Williston State ready to provide four-year business degrees thanks to DSU partnership

WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) - Students in northwest North Dakota and northeast Montana will have more opportunities for earning four-year degrees from Williston State College without having to leave the area.

About 11 months after the initial agreement with Dickinson State University officials, Williston State College President Bernell Hirning said they’re ready to deliver Bachelor of Business Administration programs on campus starting next fall.

“A memorandum of understanding doesn’t mean anything until you’re able to recruit and start classes. That’s where we are at,” said Hirning.

After students complete their general courses in the first two years, they can stay for two more years at the college and work with both Dickinson State and Williston State staff to earn a bachelor’s degree. It can be specialized in accounting, human resource management, administration or finance.

“We want to make education accessible for everyone. At this point, adding Williston is a no-brainer,” said Kelsey Hoerner, Williston site coordinator for DSU.

The most recent data from the North Dakota Job Service shows there is a demand for managerial jobs and accountants. As of last month, there were 46 openings posted for management occupations and 16 openings for business and financial operations in northwest North Dakota.

“Business, I don’t think, will ever run out of style. We’re always going to need more people in business,” said Hoerner.

Hirning said more four-year courses should be coming to Williston soon, thanks to partnerships with other universities, including several health courses being supported by Minot State.

“What it allows students to do is either stay at home and sleep in their own bed or stay at home with their families without having to move to Dickinson or across the state to finish a bachelor’s degree,” said Hirning.

Williston State has seen increased headcount over the past two years, and Hirning expects the trend to continue with more four-year offerings planned.

Hirning said he will hold a press conference with Dickinson State Faculty later this month.

For more information, contact Hoerner at 701-502-4294.