The state Board of Regents is expanding its Gateway Certificate Program.
The program is designed for high school students taking dual credit courses to explore career-focused coursework while earning college credits.
Under the expansion, the board has approved three new certificates in Agriculture, Engineering, and Business. This is in addition to the already-existing Education certificate.
South Dakota State University (SDSU) offers the agriculture certificate for high school students interested in agriculture and related programs.
For those interested in exploring engineering, South Dakota Mines and SDSU offer the engineering certificate.
In the business and entrepreneurship field, students have several choices: Black Hills State University, Dakota State University, Northern State University, SDSU, and the University of South Dakota.
The board said the certificates help high school students earn college credit, reduce the time and cost of completing a degree, and explore potential career paths.