A Bismarck State University graduate throws his hat during a graduation ceremony at the Bismarck Events Center on May 10, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)
by JEFF BEACH (North Dakota Monitor)
BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) – North Dakota’s public universities are celebrating graduation weekend, with the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University accounting for more than half of the degrees and certificates awarded.
Which school out of the remaining 9 schools will move up the rankings next? If you guessed Bismarck State University, you get an A.
According to 2023 numbers, approximately 33% of graduates will go to UND, and NDSU will account for 28%. Bismarck State University accounts for her 9.6% of program completions.
Completion of all programs does not imply a two-year or four-year degree.
Bismarck State University offers a list of less than one-year certificate programs, such as Mobile App Development, as well as two-year programs, such as Nursing, and several four-year programs.
Lisa Johnson, vice chancellor for academic and student affairs at the University System of North Dakota;Photo courtesy of the University of North Dakota System
“The number of certificates our campuses are developing is incredible,” said Lisa Johnson, vice president for student and academic affairs.
Last year alone, 142 of the 210 academic programs offered through the University System of North Dakota and approved by the State Board of Higher Education were accredited programs, she said.
“Part of it is looking at programs such as associate degrees, for example, and how do we bring together existing programs that students could complete as a certificate, and in some cases even advanced students. “It’s just a campus that’s thinking about repackaging it into smaller units,” Johnson said.
While the number of North Dakota college graduates has declined by about 6% over the past five years, the number of program completions has only declined by about 3%, with some students earning multiple degrees and certificates. Masu.
Johnson looked at data from 2019 to 2023, the last years with complete data on program completion, including fall, spring and summer graduates.
Eleven public universities will hold graduation ceremonies this weekend on Friday or Saturday, but Johnson said data for the class of 2024 is not yet complete.
She said graduation trends are consistent with enrollment trends.
A strong job market is a factor in recruiting students. North Dakota’s unemployment rate was just 2% in March.
The numbers of graduates for the spring semester compiled by the NDUS office are as follows:
- North Dakota State University – 1,988
- University of North Dakota – 1,896
- Bismarck State University – 903
- North Dakota State University of Science – 660
- Minot State University – 385
- Dickinson State University – 224
- Dakota University of Bottineau – 179
- Lake Regional State University – 145
- Mayville State University – 138
- Williston State University – 136
- Valley City State University – 119
Bismarck State University students attend a graduation ceremony on May 10, 2024 at the Bismarck Events Center. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)
Many of the certification programs are aimed at meeting specific needs in the workforce, such as meat cutting at North Dakota State University of Science and Dickinson State University.
Some are designed to help professionals obtain or maintain a license.
“Sometimes teachers come back and work with people on the autism spectrum to get a certificate because that’s something they didn’t have when they left college,” Johnson said. Told. “But perhaps they’ve changed jobs or are looking to take on additional job responsibilities, so these certificates can help them go back to get a two-year or four-year degree in these very specific fields. There is no need for it and it complements them well.”
Other qualifications may be earned for personal enjoyment or as a side job.
“You see photography and digital design, and those two serve the needs of the community from different angles,” Johnson said.
