At BHSU-Rapid City, you have a choice (in degree, location, and scheduling)

While college has been traditionally viewed as a four-year track reserved for aspiring twenty-somethings, the community at Black Hills State University-Rapid City challenges this limited scope, seeing the University as an expansive resource for the community.

The University’s strategic approach to course scheduling, flexible options, and degree programs is motivated by the belief that individuals should have many opportunities to further their education.

Choice of degree:
BHSU offers 7 accredited certificates, 4 associates degrees, 11 bachelor’s programs, and a master’s degree in business administration and Applied Management (MBA) in Rapid City.

For those who seek knowledge in a specific area or want to become proficient in a specific skill, certificates are a great option. Two year associates degrees provide students with a distinct advantage in the workforce and when applying to bachelor’s programs or nursing school. Bachelor’s degrees offer a complete liberal arts experience, preparing students for careers in elementary education, business administration, human services, graphic communication, history, and social sciences. The MBA in Applied Management program prepares graduates to lead and innovate in today’s economic development.

Hannah Selan, who recently graduated with her associate’s degree in Applied Health Sciences, says, “At other colleges, you’re forced to figure out how to cobble all the core classes together. But coming from BHSU, it’s easier to be accepted into a competitive nursing program, because you already have a college degree. BHSU says, ‘Here’s the package—here’s your associates degree—now go to nursing school!’”

Choice of location:
The University’s location in Rapid City has attracted a diverse student group, many who have family commitments and work responsibilities. BHSU-RC is conveniently located at 4300 Cheyenne Blvd. on the east side of Rapid City and classes are offered during the day and in the evening.

“The average class size is 25 students, which allows for students to build one-on-one relationships with their professors,” shares Valeriah Big Eagle, student success advisor. “BHSU-RC offers a wide array of quality courses available at convenient times. In addition to daytime courses, evening courses usually meet once a week from either 4-7 or 7-10 p.m.”

Julie Penney is a mother of two who wanted to pursue her business degree while remaining in the workforce. “BHSU-RC had classes at night and online, which fit my work schedule. I liked that mixture, too, because I didn’t want to have only online classes,” Penney explained. “I like taking in-person classes because I feel more connected. Since that wasn’t always possible with my schedule, I had the opportunity to take other classes online.”

Choice of scheduling:
BHSU-RC has implemented a spectrum of scheduling options to make its courses available to high school students earning college credit, full-time university students, and individuals seeking to diversify their education amidst already busy lives. To benefit this array of community members, BHSU-RC offers daytime, evening, and weekend classes. Courses can even be streamlined in a new 18-day block format.

“Rapid City is a convenient place to raise a family, go to school, and work,” says Big Eagle. “Many of the students at BHSU-RC can work, take care of their families, and go to the school at the same time with the convenient times that classes are offered.”

Learn more, see a full list of degree offerings, and apply at www.BHSU.edu/RC