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M.S. in Administration
Vermillion, South Dakota
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Administration at USD is a flexible, interdisciplinary program that typically requires 36 credit hours. It emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and ethical communication skills essential for effective leadership. The program offers significant customization through its eight specializations: Organizational Leadership, Health Services Administration, Long-Term Care Administration, Human Resource Management, Nonprofit Management, Criminal Justice Studies, Addiction Studies, and an Interdisciplinary Studies option. Available both on the Vermillion main campus and entirely online, it caters to the needs of working professionals.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of administrative principles and practices, allowing students to tailor their studies through specialized coursework. Core courses often include "Professional Writing for Administration," "Research and Administrative Practice," and a "MSAS Capstone." Students then delve into their chosen specialization. For example, the Organizational Leadership track focuses on contemporary leadership theories, while Health Services Administration covers strategic management in healthcare. Human Resource Management delves into personnel supervision and innovation. Nonprofit Management includes courses in fundraising, grant-writing, and budgeting. Criminal Justice Studies offers courses in criminal law, procedures, and police administration, while Addiction Studies focuses on the theoretical knowledge of substance use disorder prevention and treatment.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Administration program at USD encourages a research-informed approach to administrative practice. Through courses like "Research and Administrative Practice" and the capstone project, students learn to analyze, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions grounded in relevant research and data. While it is an applied professional degree, the curriculum emphasizes the importance of adequately considering the ethical and legal implications of administrative decisions, drawing upon scholarly principles. Students are equipped to research and discuss topics relevant to their chosen specialization, contributing to evidence-based administrative practices.
Industry Engagement: USD's M.S. in Administration program is highly oriented towards preparing graduates for immediate impact in their chosen fields. The program values professional experience, often requiring a minimum of two years of full-time professional experience for admission. While direct internship requirements vary by specialization (some may have a practicum or internship option), the program's focus on practical application ensures graduates are ready to lead. The diverse specializations are designed in consultation with industry needs across governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare, and other public service sectors, ensuring the curriculum remains relevant and prepares students for real-world administrative challenges.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Administration at USD implicitly fosters a global perspective by preparing leaders for organizations that may operate in or be influenced by an increasingly interconnected world. The principles of effective administration, human resource management, and organizational leadership are applicable across diverse cultural and geopolitical contexts. While the program's primary focus is on the administrative environment within the United States, the development of ethical decision-making, effective communication with diverse stakeholders, and the ability to analyze complex issues provide a foundation for understanding and navigating global administrative challenges. The interdisciplinary nature of the program can also expose students to broader perspectives on public service and organizational management.
Location
Vermillion, South Dakota
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 12800
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $38
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of South Dakota (USD) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and make quality education at USD more accessible to talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: USD awards merit-based scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships recognize outstanding high school or previous college performance and are renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
International Student Academic Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically tailored for international undergraduate students and can cover a significant portion of tuition fees. Eligibility is typically based on a combination of academic excellence and the completion of the admission process by specified deadlines. Many of these scholarships are automatically considered upon application, so no separate application is required.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, USD provides graduate assistantships and fellowships that offer financial support alongside valuable professional experience. These opportunities often include tuition waivers and a stipend in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative work within the university.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain USD academic departments and colleges offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, health sciences, or fine arts. These scholarships often reward exceptional talent and dedication within those disciplines.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Administration from the University of South Dakota (USD) offers graduates a versatile skillset for leadership and management across a broad spectrum of public, non-profit, and service-oriented sectors. This interdisciplinary degree prepares professionals to navigate complex organizational challenges, make informed decisions, and ethically lead teams in dynamic environments. The diverse specializations offered within the program directly align with growing demands in various fields, ensuring graduates are well-positioned for impactful careers.
Administrative Services and Facilities Manager: These professionals oversee the administrative operations of an organization, ensuring efficiency and effective use of resources. This broad role can encompass managing budgets, supervising staff, and overseeing office services in corporate, government, or non-profit settings. (Relevant for most specializations, especially Organizational Leadership).
Health Services Manager/Administrator: With a specialization in Health Services Administration or Long-Term Care Administration, graduates are prepared to lead and manage healthcare facilities, departments, or programs. This includes hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and public health agencies, ensuring quality patient care and efficient operations. This field is projected for significant growth.
Human Resources Manager/Specialist: Graduates with a Human Resource Management specialization can excel in roles focused on talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, training and development, and overall human capital strategy within any organization.
Nonprofit Program Manager/Director: For those specializing in Nonprofit Management, this role involves overseeing the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs and initiatives within charitable organizations, foundations, or community service agencies. They are crucial for achieving the organization's mission and often engage in fundraising and grant management.
City/County Administrator or Manager: Graduates with a strong understanding of public administration can pursue leadership roles in local government, overseeing municipal operations, implementing policies, managing budgets, and ensuring the efficient delivery of public services to citizens.
Criminal Justice Administrator: Specializing in Criminal Justice Studies, graduates can advance into leadership positions within law enforcement agencies (e.g., police departments, correctional facilities), courts, or probation and parole offices, focusing on policy implementation, program management, and operational efficiency.
Substance Abuse/Addiction Services Manager: With an Addiction Studies specialization, graduates can lead programs or departments within addiction treatment centers, rehabilitation facilities, or public health organizations, overseeing services for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
Training and Development Manager: Applicable across various specializations, this role involves designing, implementing, and evaluating training programs to enhance employee skills, performance, and professional development within an organization.
Compliance Officer: Across industries, organizations need professionals to ensure adherence to laws, regulations, and internal policies. M.S. in Administration graduates can fill these roles, especially in fields like healthcare, finance, or government, where regulatory frameworks are complex.
Organizational Development Consultant: Leveraging their understanding of organizational leadership and change management, graduates can work internally or externally to help organizations improve their effectiveness, solve problems, and adapt to new challenges through strategic interventions and development initiatives.
