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The Ness School of Management and Economics at South Dakota State University will now offer both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in accounting following the program’s approval by the South Dakota Board of Regents.

“By producing graduates of a major program in accounting offered through the Ness School, ������Ƶ addresses a critical labor shortage in the state and beyond, satisfies students’ preferences for a comprehensive study of accounting and credentials students’ studies accordingly,” Joseph Santos, director of the Ness School, said. “Consistent with the Ness School mission, the major program in accounting catalyzes innovation and improves quality of life.”

The program is available to students beginning fall 2024. ������Ƶ already offers a minor in accounting.

“This provides a tremendous opportunity for students who want to pursue a career in accounting,” Nicole Klein, associate academic director in the Ness School, said. “Previously the only option that was open to them was a minor in accounting paired with a major in something else, usually business economics.”

Crunching the numbers

The U.S. Department of Labor projects that there will be 135,000 average annual job openings for accountants in the U.S. from 2020-2030, representing a 6.9% increase. The Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that accountant and auditor employment positions are projected to grow by 11% from 2020-2030 in South Dakota and 4% nationally.

“I am very pleased that ������Ƶ is adding the accounting program to the academic portfolio of the university’s Ness School,” Dennis Hedge, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said. “In alignment with our mission, this program will address a critical workforce shortage in our state and nation and provide an important degree option for ������Ƶ students. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact of the program’s graduates on communities throughout our state and region.”

Enrollment in ������Ƶ’s accounting major is project to reach 114 students by the sixth year. There are currently 100 students pursuing the accounting minor at ������Ƶ.

The accounting major opens career opportunities including certified public accountant, auditor, tax or cooperate accountant, financial analyst or planner, loan officer and more.