Contacts: Jack R. Warner, Executive Director and CEO
jack.warner@sdbor.edu

Janelle Toman, Director of Communications
Janelle.toman@sdbor.edu

 Telephone: (605) 773-3455
Fax: (605) 773-5320
www.sdbor.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Wednesday, May 15, 2013

SDSU to Add American Indian Studies Major;
Online Mass Comm Degree Created for Working Professionals

BROOKINGS, S.D. – The South Dakota Board of Regents this week approved plans by South Dakota State University to begin offering an undergraduate degree in American Indian studies starting this fall, while its popular master’s degree in journalism will soon be offered with an online-only option geared to professionals already working in news and media-related fields.

While a minor in American Indian studies has been offered since 1994, it has been a priority of the university for some time to establish the major. At a recent accreditation visit by the Higher Learning Commission, it was also recommended that this degree be added.  The B.A. degree will equip graduates to work with tribal governments and in other public-sector careers, including a wide range of jobs that involve research, communications, and analytical skills.

SDSU’s request to establish an online-only master of mass communication degree also was approved by the regents. This graduate degree is designed specifically for working mid-career professionals in the fields of journalism, advertising, and public relations. The university’s existing M.S. degree in communication studies and journalism, with a specialization in journalism, will be limited to on-campus delivery in the future. Last fall, there were 35 online students enrolled in the existing program. With the new degree specifically designed for working media professionals, SDSU officials expect continued high enrollments.

In other action, the board approved a request from SDSU to create an undergraduate minor in animal health. The minor requires 18 credit hours of study and will help prepare students for admission to veterinary school or employment in other animal health-related careers.

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