South Dakota State cleared to add AI engineering degrees at bachelor, master and doctoral levels
July 19, 2026 | 2026 Legislature SD, South Dakota
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South Dakota State University received board authorization to offer a sequence of artificial intelligence engineering degrees at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. Provost Dennis Hedge presented the rationale: the programs apply engineering design to AI systems and are intended to prepare graduates for workforce demand in precision agriculture, advanced manufacturing and other sectors.
Hedge described the credit structures: a BS at 130 credits (accreditation‑driven), an MS at 30 credits, and a PhD at 72 credits, with intentional program design to avoid unnecessary duplication and permit lockstep progression from undergraduate to doctoral study. The board moved, seconded and approved SDSU's degree authorizations by voice vote.
Hedge described the credit structures: a BS at 130 credits (accreditation‑driven), an MS at 30 credits, and a PhD at 72 credits, with intentional program design to avoid unnecessary duplication and permit lockstep progression from undergraduate to doctoral study. The board moved, seconded and approved SDSU's degree authorizations by voice vote.
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