The University of Sioux Falls offers courses and certifications to help those wanting to learn more about the South Dakota trust industry. Introduction to Trust Administration is a class for professionals who are new to the industry and undergraduate student who desire to learn more about careers in the trust industry and build a knowledge base for entry level positions and internships.
The Trust Administration & Wealth Management Certification, is a three class sequence that provides additional training and professional development for a career professional in the industry. The Trust Administration & Wealth Management Certification is granted by University of Sioux Falls to students who complete Trust Law & Administration, Advanced Trust Law & Administration and Fiduciary Wealth Management.
There are four course levels offered, and each will be completely online.
This course covers the foundational concepts of South Dakota trust administration targeted towards students/newcomers to the industry with little to no previous experience or knowledge of trusts.
Prerequisite: BUS325 or equivalent industry experience in finance
This course provides an in-depth exploration into the legal, tax, and administrative complexities surrounding trust administration. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of federal, state and individual taxation in the context of trusts and estates.
The course also examines complex trust administration issues which includes discretionary distributions, irrevocable trust structures, and fiduciary duties. Students will engage with advanced topics in estate planning for elderly clients—such as capacity, long-term care planning, and ethical considerations—as well as the unique challenges of foreign trust administration, including U.S. reporting requirements and cross-border tax compliance.
Prerequisite: Intro to Trust Administration or 1-3 years of industry experience
This course explores key areas of fiduciary administration and financial planning, with a focus on real-world application. Students will examine how retirement planning and life insurance strategies fit into comprehensive estate plans, while also gaining a solid understanding of trust compliance requirements, including Regulation 9 and procedures for account acceptance and termination. The course incorporates analysis of South Dakota trust law and case decisions to provide context for how legal principles apply in practice. Ethical considerations are emphasized throughout, preparing students to approach complex fiduciary decisions with sound judgment and professional integrity.
Prerequisite: Trust Law & Administration
This course provides a comprehensive examination of investment management within a fiduciary framework, emphasizing the legal, regulatory, and practical considerations that govern investment decision-making for institutional trustees, pension plans, and other fiduciary entities. Students will develop expertise in applying modern portfolio theory and investment strategies while navigating the complex regulatory environment that shapes fiduciary investment practices.
The course integrates foundational investment principles with advanced fiduciary responsibilities, covering equity, fixed income, and alternative asset management within the context of prudent investor standards. Students will examine real-world scenarios involving investment policy development, risk management, and regulatory compliance while building practical skills in portfolio construction and fiduciary decision-making.
Prerequisite: Intro to Trust Administration or 1-3 years of industry experience
Mary Schaefbauer, South Dakota Trust Association president, and Heidi Coatsworth, who works in the industry and has taken multiple trust administration courses through the University of Sioux Falls, speak about the growing partnership between the SDTA and USF, in addition to the real-world impact the courses have on students and professionals no matter what stage of career they are in.
What is the format of the class?
All classes are online without required weekly meeting times. A typical week runs from Monday to Sunday, with assignments usually due on Sunday. During the week, the student is able to review content and do the work in a timeline that works for them.
Are there required meeting times?
There will be optional Zoom sessions throughout the courses. There are no required meeting times, if a student can't attend a Zoom session, they will be recorded and available for viewing at a later date.
What is the cost of the class?
The tuition rate for the Fall 2025 semester is $450 per semester hour, all of the Trust Administration classes are 3 semester hours. Books and instructional materials are an additional cost.
When will Trust Administration be available?
The three course certification begins each fall and, if taken in succession, will be competed in early March. Introduction to Trust Administration is also offered every fall.
Your future awaits at USF. Please contact Ben Rops at 605-331-6648 or Ben.Rops@usiouxfalls.edu for any questions.