VERMILLION, S.D. – Northern State University will offer a new minor in Chinese on campus and online.

The South Dakota Board of Regents approved the minor for NSU this week, as well as a minor in Russian studies for the University of South Dakota. Both are meant to help graduates navigate language and cultural understanding, according to a news release from the Board of Regents.

NSU officials said the new, 20 credit-hour minor will build language skills in an area of growing demand. More students are interested in teaching, international business, government positions and Chinese study abroad options.

The two programs were part of several academic requests from public universities aimed at meeting emerging employment trends across South Dakota.