Case Study: Minnesota State University Moorhead achieves greater student employability with Microsoft Dynamics 365

Innovative Program Provides Valuable Microsoft Dynamics CRM Experience, Making Students Competitive in the Job Market

Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM), a premier member of the Microsoft Dynamics Academic Alliance, set out to better prepare students for the changing workplace by teaching practical Customer Relationship Management (CRM) skills. Facing the challenge of making graduates immediately job-ready, the university needed an industry-aligned, hands-on curriculum that taught both technology and the interpersonal, consulting, and project-management skills employers demand.

MSUM partnered with Microsoft and local industry to deliver Microsoft Dynamics CRM through a three-course sequence—two on-campus CRM courses and an online project-management class—using free DynAA licenses, instructor-led labs, and a unique MSUM certificate that complements Microsoft Specialist exams. The program boosted regional enrollment (exceeding expected course size by 66%), increased student engagement across disciplines, and produced graduates with documented CRM experience who are more competitive in the job market.

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Marsha Weber

Dean