Business school enrollment rises

     This year the University of South Dakota has 10,040 students enrolled, a 3.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Despite this, the Beacom School of Business has increased enrollment by 1%. 

     Klaus Beckmann, the Interim Dean at the Beacom School of Business, points to many possible explanations for this increase in student enrollment.

     “I think one of the reasons is that a business degree is still a very valuable degree,” Beckmann said.

     Part of the reason for such a high demand in business degrees comes from the need for accountants in South Dakota.

     “There’s a huge demand for accounting professionals, and I think that’s why we are seeing a lot of students going particularly into accounting and finance. That’s actually where we see the largest growth in terms of numbers for the business school,” Beckmann said.

     Beckmann believes students choose USD’s business school over other programs and universities because employers value Beacom graduates.

     “The number one reason for employers wanting graduates from the Beacom school is the quality of students that we are producing here. Part of that comes down to working with the industry. We have our career success center which is very helpful to connect students with the industry, we have tons of visiting employers coming here, we have our student clubs and networking events such as FMA which is our Financial Management Association,” Beckmann said.

     One area where the business school is struggling to attract students, despite its overall growth, is international enrollment.

     “Where we start to see a little bit of a decline right now is with international enrollment. That’s something that is a part of current political climates which is a little bit harder for us to control,” Beckmann said.

     One way the business school retains high enrollment despite challenges of coming to campus physically is through their online programs. The school’s online MBA, or masters of business administration, degree is an especially popular choice.

     “Our online MBA is ranked amongst the top 25 online programs based on the Princeton Review, and we have been part of the best 25 schools in the nation for over 10 years now. So I think that tells you something about the quality of the program,” Beckmann said.

     Beyond just the quality of its programs, Beckmann says another reason the business school is attracting so many students is due to its affordability.

     “Here is where students can really receive a good value for their money and I think that’s why we see such good enrollment,” Beckmann said.

     Along with its high enrollment, the business school is making several changes and additions to continue to bring in new students and to help the current students flourish.

     “We just built a new sales center on the second floor, which is fantastic. This will really help students gain the skills they need for our new program, the Beacom Ready program, which is all about relationship building, critical thinking, adaptability and communicating value,” Beckmann said.

     The Beacom Ready Program is one area that Beckmann was particularly excited for in the coming years. Beckmann believes that it can and will be a great tool in fostering student success.

     “Things such as internships, being part of Coyote Business Consulting, being part of a mentorship program, attending networking events, being a member of a student organization and taking leadership in said organization, those kinds of skills that learn through those experiences will be bundled up and made part of a Beacom Ready Certificate,” Beckmann said.

     Beckmann believes these are the skills that make successful students and future employees.

     “When you leave our program you are adaptable, a great critical thinker, you know how to make ethical decisions, you know how to collaborate across different industries and technologies so that no matter what employers will throw at you, you will be able to respond, adapt and be successful,” Beckmann said.

     Beyond all the new changes and additions to the program, Beckmann believes the main factor for students staying with the business school will always be faculty.

     “The commitment of the faculty to be there for students and have a good relationship with them to get them to the finish line, that’s extremely important. And I don’t necessarily think that’s unique to the Beacom School of Business. I guarantee you’ll find that a lot across campus, but we live it here,” Beckmann said.