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Home ― News ― New data show DSU placement at 99 percent

New data show DSU placement at 99 percent

August 22, 2018

Graduates of Dakota State University have no problem finding jobs or placement in competitive graduate programs.

Ninety-nine percent of students in the Class of 2017 who responded to a DSU Career Services survey reported finding employment or are continuing their education. Students in the Class of 2017 graduated in 26 of DSU’s 31 undergraduate degree programs, and 22 of those 26 reported 100 percent placement.

“Every industry – from education to healthcare to banking – expects the power of technology to transform their impact and success in their field, and they look to our graduates to innovate their processes,” said José-Marie Griffiths, president of Dakota State University. “Our faculty have designed cutting-edge curricula that includes learning and doing, and these hands-on projects and research opportunities mean our students are career ready upon graduation.”

Majors that had 100 percent placement include several cyber science degrees; the College of Arts and Sciences programs including respiratory care and biology also had 100 percent placement. The College of Education had 100 percent placement for graduates in exercise science, and elementary, secondary, and special education programs. The College of Business and Information Systems graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems had 100 percent placement.

Success with Alternative Paths   

Deb Roach, director of Career Service, noted success with traditional bachelor’s degree students, as well as with working professionals, those who have started to build a promising career and feel it is important to get a degree.

“A college education will help prepare these professionals for increased opportunities and continued growth in their career, and with our online options it is more convenient than ever to continue working while completing a degree,” Roach said. She also pointed out that many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs to support their employees’ educational goals.

“Dakota State programs of study can be successful for students at all stages of life and career,” Griffiths stated, “from the traditional high school senior to those already in the workforce who are looking to advance their careers or improve skill sets. This flexibility is advantageous for the student and provides a stronger employee base for companies in and out of South Dakota,” she said.

Roach also noted that 73 percent of the graduates stayed in South Dakota; others took jobs in 22 states including Texas, Minnesota, Wyoming, Colorado, New Jersey, Kentucky, California, Washington, and Georgia. Some are now employed in Canada and Japan; others are in the military.

Overall, 16 percent of the graduates are continuing their education in graduate or professional programs. These include cyber science students who are seeking master’s or doctoral degrees, and pre-health majors such as biology and exercise science students who have gone on to study pharmacy, nursing, sports management, chiropractic, or occupational therapy.

“These are competitive programs,” Roach said, “and it is noteworthy that our graduates are being accepted into these advanced degree programs.”

Career Services collected outcome data from several sources, including student-reported surveys, reports from employers and faculty members, and professional networking sites. The class of 2017 included graduates from August and December of 2016 and May of 2017.