South Dakota, home to just 25 degree-granting higher education institutions, reports an above-average percentage of students pursuing online degrees. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, only 6% of South Dakota residents hold master's degrees, so a South Dakota online MBA can provide a competitive advantage in hiring.
The page below introduces some South Dakota MBA programs, offers insight into accreditation, highlights South Dakota's top industries, and outlines some promising MBA-related careers. By comparing available MBA programs and understanding the South Dakota job market, you can choose an MBA program aligned with a lucrative and promising career path.
Careers and Salaries for MBA Graduates in South Dakota
South Dakota's economy has grown steadily over the past 15 years. The state's largest industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, bioscience, and healthcare, continue to grow and create jobs. Although much of South Dakota comprises rural areas, the majority of business positions are in larger cities, such as Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Pierre.
Business professionals in South Dakota can consider a variety of job prospects in many industries. The chart below lists some of the largest employers in the state. Although CareerOneStop reports that these companies hire the most employees, these companies do not necessarily represent the state's largest industries. For example, agriculture is one of the largest industries in South Dakota, but independent farms may not employ a large staff.
| Company | Location | Main Industry | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanford USD Medical Center | Sioux Falls | Healthcare | 4,958 |
| Avera McKennan Hospital | Sioux Falls | Healthcare | 3,574 |
| Citibank South Dakota | Sioux Falls | Financial Transaction Processing | 3,200 |
Source: Career One Stop
Obtaining an MBA can lead to higher earning potential immediately after graduation and throughout your career. To improve the chances of securing a high-paying position, students can concentrate in an area of business relevant to South Dakota's top industries.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
Careers for MBA Grads in South Dakota
MBA Concentrations for South Dakota Students
Students with clear career goals can save time by earning an MBA with a concentration in a specific industry and/or career field of interest. Although most upper-level positions require relevant work experience, a concentrated MBA's tailored curriculum ensures a thorough academic background that serves MBA graduates well as they compete in the state's job market.
Available concentrations for MBA students include industry-specific areas such as healthcare management or finance. These concentrations may prepare you well for careers with some of South Dakota's top healthcare and banking industry employers. Other MBA options include internet marketing, consulting, and organizational leadership — career areas prevalent in most industries. Taking the time to learn about MBA concentrations can help inform your choice among the available online MBA programs in South Dakota.
South Dakota's Online MBA Programs
As you review the following list of schools offering online MBA programs in South Dakota, consider your concentration options and how they align with your career interests and aspirations.
Pay attention to practical concerns such as price, time-to-degree, attendance options, and MBA accreditation standards, which affect credit transfer options and federal financial aid eligibility. Degrees from regionally accredited schools typically command more respect than nationally accredited degrees. Good South Dakota MBA programs boast regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and programmatic accreditation from business education experts.
