Dakota State’s graduate degrees elevate careers

Dakota State’s graduate degrees elevate careers

Aug. 26, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by Dakota State University.

A new school year brings exciting opportunities for K-12 students, but it also can present a new promise to adults looking to add distinctive skills to their resumes.

Dakota State University in Madison is offering several new cutting-edge graduate degrees this fall. Some are technology-intensive, some are technology-infused, but all can help individuals elevate their careers.

“As emerging technologies change our world in every career field, a Dakota State graduate degree can bring new skills to people who want to understand what they need to know to excel in their jobs in the future,” said Dr. Mark Hawkes, dean of graduate studies.

A growing number of professionals are taking advantage of Dakota State graduate programs. In fall 2023, graduate enrollment was up 15 percent to 558 students. In the 2023-24 academic year, the university awarded 145 master’s and 29 doctoral degrees.

“We teach students to tackle complex technical challenges, develop innovative responses to time-sensitive problems and work with professionals across many fields to leverage the full capacity of computer and information technologies,” Hawkes said.

No matter the discipline, Dakota State graduate programs incorporate high-quality cyber skills in all degrees, whether they have been offered for years or are brand-new.

Business employees have always known that an MBA can add to their knowledge, open many new positions and career paths, improve their earnings and provide better job security. DSU’s online MBA also integrates technology, analytics and AI to prepare individuals to lead any organization into the future. Recent changes to the MBA make it more flexible and affordable. The restructured program is offered for 30 credits now instead of 36, so it can be completed online in as little as 21 months.

Educators can improve their skills and career opportunities with one of two new specializations in the Master of Science in Education Technology program.

The computer science and cyber education specialization will equip South Dakota teachers to teach dual-credit computer classes by credentialing them in secondary computer science education. With this, they can take on new roles such as instructors in community colleges or Dakota State’s Governors Cyber Academy. The educational technology specialization will give teachers the confidence and skills to use technology in the classroom so  they can enhance their students’ learning. This is particularly important preparation as the South Dakota Department of Education is in the process of creating and approving K-8 computer science standards.

 New emerging technology degrees

A new graduate program being offered this fall is the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence.

Available online or on campus, this degree program will equip graduates with the advanced knowledge essential for excelling in the rapidly growing AI field. Because it is a state-of-the-art program, students will be among the leaders in defining the future of AI applications and navigating technological breakthroughs.

Eyman Ahmad is a student in this new program. She is employed as a registered behavior technician in Texas but hopes to gain advanced knowledge and skills in artificial intelligence to enhance her career prospects and contribute to innovative solutions in the field.

Some of the advantages of AI knowledge will be data analysis for enhanced documentation.

“AI can help in analyzing large volumes of patient data more efficiently. A behavior technician could use AI to identify patterns or trends in patient behavior that might not be immediately obvious, leading to more informed decision-making,” she said.

Improved patient care is another benefit. “For example, AI can predict potential challenges or setbacks in a patient’s progress, enabling a behavior technician to proactively adjust care plans or interventions before issues arise,” Ahmad explained.

Decision support is another way AI can help by developing models that predict patient behavior based on historical data. This can help anticipate and manage difficult behaviors more effectively.

Just as AI quickly has become a part of everyday life for everyone, DSU is adding programming for the next rapidly developing technology field.

Quantum computing will impact all careers in the future. In fact, the quantum computing industry is expected to generate $4 billion in revenue by 2028, according to a report in Markets and Markets. With the new Quantum Computing for Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate, students can prepare to work at the intersection of quantum computing and cybersecurity by gaining experience in both offensive and defensive strategies. The four-course, 12-credit certificate can be taken as part of a degree program or as a stand-alone plan of study that will prepare students to analyze and create cryptographic solutions that are resilient against quantum attacks.

The subject matter in these degrees is complex, and the coursework is rigorous but valuable.

“Graduate degrees in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computer science, quantum, and data and information sciences aren’t a cakewalk, yet we continue to see exceptional interest in our graduate programs, and South Dakota students especially rise to these opportunities,” Hawkes said.

Application process streamlined

To make all these programs more accessible from the start, Dakota State’s enrollment team has worked to revamp the graduate application process, making it more intuitive and fluid. The graduate studies office also added a spring start term for Ph.D. programs, so students have more options in taking the next steps toward pursuing their academic goals. Depending on their program, students may start in the fall, spring or summer terms.

These opportunities all represent a university-wide focus for students to grow through graduate programs at Dakota State.

“The commitment to DSU’s mission in graduate education is systemic,” Hawkes said. “Our faculty provide the best of technical know-how, our administration provides resources and removes barriers, and our Board of Regents and governor’s office clearly grasp the landscape of a technology-driven economy and support our vision of it.”

For information about DSU graduate programs, visit dsu.edu/admissions/graduate.


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