Continue Your Education Today at USD

In today's uncertain economic times, the job market has become more competitive than ever. Even if you already have a USD degree, furthering your education can give you an edge when it comes to enhancing your career prospects. USD's Division of Distance & Continuing Education can help you decide the right program for you--wherever you are. We spoke with Brandy Durham, Graduate School/Off-Campus & Distance marketing coordinator and asked her about why more graduates are taking another look at advanced degrees, and about USD's programs.

Why should alumni consider going back to school now?

By furthering your education, you will gain skills, knowledge and more opportunities. According to the U.S. Department of Education, ninety percent of the fastest growing jobs in America require a postsecondary credential or training. Additionally, more and more jobs require education beyond a bachelor's degree. While a graduate degree is not required for many "entry-level" jobs, you may need to earn an advanced degreee to keep your training and skills current--and make yourself more marketable for career advancement.

I’ve read that there is a growing number of educated, skilled college grads who are (for a variety of reasons) reevaluating their career/life trajectory. Are you seeing this here at USD?

Yes. Many of our students are coming back to school to advance their career, further their skill set or because their current industry has experienced job cuts and downsizing. The average age of our online student is 37 years old.  We continue to offer credentials for jobs that remain in high demand.  It is never too late to further your education and/or advance your career.

Students can take courses on campus and/or online, right? How are online courses delivered?

Students can take on-campus courses or complete courses online. Online learning offers the convenience and flexibility many adult learners are looking for and are delivered through a platform called Desire2Learn. Students log on to their course 2-3 times per week or as often as your instructor recommends. All assignments and course requirements are posted in Desire2Learn. There are also group discussions and live chats that students may participate in.

Most interaction in an online course is through writing, so you should be comfortable with communicating electronically. Online learning is a new experience for most students and The Division of Continuing & Distance Education has many resources to assist you with any questions you have about your online courses, and our faculty are all required to meet standards to assure the student is getting the best experience and education possible. 

Shouldn’t I be worried about lack of access to professors and interactions with students in my online courses?

This is a common misconception about online learning. Instructors are available by e-mail, phone or chat.  It is important for the online learner to know how to contact their instructor, by whatever means the instructor has specified. This information is provided before the class starts.

What does the USD Grad School offer that students couldn’t or shouldn’t get elsewhere?

The University of South Dakota is a great place for your graduate education. The Graduate School offers 57 graduate programs in eight colleges and schools and offers online graduate-level learning from an established flagship university. All of our programs are fully accredited, regardless of delivery mode. We also offer more than 400 graduate assistantships which provide students with the benefit of a generous tuition discount, stipend and valuable work experience.

If I'm interested in exploring my options further, where do I start?
Visit this site to learn more, or call 1-800-233-7937, and one of our staff will be more than happy to assist you.