Western ND News

Dickinson State University (DSU) has secured $1 million from the North Dakota Workforce Innovation Education Funds to develop two new academic programs: a Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) and a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (BS-CSAI). The initiative aims to address workforce gaps in health care, education, and technology across the state. Both programs are slated to begin enrolling students in the 2026–27 academic year, pending curriculum development and regional accreditation.

“This funding represents a major investment in both the future of our students and the workforce needs of North Dakota,” said Scott Molander, president of Dickinson State University. “By building programs that respond directly to industry demand, we’re not just educating—we’re fueling the economic and community vitality of our region.”

The MSAT program is intended to tackle an ongoing shortage of certified athletic trainers in North Dakota. Currently, more than 200 positions remain vacant each year, with rural communities being particularly affected. Program graduates will be prepared for roles in schools, clinics, hospitals, and sports organizations.

“Students are eager for an athletic training education program in western North Dakota,” said Ann Wittkopp, program director for athletic training education. “By offering this program at DSU, we will make this career path accessible to students who might not otherwise pursue it—and that means more skilled athletic trainers serving in our communities.”

Meanwhile, the BS-CSAI degree will offer coursework on network security, ethical hacking, AI programming, and threat detection. Students will receive hands-on experience through a specialized cybersecurity lab.

“Cybersecurity and AI aren’t just the future—they’re the present, and the demand for trained professionals is skyrocketing,” said Md Miah, newly hired computer science faculty member. “Our graduates will be ready to protect digital systems, deploy AI responsibly, and innovate in industries from health care to agriculture.”

Both programs are being developed with input from local employers such as hospitals, clinics, IT firms, and public agencies that will provide internships and advisory support.

“Collaboration with industry partners is at the heart of these initiatives,” said Liz Freedman, dean of applied sciences. “Whether in health care or technology, our students will graduate with direct experience, making them career-ready on day one.”

The funding will also be used for hiring faculty members and purchasing equipment necessary for accreditation. The MSAT program will be part of DSU’s health sciences department while the BS-CSAI expands offerings within its School of Applied Sciences.

“These programs reflect DSU’s mission to serve as a driver of workforce development in western North Dakota,” said Holly Gruhlke, vice president for academic affairs/provost. “They also open the door to meaningful careers for our students while addressing critical shortages in our state’s workforce.”

With these additions to its academic catalogues aimed at pressing regional needs—such as filling open jobs for athletic trainers or equipping graduates with cybersecurity skills—DSU continues efforts toward supporting local economies by developing relevant talent pipelines.