BROOKINGS, S.D. — During its July 2025 meeting, the South Dakota Board of Regents approved two forward-looking degree programs at Northern State University and South Dakota State University, respectively, designed to address critical needs in education and agriculture.

Northern State University (NSU) will launch a Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE), the first of its kind in the state. South Dakota State University (SDSU) announced a Master of Science in Global Agricultural Leadership; a professional graduate degree aimed at preparing emerging leaders in agriculture and community development.

"These programs showcase the proactive approaches our public universities are embracing to meet employment demands across South Dakota," said BOR Executive Director Nathan Lukkes. "They are designed to meet local needs and capture global opportunities, offering students valuable pathways to rewarding careers."

NSU: Bachelor's Degree in Career and Technical Education

Set to begin in Fall 2025, NSU's new degree in Career and Technical Education will prepare educators to teach in high-demand, career-focused fields like skilled trades, business, health sciences, and technology at the secondary level. Students will be in a dual-enrollment pathway with Lake Area Technical College, pursuing education coursework with specialized CTE training in curriculum design, authentic assessment, and work-based learning coordination.

"There is strong evidence of unmet demand for a CTE teacher preparation program in South Dakota. Currently, none of our public universities offers a secondary education program specifically designed to prepare CTE teachers," said BOR Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Janice Minder. "Our current secondary education programs focus on traditional academic subjects, leaving a significant gap in the preparation of educators for CTE fields such as skilled trades, health sciences, business, agriculture, and information technology."

The program directly addresses the critical statewide shortage of certified Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers. Graduates will be trained to design instruction that aligns with industry standards, manage work-based learning experiences, and contribute to workforce development through high-quality teaching.

SDSU: Master's Degree in Global Agricultural Leadership

Also launching in Fall 2025, SDSU's graduate degree in Global Agricultural Leadership. The program focuses on agricultural leadership, community development, communication, global awareness, ethics, and agribusiness. Students will develop a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of agriculture globally and be better equipped to assume leadership roles in their companies and communities.

Developed in consultation with industry stakeholders, including Agtegra, Cargill, Land O'Lakes, and the South Dakota Soybean Council, the program prepares students to lead farms, cooperatives, and commodity boards, while also serving as changemakers in rural communities.

"The master's program in Global Agricultural Leadership was established in response to a challenge from national and regional organizations that urged SDSU to cultivate the next generation of agricultural innovators and leaders," SDSU Provost and Academic Vice President Dennis Hedge explains. "A key element of the program is providing students with real-world experiences from intensive, agriculture-focused internships that connect with their coursework."

A Statewide Commitment to Innovation

Both programs align with the South Dakota Board of Regents' initiatives, emphasizing workforce development, access, and innovation in education. By offering new pathways for educators and agricultural leaders, these efforts exemplify how South Dakota's public universities are building a stronger, more skilled workforce for the future.

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