Looking to learn and advance your career? Consider these 4 graduate programs

This paid piece is sponsored by South Dakota State University.

Are you considering a career change or hoping to advance in your field? The extra education you need could be more accessible than you might think.

“People often go back to college for graduate-level education when they’re reached a point where they want to change careers or they need a graduate degree in their field to move up or move organizations,” said Victor Taylor, vice provost for graduate education and extended studies at South Dakota State University.

“Maybe there are retirements coming up, and you want to be in the right place at the right time, so you need a graduate degree to get to the next level. Those have been the main drivers for years, but what’s a little different today is that we have a lot of options for earning that degree.”

In business, an MBA used to be the go-to advanced degree. But today’s master’s degrees can be more specific to your field, allowing you to build more applicable skills in a format that can be flexible for your personal and professional life.

“We have multiple programs that allow you to customize your coursework and that can be completed in online or hybrid formats,” Taylor said.

Here’s a look at four graduate programs that can help position you for your next career move and beyond:

Master of Data Science

Data science is one of the most sought-after careers in the nation, and SDSU’s program is a standout for gaining the skills you need for the future — ranked the top online master’s in data science program in the nation and the second-best program overall by Intelligent.com.

It also has been ranked as one of the most affordable master’s in data science programs in the nation by leading data science website Discover Data Science.

With this degree, you’ll find a program that provides the statistical, mathematical and computational skills needed to meet the large-scale data science challenges of today’s professional world.

“This will directly advance your career if you’re in a role that requires data analysis,” Taylor said. “This can be everything risk management and credit analysis to insurance and supply chain positions. Any professional involved in financial modeling, predictive analytics and understanding of data could benefit from this program.”

Master of Operations Management

Less restrictive than a traditional MBA, a master’s degree in operations management allows you to make choices that cater to your specific industry and role.

Core courses are designed to provide a foundation of knowledge and skills: project management, operations management and research, management and leadership in technical organizations, and seminar.

“If you’re doing a lot of project planning and management in the workplace, this could be a program for you,” Taylor said. “Maybe you want to move up in quality control, or you’re on the production side or purchasing and want to be in management, maybe you’re looking to become a plant manager — this allows someone to reach that leadership level.”

It’s a good fit for manufacturing or any industry that involves process management, logistics, supply chain and quality control, he added.

Master of Interdisciplinary Studies

This innovative, flexible and highly individualized graduate program is designed to meet students’ academic and professional goals.

You’ll work with an adviser to finalize a plan of study in at least two or three disciplines, utilizing courses that are relevant to supporting your educational and professional goals. The plan of study will include both a research/design paper or coursework-only option.

“You can pull in courses from business and the social sciences that are more open to your interests,” Taylor said.

“If you’re looking at moving up in your organization and maybe you need an advanced degree but not necessarily an MBA, this can be a great option for courses in business management, nonprofit leadership or communications skills. You can be very specific to the kinds of career moves you want to make.”

Master of Mass Communication

 Considering a career change or looking to broaden your marketing and communications skills? This outstanding online program provides personalized learning experiences and world-class instruction from award-winning faculty.

Coursework and capstone projects enhance professional development, positioning graduates for advancement or placement in journalism, advertising, public relations, marketing, business, higher education and other fields.

“People come into this program from all kinds of industries and gain skill sets that fit many fields,” Taylor said.

“Even if you have a journalism degree, maybe you’re looking to move into marketing, and this will give you the skills you need to make that shift. It’s a good fit for many people looking for a career change because it sets you up to work in a very diversified industry.”

Want to learn more? We asked Taylor several common questions about SDSU graduate education:

How long does an SDSU graduate program take to complete?

It depends on how you structure your work. Most programs are 30 credit hours, or 10 classes. If you took a few classes each semester, including through summer, it’s possible to complete in a year. If you take fewer courses at a time, you can still finish in a couple years. If you’ve already completed some graduate-level work prior to beginning a program, it’s possible that credit will shorten your road to degree completion.

What does the application process involve?

Our applications essentially are informational. Many programs don’t require a GRE, although some do. Students provide a statement of interest as well as their transcripts from undergraduate work, and the process is very straightforward and not onerous at all. If your transcript shows a 3.0 GPA or above, you’ll receive unconditional acceptance.

Is it expensive to earn a graduate degree?

SDSU’s tuition is extremely competitive, and the flexibility of the program allows you to pay per credit hour as you work at your own pace and budget. Graduate programs are less than $500 per credit hour for South Dakota residents. Many employers have programs to offset your cost of graduate education, plus your additional education often leads right to additional earning potential – making it an outstanding return on investment.

Does SDSU help prospective and current graduate students navigate their options?

Very much so. An adviser will work with you to develop your program of study, so in many cases, you’re working on coursework that’s very specific to your needs and interests and the kinds of career moves you want to make. As long as you get that approved, you’re good to go. Your courses will be mapped out, we’re able to substitute courses based on availability as needed, and we’ll help you stay on track to degree completion.

To learn more about graduate education at SDSU, click here.