South Dakota State University

Consistent with its land-grant mission, the Ness School of Management and Economics at South Dakota State University (SDSU) is the premier source for economics and business intelligence in the region. More than 1,200 students major in the school in programs including accounting, business economics, consumer behavior, economics, operations management, entrepreneurial studies, and agricultural business. Meanwhile, students across campus pursue the school’s minors and certificates, including in accounting, marketing, management, new product development, and real estate. Students enrolled in the school’s master’s programs in economics or operations management complete either a research option, which emphasizes applied research in the form of a graduate thesis, or a coursework option, which includes a capstone experience. Graduate real estate and family financial planning certificates are also available.

The Ness School operates within a rich and supportive industry ecosystem. Meanwhile, Sioux Falls, a 45-minute drive south of of campus (in Brookings, SD), is home to several thriving corporate enterprises with which SDSU enjoys productive relationships. Additionally, Innovation Partners and the Enterprise Institute located at the SDSU Research Park Innovation Center in Brookings provide opportunities for networking with regional innovators and entrepreneurs, as well as opportunities for part-time employment and incubator space for students. Moreover, the Ness School enjoys generous philanthropic support for student and faculty development in the form of funding for student travel and competitions, endowed chairs, professorships, and faculty-scholar appointments.

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with more than 200 academic programs, an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students, and over $60 million annual research expenditures.