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News Release
Contacts: Robert T. Tad Perry, Executive Director
Janelle Toman, Director of Information & Institutional Research
T: 605.773.3455
F: 605.773.5320
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, June 26, 2009
Dakota State to Offer Degrees in Network & System Administration
PIERRE, S.D. – Dakota State University will begin offering associate and bachelor degrees in network & system administration beginning this fall. The South Dakota Board of Regents approved the action at its meeting today in Pierre.
Regents President Terry Baloun said the new degree programs are closely aligned with Dakota State’s unique mission to provide instruction in computer management, computer information systems, electronic data processing, and related programs. “This is a perfect fit for Dakota State,” he said. “Computer networking is a field that continues to develop and grow in importance, as it focuses on the interconnections between technology hardware and information exchange,” Baloun said. “These new offerings will support the board’s goal to enhance workforce development in South Dakota.”
University officials expect the number of students in the new bachelor’s degree program to grow from 20 to 80 students in three years.
Dakota State will deliver the two-year associate degree in network & system administration both in Sioux Falls and online. Paul Gough, the board’s director of policy and planning, noted that associate degree delivery has long been a part of Dakota State University’s statutory mission as authorized by the South Dakota Legislature. The institution currently offers other associate degrees in related fields such as applications programming, business management, health information technology, and office management.
Gough said no new state resources or additional student fees were requested to implement these programs.
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