ABERDEEN, S.D. ¨C Northern State University's School of Business is excited to announce two new programs, approved Thursday, Dec. 12, by the South Dakota Board of Regents: a bachelor's degree in agricultural business and a co-admission partnership with Southeast Technical College.

The agricultural business program, starting in fall 2025, will address workforce demands in Aberdeen and northeastern South Dakota. Brown County, which ranks second in South Dakota for agricultural jobs and economic output, generates $2.77 billion annually.

"The ag industry in this region requires local talent to lead and innovate for its future success," said Kaleb Bowman, director of agronomy operations at Agtegra. "This program will be supported by the region and industry, ensuring its long-term viability."

Dr. Kristi Bockorny, the Dacotah Bank dean of the school of business, added, "The agricultural business degree addresses a crucial need in our region. With major employers such as Agtegra headquartered in Aberdeen, plus thousands of agriculture-related job openings posted regularly, our graduates will be well-positioned for success. By combining core business courses, agricultural finance and innovation courses from Northern, agriculture economics courses from SDSU, and hands-on experience through a required internship in agricultural business, we're preparing students for the exact skills employers are seeking."

Also launching in fall 2025, the co-admission partnership with Southeast Technical College creates a seamless pathway for students. Students at Southeast Tech studying any business field can transition to any of Northern's nine bachelor¡¯s degrees in business¡ªincluding agricultural business¡ªwithout needing to reapply.

"Northern is excited to partner with Southeast Technical College to provide an innovative new pathway to success for South Dakota students," said Dr. Michael Wanous, provost and vice president for academic affairs. "Northern and Southeast Tech have integrated processes to make this a seamless experience for students. This is the first such integrated pathway from a technical college to a state university offered to students in South Dakota."

As part of the process, students will take one Northern course per semester during their associate degree studies at Southeast Tech. Once they've earned their associate degree and met program requirements, students can complete their bachelor's degree through Northern either online or on campus in Aberdeen.

"At Northern State University, students are the number one priority, and it is exciting to see additional pathways available for current and future students," Bockorny said. "Both initiatives will provide opportunities for students to pursue an education that meets their career and life goals. I am grateful to all those who have worked diligently to bring these partnerships to fruition."

More details about these programs will be announced soon. Students interested in learning more can reach out to Dr. Bockorny at 605-626-2402 or kristi.bockorny@northern.edu.

For media inquiries, please contact Chad Hatzenbuhler, director of communications and marketing, at chad.hatzenbuhler@northern.edu or 605-626-2046.