Online Master’s Programs in South Dakota: Reviewing Schools

Exploring South Dakota’s Online Master’s Programs

High-Growth Master’s Degree Fields in SD

Business Administration (MBA & Management)

Business is a top field for master’s students in South Dakota. An MBA or related master’s leads to management roles in the state’s growing finance, healthcare, and agribusiness sectors. South Dakota’s low unemployment and pro-business climate create demand for skilled managers and executives. Programs emphasize practical management skills and offer specializations like accounting or marketing. Graduates benefit from higher salaries and advancement into roles that drive economic growth.

Education and Educational Leadership

Education is consistently in demand, as South Dakota faces teacher shortages and a need for skilled administrators, especially in rural districts. Earning a master’s in curriculum and instruction or educational leadership can qualify you for roles like principal or instructional coordinator. Teachers with advanced degrees get salary increases and qualify for higher-paying administrative positions. South Dakota’s universities offer many quality online MEd programs to develop leadership, data-driven decision making, and advanced teaching strategies. 

Nursing & Healthcare Professions

Healthcare is one of South Dakota’s fastest-growing sectors, making advanced degrees in nursing and health sciences highly valuable. Master’s-trained nurses, including nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists, are in extreme demand. In fact, nurse practitioner is the state’s fastest-growing occupation with 30.7% growth and is critical for rural healthcare access. Earning an MSN or master of public health can lead to roles as primary care providers, healthcare administrators, or public health specialists addressing community needs. These programs, often hybrid or online, pay off through higher salaries and an expanded scope of practice. 

Computer Science & Cybersecurity

Technology fields — notably computer science, data science, and cybersecurity — are emerging as top choices in South Dakota thanks to strong job growth and competitive salaries. Software developers and information security analysts rank among SD’s fastest-growing occupations, with 25%–29% growth fueled by the digital transformation of finance, agriculture, and government services. A master’s in computer science, information systems, or cyber defense (a DSU specialty) offers cutting-edge skills and often a near-100% job placement rate. Graduates become software engineers, data analysts, or cybersecurity managers, filling high-demand roles in the growing Sioux Falls tech scene and beyond. Multiple SD universities partner with the National Security Agency and National Science Foundation on cyber programs.

Human Services & Social Work

Human services–oriented master’s degrees, including social work and counseling, are increasingly important in South Dakota’s communities. The state’s rural and Native American populations have unique needs for social workers, counselors, and nonprofit leaders. In fact, South Dakota has one of the highest concentrations of social work jobs per capita. Earning an MSW or a master’s in counseling psychology can lead to licensure for clinical practice and supervisory roles. Job growth is projected at 7% nationally for social workers (2023–2033). Graduates enjoy rewarding careers as they work to improve the lives of South Dakotans.

Types of Online Master’s Programs in South Dakota

South Dakota’s online master’s programs come in various formats to meet different needs. Students can choose full-time versus part-time pacing, opt for programs that waive the GRE, or even pursue accelerated pathways that combine degrees. Some programs follow a cohort model with a set course sequence, while others are self-paced. Whether you need maximum flexibility or speedy completion, you’ll find an option — from traditional two-year tracks to one-year accelerated or extended part-time schedules — that fits your lifestyle and goals.

Full-Time Online Programs, Standard Pace

Full-time online master’s programs in South Dakota typically mirror on-campus intensity — around nine credits (three courses) per semester — leading to completion in 18 months to two years. This schedule is ideal if you can dedicate significant time to your studies. Expect a structured course sequence and steady workload each term. The benefit is immersion in the subject and a quicker graduation, though balancing full-time work and school can be challenging.

• Example: USD Online MBA — 33 credits in four semesters full-time
• Example: SDSU Master of Public Health — 42 credits in two years full-time

Part-Time & Flexible Programs

Part-time online master’s programs allow students to slow the pace, taking just one or two courses at a time. This flexibility is ideal for working professionals. It extends program length to three to four years for a master’s but significantly eases weekly workload. South Dakota universities often let you switch between part-time and full-time schedules, so you can continue working and managing your family obligations. Many programs, such as SDSU’s MSN or DSU’s tech degrees, offer flexible pacing with no strict completion deadline so you can learn at your own speed.

