South Dakota State University Proposes New Hospitality Degree

The Faculty Senate approved a three-year hospitality degree program aimed at meeting local industry workforce needs.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Hospitality

South Dakota State University Proposes New Hospitality Degree

Live Poll

Would you prefer to complete a bachelor's degree in three years rather than four?

South Dakota State University has proposed a new 90-credit Bachelor of Applied Science degree in hospitality to address workforce demands within the state. The Faculty Senate officially approved the proposal during its meeting on October 27, 2026.

Why it matters

The program is designed to fill critical gaps in the South Dakota hospitality workforce by streamlining curriculum and removing non-essential elective credits. It aims to better align educational output with the specific requirements of the state industry.

The new program requires 90 credits completed over three years, a reduction from the current 120-credit requirement for the existing degree. It aims to integrate online coursework with internships or apprenticeships across three major industry hubs.

The players

South Dakota State University

The institution is a public research university located in Brookings that provides a variety of academic degrees.

Faculty Senate

This body represents the faculty in academic governance and oversees the approval of new degree programs at the university.

The details

The curriculum will utilize a hybrid model that combines online coursework with mandatory internships or apprenticeships to provide practical experience. The university plans to establish industry-specific hubs in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Brookings to support student placement.

October 27, 2026: The Faculty Senate approved the degree program proposal.
Fall 2027: This serves as the target launch date for the new degree program.
Fall 2028: This date represents a potential delayed launch for the program.

Market Landscape

This academic shift aligns with a growing industry trend of prioritizing vocational efficiency to address persistent labor shortages. The program positions the university to better compete for students seeking faster pathways into the hospitality job market.

Prospective students in South Dakota may soon access a more affordable and efficient three-year path toward a hospitality degree. The program could also provide local businesses with a more reliable pipeline of graduates ready to fill essential roles in the hospitality sector.

The takeaway

This change highlights a shift toward prioritizing specialized, shorter-duration degrees in response to modern economic labor needs. Prospective students should evaluate whether this intensive three-year model suits their career goals in the hospitality industry.