Business, Beacom School of

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Dean: A.R. (Venky) Venkatachalam, Ph.D.
Associate Dean: Kathryn Birkeland, Ph.D.
M.B.A. Coordinator: Jewel Shepherd, Ph.D.
M.P.A. Coordinator: Maria Lopez Leach, D.B.A.
M.S. in Business Analytics Coordinator: Thomas Tiahrt, Ph.D. 

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, Operations and Supply Chain Management

Master of Professional Accountancy  

Areas of Specialization: Accounting Analytics, General

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  

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 allowing students to complete the program in as little as one calendar year. 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. M.B.A. and M.P.A. students may be able to take some evening courses in Vermillion and Sioux Falls, SD. The Master of Science in Business Analytics is available on the Vermillion campus with a fall semester start date, with some courses available online. There is no residency requirement for the M.P.A. and M.S. in Business Analytics. 

The Master of Business Administration, General Business program 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, ethics, 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 Business Analytics specialization and certificate curricula span 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 Finance specialization curricula focuses on theories, practices and issues related to investing, raising capital, and managing risks. Students will learn to analyze financial statements and build complex financial models for forecasting operating and financial performance, credit evaluation, and asset valuation. Financial management of a multinational firm will be studied, with an emphasis on exchange rate risk management and financial structures. Students will also examine equity and debt markets, portfolio management, international investing, and asset allocation as well as the use of technology in finance. In addition to general business acumen, students will gain the ability to analyze finance related issues for corporations and strengthen their finance decision making processes. 

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 curricula include 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 its products and services.

The Operations and Supply Chain Management specialization and certificate curricula include 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 have the opportunity to learn lean management strategies and Six-Sigma techniques enabling 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, non-profit organizations, 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 M.P.A. Accounting Analytics specialization meets the growing market demand for graduates with the ability to utilize and analyze data to strengthen accounting decision-making processes. It goes beyond advanced accounting coursework to include data-centric accounting theories and principles. We equip our graduates with the latest, relevant concepts, tools, and techniques to analyze accounting data. Graduates will find rewarding accounting careers in the region, nation, and around the world. 

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 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. in Business Analytics program offers in-depth knowledge and expertise in data management, data analysis, visualization, optimization, and equips graduates with adequate skills in data-driven decision making.  Graduates will find rewarding career opportunities in the region and 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.
 

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