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The South Dakota Board of Regents approved a request by �ձ�av��Ƶ on Thursday to add a new academic program in finance. 

Starting in fall 2026, pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission, the Ness School of Management and Economics will offer Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in finance.

The B.A. and B.S. in finance will provide students advanced training in finance theory and practice, with applications in financial analytics, portfolio investments and corporate finance. The program will draw on the Ness School’s demonstrated record of teaching, research and outreach outcomes in economics and finance. It would extensively use the facilities of its e-trading lab. 

“The opportunity to offer B.A. and B.S. degrees in finance enables �ձ�av��Ƶ and the Ness School of Management and Economics to satisfy, in the state and across the nation, a deep intellectual curiosity in and workforce demand for major programs in finance,” said Joe Santos, director of the Ness School. “The degrees align tightly with the Ness School’s vision to advance decision making informed by business and economic analysis. The school is ideally positioned and excited to include B.A. and B.S. degrees in finance to its rich portfolio of undergraduate major programs.”

Experiential learning is thoroughly embedded in all finance courses the Ness School offers. �ձ�av��Ƶ’s major in finance will prioritize analytical rigor, thanks to the design of the program and the finance expertise of faculty in the school. Ness School programs share a strong, analytical foundation that stems from the school’s legacy as a nationally recognized department of economics.

The Ness School of Management and Economics has earned general accreditation of business-related programing through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, ensuring continuous improvement and driving schools to deliver on their mission, to innovate and drive impact.

As the state’s land-grant university, �ձ�av��Ƶ and the Ness School have a unique connection with rural communities and community banks throughout the state. �ձ�av��Ƶ is strategically positioned to provide educational opportunities that will strengthen the labor force and economy of rural areas, including community banks throughout the state.

“�ձ�av��Ƶ is very pleased to offer B.A. and B.S. degrees in finance,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dennis Hedge said. “�ձ�av��Ƶ’s Ness School of Management and Economics is committed to addressing the workforce needs of the state of South Dakota and beyond. Graduates of these programs will be well prepared to take on a number of finance roles related to businesses and industries in our state and throughout the nation.”

With a major in finance, graduates enter careers in banking, money management, investment banking, insurance, corporate treasuries and federal, state and local governments. Professional positions include chief financial officers, financial analysts, personal financial advisers, trust officers, portfolio analysts, stockbrokers and traders, commodity brokers and traders, financial accountants, compliance officers, budget analysts and credit analysts.

There is a clear need for more finance education in South Dakota. Offering a major in finance will address the high demands of the labor market and student demand within the unique academic environment of South Dakota State, supporting the South Dakota Board of Regents’ strategic plan.

A Bureau of Labor Statistics analysis demonstrates workforce demand for graduates who major in finance. The bureau projects overall that business and financial operations occupations will grow faster than average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033. According to the O-Net Online dashboard, careers as financial managers are projected to grow by 19% in South Dakota and 17% nationally. Likewise, careers as financial and investment analysts are expected to grow by 13% in South Dakota and 10% nationally. Meanwhile, careers as financial examiners are expected to grow by 21% nationally, and careers as personal financial advisors are expected to grow by 18% in South Dakota and 17% nationally.

�ձ�av��Ƶ is well positioned to fill these employment gaps without substantially restructuring or otherwise redesigning its programming. By offering a major in finance, �ձ�av��Ƶ will provide its students with a more comprehensive educational program portfolio and credential their education, accordingly, leading to enhanced professional opportunities for �ձ�av��Ƶ students.