Graduate Studies at Black Hills State University is designed to grant degrees at the master degree level, and to provide opportunities to earn graduate credit leading to advance levels of specialization, improved professional completence, and enhanced personal growth and development. Graduate faculty and administrative staff are committed to challenging you to grow academically with relevant and meaningful graduate courses aligned with current research in your chosen field of study.
The following graduate program descriptions provide a detailed overview of each Master of Science degree offered at Black Hills State University.
The overall goal of the Black Hills State University Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction is to create professional change through reflection, systematic inquiry, and collaboration while preparing graduate students for leadership beyond their classrooms. The five Propositions from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) are used as benchmarks in the specific design of core classes. Moving beyond the core, each specialization aligns courses with the standards of its specialized professional association. The MSCI has three specialization options that include technology facilitator, math, and science. Courses for the technology options are online except for a practicum arranged in each student's home school district near the end of the program. Math and science specializations, which can lead to advanced certification in South Dakota, offer core courses online and content in a face-to-face format.
The K-12 Reading Specialist program is now delivered within a Master of Education in Reading. The 35-credit program emphasizes professional practice in the field of reading and addressing all International Reading Association standards for reading specialists and literacy coaches. This completely online master's program in reading meets South Dakota's standards to prepare reading specialists. For admission requirements for this and the MSCI programs, please contact the Graduate Studies Office.
Evolutionary and Ecological Functional Genomics, or Integrative Genomics, is a recent interdisciplinary approach in biology. It is a more thorough way of addressing the basic and applied questions that are of concern to many biologists and society in the 21st century. Training focuses on using traditional and genomic techniques to identify important ecological factors, to find genes that affect ecological traits of interest, to understanding the mechanisms underlying these effects, and to study the evolutionary forces that have shaped these genes. While any one thesis project may not span all of the disciplines, the program is designed to provide those seeking a Masters degree the necessary skills and concepts to work cooperatively at a system-wide level across the disciplines of Ecology, Evolution and Physiology. Exposure to modern techniques and instrumentation in the laboratory and out in the field prepares students for success in further academic pursuits or manager-level jobs in Ecological Genomics- and Biotechnology- related fields. Start with a program Overview to learn more about this exciting opportunity!
The Online Master of Science in Strategic Leadership provides unique leadership training for individuals guiding organizations in today’s knowledge-driven global economy. This innovative, interdisciplinary program incorporates leadership theories, concepts, methodologies, and mentorship skills that are essential to leading and transforming organizations.
The Master of Science in Strategic Leadership program is designed to prepare students for advanced leadership positions, and to foster career development in, a variety of organizations including government, non-profit, and the military. Expert faculty in key leadership areas teach core course work in such areas as visioning, motivation, creative problem solving, strategic thinking and decision making, innovation, ethics, and effective communication.
The MBA consists of 36 graduate level contact hours (twelve three hour courses) followed by three hours of supervised practicum/internship. The College of Business and Natural Sciences has hand-picked the faculty for the new program. To teach in the MBA program, a faculty member must have an earned doctorate related to the course work they teach and a history of sustained intellectual contributions within their discipline. Each faculty member is classified under AACSB standards as academically qualified to teach graduate business administration. BHSU’s newest graduate program has received approvals from the Higher Learning Commission and the South Dakota Board of Regents.