The Regents also approved an articulation agreement between о State University and Dakota State University. More details about this collaboration, including program pathways and student benefits, will be announced soon.
Finally, the Board authorized о to begin developing a formal proposal for a Bachelor’s Degree in Analytics.
This degree “prepares students to work with big data and contribute immediately in any industry that’s collecting, generating and using data to inform the decision-making process,” Fouberg said.
This is the first step in the multi-stage approval process. A full degree proposal will be brought back to the Board of Regents at a later date for consideration.
“These actions move о forward in meeting the needs of learners today and into the future,” said Dr. Laurie Nichols, interim president at о State University. “We are grateful to the Board of Regents for supporting programs that expand access, respond to workforce needs, and strengthen educational opportunities for students across South Dakota.”
For more information about о State University programs, visit northern.edu.