Business, Beacom School of

Degrees available from the Beacom School of Business at the University of South Dakota:

Master of Business Administration
Areas of Specialization: Business Analytics, Finance, General, Health Services Administration, Marketing, and Operations and Supply Chain Management

Master of Professional Accountancy
Master of Science in Business Analytics

Certificates available from the Beacom School of Business at the University of South Dakota:

Business Analytics
Long Term Care Management
Marketing
Operations and Supply Chain Management

Dean: A.R. (Venky) Venkatachalam, Ph.D.
Associate Dean: De Vee Dykstra, J.D.
M.B.A. Coordinator: Jewel Shepherd, Ph.D.
M.P.A. Coordinator: Ana Marcella (Marcie) Sariol, Ph.D.

The Beacom School of Business was originally established at the University of South Dakota in 1927. The Beacom School of Business is accredited by AACSB International-The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The Beacom School of Business is dedicated to offering nationally recognized quality programs. Its reputation is built on the quality and success of its students who hold positions in public accounting firms, prominent businesses, hospitals, government, and higher education throughout the United States.

All Master of Business Administration and Master of Professional Accountancy programs are available on the Vermillion campus and fully online. The Master of Science in Business Analytics is available on the Vermillion campus, with some courses available online. M.B.A. and M.P.A. students may be able to take some evening courses in Vermillion and Sioux Falls, SD. All M.B.A. and M.P.A. programs are offered fully online allowing students to complete the program in as little as two calendar years. There is no residency requirement for the M.P.A. and M.S in Business Analytics programs. Both M.B.A. and M.P.A. students can “mix and match” face-to-face and online classes.

The Business Analytics specialization and certificate curriculum spans the full cycle of descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics to optimize business processes in manufacturing, customer relationship management, and supply chain management. Competencies gained in this certificate will strengthen graduates for leading organizations to achieve operational efficiency, anticipate trends in the marketplace, and strengthen their competitive position.

The Master of Business Administration, General Business specialization is designed to develop current and future leaders for business, industry, and government while giving students the flexibility to elect courses to best enhance their career path. The program emphasizes decision making, problem solving, understanding the role of business in society, developing leadership ability and social responsibility, analytical and critical thinking skills, and preparing students for executive-level responsibility.

The curriculum of the Health Services Administration specialization offers an industry-focused approach to management. It addresses theories and practices required to develop business plans in health service organizations. The evolution of health care systems throughout the world are examined, with an emphasis on the history and organization of U.S. healthcare and including the role of consumers, institutions, labor, and government. Students will learn the nuances of daily operations including governance, effective management and the elements of unique human resource concerns in health care organizations. They will use evidence-based learning and critical thinking as they learn how to address the collaborative, interdisciplinary approach required in today’s healthcare industry. Electives include highly relevant topics such as process improvement to achieve quality, safety, and value goals.

The 9-credit hour online graduate certificate in Long Term Care Management coursework will strengthen understanding of aging issues as they pertain to the strategic management, financial management, and health care quality in long-term care organizations. Students will be better positioned to facilitate transformational changes and achieve higher levels of quality within their organizations. Courses are offered annually to assist students in accomplishing completion of the certificate during a 12-month timeframe.

The Marketing specialization and certificate curriculum includes examining factors contributing to purchase decisions as well as developing and managing a brand. Students may examine the product development process from conception through rapid prototyping, forecasting demand, production and launch. Students also explore using data to identify high value and/or high risk customers, products, and processes. Graduates will gain competencies to fill a variety of roles in helping a firm develop and market their products and services.

The Operations and Supply Chain Management specialization and certificate curriculum includes the study of network relationship integration, quality and process improvement methods, and project management with the goal of maximizing the effective use of a firm’s resources. Graduates may learn Lean Management strategies and Six-Sigma techniques which enables them to apply theory in service of day-to-day processes and procedures. Students will gain competencies needed to apply the science of getting things done, to the practice of managing logistics, sourcing, quality, scheduling and production.

The Master of Professional Accountancy (M.P.A.) program provides specialized training in accounting and related fields for those who wish to prepare for a career in public accounting. In addition, the program enables students to meet the 150-hour educational requirement to sit for the CPA exam in most states, although requirements vary by state. In addition, the program provides training in accounting and related subjects for students seeking careers in industry, government service, or accounting education. The primary objectives of this degree program are: 1) to develop judgmental ability relating to the production and use of accounting information; and 2) to assist in the development of professional competence. The program is offered as a twelve-month, full-time, face-to-face program on the Vermillion campus and as a fully online program. More information about the program can be found on the Accounting Department page and the M.P.A. program page.

The Master of Science in Business Analytics (M.S. Business Analytics) program prepares our graduates to build and grow successful and rewarding careers in the increasingly data-driven economy. Keeping in mind the exploding demand for business analysts in all sectors of the economy-manufacturing, banking, service, hospitality, agriculture, tourism, retail, etc.-we will equip our graduates with the latest and relevant concepts, tools, and techniques to analyze business data to predict future performances, identify opportunities to increase revenue, reduce costs, and increase business productivity. The M.S. Business Analytics program offers in-depth knowledge and expertise in data management, data analysis, visualization, optimization, and equip graduates with adequate skills in data-driven decision making. Graduates will find rewarding career opportunities in the region or nation or even anywhere in the globe.

Beacom School of Business Mission

Our primary mission is excellence in undergraduate and graduate education that develops successful future business leaders. We deliver high value to our students, employers and community through distinctive teaching and learning supported by significant intellectual and professional contributions and meaningful service.