PIERRE, S.D.— The South Dakota Board of Regents approved two new degree programs designed to broaden educational pathways and build expertise in high-demand professional fields. Dakota State University (DSU) will launch a Master of Science in Data Privacy, and South Dakota State University (SDSU) will begin to offer a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Finance.

“These programs represent meaningful growth for higher education in South Dakota, but more importantly, they give our students new pathways to explore their interests and build their futures,” said South Dakota Board of Regents Executive Director Nathan Lukkes. “Students will have greater access to specialized learning, hands-on experience, and the preparation they need to step confidently into impactful careers.”

Dakota State University’s Master of Science in Data Privacy prepares graduates to lead in an era where data use and protection are increasingly critical. The program will examine the role of data across government, corporate, and global contexts, emphasizing secure and ethical management.

Students will gain expertise in privacy regulation, data governance, and privacy-enhancing technologies, equipping them to design policies, implement technical safeguards, assess risk, and ensure regulatory compliance. The degree strengthens DSU’s long-standing leadership in cybersecurity and information assurance.

The newly approved Bachelor’s in Finance at South Dakota State University provides comprehensive training in financial theory, analytics, investment strategy, and corporate financial management. Designed to blend classroom rigor with applied learning, the program prepares graduates for careers across banking, investment management, corporate finance, insurance, and governmental agencies.

The program aims to enhance students’ opportunities to earn a bachelor’s degree and gain expertise in a field with increasing market demand. The newly approved degree will build on SDSU’s existing management and economics core by incorporating required finance courses. This structure will enable students to earn a finance major, providing them with a solid foundation for a variety of positions in both private and public sectors.

With the approval of these programs, DSU and SDSU continue to advance academic offerings that meet student interests and support South Dakota’s economic and professional landscape. Both degrees are slated to begin implementation in the coming academic year.