• Example: SDSU MS in Nursing — two years full time or up to four-and-a-half years part time
• Example: DSU MS in Cyber Defense
  

No-GRE Admission Programs

An attractive option for many applicants is the no-GRE master’s program. These programs don’t require the GRE exam for admission, instead relying on undergraduate GPA, experience, and other factors. You’ll save time and money on test prep. In South Dakota, most online master’s programs have dropped the GRE requirement — for instance, SDSU’s online Master of Mass Communication and MS in Data Science waive the GRE. This makes applying quicker and more accessible. 

• Example: SDSU MMC
• Example: SDSU MS in Data Science
  

Accelerated 4+1 or 3+2 Programs

Accelerated programs let you earn a master’s on an expedited timeline by double-counting or fast-tracking courses. A 4+1 (or 3+2) program allows you to begin graduate coursework during your undergraduate studies — saving time and money. South Dakota universities have several such pathways. The upside: You might finish a master’s in as little as one extra year after your bachelor’s. It’s intensive, requiring careful planning and a strong academic record, but you enter the workforce with an advanced degree sooner. Example: USD/NSU Accelerated Social Work (BA/MSW) — complete bachelor’s and MSW in five years

Paying for Your Online Master’s Degree

Online master’s programs in South Dakota are generally affordable, especially through public universities. Most online graduate courses at SDSU, USD, DSU, and other state schools cost about $470 per credit, with no additional fees and no requirement that you must live in SD. That translates to roughly $14,000–$17,000 total for a 30- to 36-credit master’s. Longer programs, such as 42–60 credits for nursing or social work, cost around $25,000 for 60 credits. Private institutions in SD charge higher rates — for example, $825 per credit for the graduate nursing programs at Augustana University. Keep in mind that financial aid and employer tuition assistance can offset costs. Overall, South Dakota’s online master’s students benefit from a relatively low cost-of-living, making graduate education quite economical.

Totals above are tuition estimates; actual costs may vary by program and exclude any specific fees or materials.

FAQs About Online Master’s Programs

Q: Are online master’s degrees from South Dakota universities respected and accredited?

A: Yes — all major SD universities hold regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring their online programs meet rigorous quality standards. Many programs also hold accreditations specific to their subject. For example, USD’s MSW is accredited by the CSWE and SDSU’s nursing master’s is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Employers generally recognize online degrees from accredited institutions as equivalent to on-campus degrees. To be safe, verify a program’s accreditation on the school’s website or the U.S. Department of Education database. All the programs featured in this guide are fully accredited and widely respected.

Q: Can I continue working full-time while pursuing an online master’s in South Dakota?

A: Absolutely. Most online master’s programs in South Dakota are designed with working professionals in mind. Part-time study options allow you to take one course at a time and extend the program length. Universities like DSU explicitly state that employment can be maintained while in school. Flexible scheduling — often with asynchronous lectures you can complete on evenings/weekends — lets you balance work, family, and studies. Many students in SD complete their master’s in three to four years part-time while working. If you prefer a faster pace, full-time options exist as well.

Q: Do online students have to pay out-of-state tuition or extra fees?

A: In most cases, no. South Dakota’s public universities typically charge the same tuition rate for online courses regardless of residency. For example, USD Online’s graduate tuition is $470.45per credit for all students, in state or out of state. Fully online programs usually don’t have additional campus fees because you won’t utilize these services. Some online programs have extra fees for related services, such as a technology fee.

Q: What does an online master’s class look like? Will I ever need to be on campus?

A: Online master’s classes in South Dakota are typically delivered via learning platforms like D2L (Desire2Learn) or Canvas. You’ll watch recorded or live lectures, participate in discussion boards, submit assignments, and collaborate on projects, all through the online interface. Most programs, such as SDSU’s online mass communication program and DSU’s tech programs, are 100% online with no campus visits required. However, a few specialized programs may include brief in-person components: SDSU’s graduate nursing programs require a limited number of on-campus lab sessions.

Q: What financial aid or support is available for online master’s students in South Dakota?

A: Online master’s students have access to similar financial aid opportunities as on-campus students. You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to seek loans, grants, and other funding sources. Be sure to investigate scholarships and tuition reimbursement, as these are sources of funding that you don’t have to pay back. Be sure to inquire with your program about any exclusive scholarships for online or adult learners. South Dakota universities often offer graduate assistantships or tuition reduction programs. For example, state employees get 50% off tuition at SDSU. On the support side, you’ll have online access to student services — academic advising, career counseling, library resources, tutoring — to help you succeed in your studies.