For the third consecutive year, USD has more than 10,000 students enrolled, including more than 1,200 first-time freshmen across Vermillion and Sioux Falls. First-time freshman enrollment at USD – Sioux Falls grew 48.5%. As part of the address, Gestring introduced the public to new and quickly growing academic programs. Those interested in the full State of the University address can view the recording on the USD YouTube channel.

Departments and programs directly aligned with workforce needs have seen the most dramatic growth. Students choose USD because they want an excellent education, hands-on learning and the preparation to contribute to their professions and communities. With their USD education, those students go on to fill critical gaps in South Dakota’s workforce.

Read on to learn about three of USD’s newest programs, designed to prepare students for the realities of their future careers.

Beacom School of Business – Professional Sales

A hallway is lined with gray walls and carpet, a wood-framed glass door to the Beacom School of Business Sales Center and a red USD banner featuring campus imagery.

The business school has seen strong five-year increases in overall student headcount across all academic levels. One priority of the business school is responding to the needs of employers and preparing students to meet them.

This fall, the school launched its Sales Center and undergraduate and graduate certificates in professional sales. The center will connect students, faculty and corporate partners, support academic programs and deepen industry relationships. With expert faculty, strong business connections and hands-on learning, the business school is preparing the next generation of sales leaders. These certificates are open to students of all majors and emphasize the interpersonal skills students need in a variety of industry settings.

The center will closely collaborate with other campus organizations and programs, such as Coyote Business Consulting, Coyote Capital Management and Pi Sigma Epsilon.

“The professional sales certificate and the USD Sales Center at the Beacom School of Business reflect our commitment to preparing students for career success beyond the classroom,” said Klaus Beckmann, Ph.D., interim dean of the business school. “By combining academic learning with industry partnerships, experiential learning opportunities and professional skill development, we are helping students build the confidence and adaptability needed to thrive in a rapidly changing workforce.”

College of Fine Arts – UX and UI

A student studies at a desk in a quiet, industrial classroom, surrounded by tables and chairs, with vivid green columns and bright fluorescent lights.

As AI technology develops, the humanities help students develop their own senses of judgement, ethics, communication, creativity and leadership. Across disciplines, students gain perspectives that reach beyond a job description and prepare them to become responsible, trusted stewards of technology in their future careers.

The College of Fine Arts recently launched an online Master of Design in human-computer user experience, or UX, and user interface, or UI. The degree is the first of its kind in South Dakota and the first in the state to directly address the educational and workforce gap in UX and UI. Students will integrate psychology, interaction design and computer science to create digital experiences centered on user behavior, cognition and accessibility. As AI, automation and emerging technologies transform industries, graduates will be equipped to become leaders in creating user-centered digital experiences.

“Technology is reshaping how we live and work, but the future will need people who understand both technology and the human experience,” shared Gestring during the State of the University. “This program brings the arts and technology together and positions USD to lead in the new creative economy.”

Students will acquire advanced expertise in UX research, usability testing, information architecture and UI prototyping, leveraging industry-standard tools and innovative design methods. Through immersive, hands-on projects and collaborative work, students will build an impressive portfolio that showcases their skills and vision, positioning them for roles as UX/UI designers, product designers and strategic design thinkers in technology-driven fields.

School of Health Sciences – Radiologic Technology

Two clinicians in black scrubs work at a laptop in a clinical setting; a woman in a red patterned cap smiles as her colleague watches attentively.

Throughout South Dakota, the demand for health science careers is high and continues to grow. Today’s students will become tomorrow’s community leaders and healers.

In January, the School of Health Sciences added a radiologic technology specialization to the Bachelor of Science in health sciences. This program creates accessible, high-demand educational opportunities for students who want to be part of the growing field of radiologic technology — setting them on the path to perform imaging procedures like X-rays, CT scans and MRIs that help physicians diagnose medical conditions and injuries. This program is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years based on the demand of the workforce.

Students in the health sciences program may be admitted into the radiologic technology specialization upon successful acceptance into a hospital-based radiologic technology program. Students will attend USD for two years and then attend the hospital-based radiologic technology program for two years. This is achieved through contractual arrangements with Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center School of Radiologic Technology (Sioux Falls), Sanford Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology (Sioux Falls) and Avera Sacred Heart Hospital School of Radiologic Technology (Yankton).

“Radiologic technology is a high need profession across South Dakota and the region, and our specialization helps students take steps toward entering a career in imaging,” said Amy Nelson, Ph.D., OTD, director of the health sciences program. “Through partnerships with area hospitals, students gain access to strong clinical training that supports statewide efforts to strengthen rural healthcare and serve the communities that depend on it. Our health sciences curriculum gives students a solid foundation in patient safety, healthcare ethics, reimbursement, healthcare communication and other essential topics that prepare them to work in healthcare. Dual enrollment keeps students connected to USD throughout their academic journey, which is a real advantage. Because hospital programs use competitive application processes, we make sure students understand expectations early and feel supported as they prepare to pursue admission into this high demand field.”

These new programs join a catalog of more than 200 undergraduate and more than 80 graduate academic options that set students up for success in their careers. Each of the colleges and schools at USD constantly work to ensure their academic programs equip students with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in the regional workforce.

Learn more about USD’s academic offerings.

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