Bachelor of Arts, Major in Economics

at South Dakota State University USA

The Department of Biology and Microbiology provides students with a wide range of opportunities for advanced study. The graduate faculty offer expertise and graduate student advisement in subdisciplines from molecular biology through ecology. Faculty members are very successful in obtaining extramural funds to support graduate student projects. Graduate students have modern research laboratories, equipment and field research sites available to carry out their research projects. The learning environment, scholarly excellence and quality of teaching are areas of strength in the department’s Graduate Program.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of program: Exhibit knowledge concerning biological and/or microbiological systems/sciences at a level appropriate to a M.S. degree holder.
• Communication skills: Be able to effectively express themselves orally and in written form.
• Understand scientific method: Understand the scientific methods and techniques for solving research problems and analyze scientific data using the appropriate statistics.
• Use statistics to analyze data: Be able to use statistics to analyze scientific data.
• Specialization: Specialize in some area of biology, biotechnology and/or microbiology, but still be broadly based in knowledge in cellular and molecular biology.
• Publish research: Be able to conduct and publish scholarly research. (Option A)
• Professional Development: Demonstrate professional development and competence so that they may enter the work force in academia or industry.

The department has three academic components:

• The first year School of Design cross-disciplinary experience.
• The three semester pre-professional building arts and public works design experience.
• The seven semester professional program experience.

A Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture degree (BFA-Arch) is recommended for those who want a studio-based liberal arts education in architecture as their first post-secondary experience.  Students in this program typically come from high school, community colleges / technical institutes, and transfer from other majors.  The B.F.A. in Architecture is 120 credit hours in eight semesters that can be completed in four regular (Fall & Spring only) academic years.  Students completing the B.F.A. can apply to the two year Master of Architecture program to cap the education as NAAB accredited professional training in architecture.  One must hold an NAAB accredited degree to become an architect.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the architecture major, students will be able to:

• Move ideas from abstract to concrete through graphical methods.
• Measure and understand the impact of ideas on theoretical, social, political, economic, cultural, and environmental contexts.
• Use a diverse range of mediated practices to think about and convey architectural ideas, including writing, investigating, speaking, drawing, and modeling.
• Comprehend the technical aspects of both construction and mediating technologies and be able to apply that comprehension to architectural solutions.
• Capacity to synthesize a wide range of variables into an integrated design solution.
• Understand business principles for the practice of architecture, including management, advocacy, and the need to act legally, ethically, and critically for the good of the client, society, and the public. (Cross-curricular Skill: Ethical Reasoning)

Conservation Planning and Park Management is an interdisciplinary science that trains students to develop conservation strategies at landscape scales.  The specialization in Park Administration and Management prepares student for careers in park management, particularly Federal and state government managed facilities.  The courses outlined in this specialization are designed to enhance the human management focus needed for this career track.

Student Learning Outcomes
Conservation Planning and Park Management graduates will:

• Demonstrate understanding of ecological and environmental principles required for management of natural resources for multiple-uses, including (but not limited to) wildlife habitat, water management, ecosystems services, recreation, and livestock production. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement)
• Describe how natural resource management fits into the context of society and how societal factors (e.g., economics, policy, laws, regulations, attitudes, behaviors, norms) influence natural resource management. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement)
• Lead and work with others as appropriate to successfully manage natural resources. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork)
• Demonstrate appropriate use of natural resource field & lab techniques as well as contemporary technology.
• Analyze and critically evaluate data and other information. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement)
• Effectively communicate (both written and orally) with both scientific and non-scientific audiences. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement)
• Demonstrate an understanding of the professional and ethical responsibility that is necessary for a natural resource manager. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement)

Psychology is the discipline concerned with the study of behavior and mental processes. It is a tremendously broad field spanning subject matter from the biological to social sciences. The study of psychology prepares students for work in fields like health care, counseling, education, social work, human resources, statistics, probation and corrections, business, politics, public relations, and more. Psychologists are commonly found working in conjunction with other professionals to contribute to every area of society. Advisors assist students to personalize curriculum plans to meet career and educational goals.

Student Learning Outcomes
In the Psychology major, students will:

• Express fundamental knowledge and comprehension of major concepts in psychology. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Apply scientific reasoning to psychological issues/problems. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving; Ethical Reasoning)
• Show an understanding of diversity and ethical/social responsibility in professional settings. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Write competently in APA style. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Demonstrate oral competency. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)

The Early Education and Care (EEC) is an online undergraduate program provided by seven universities working in collaboration. This program will prepare you to work in early childhood settings with young children, especially those whose family members are highly mobile. When students complete the program they will be qualified to work in a variety of programs that offer early care and education in the community and on military installations. Some of these programs are:

• Childcare centers and homes
• Infant/toddler and preschool programs
• Head Start programs
• Before and after-school programs for children ages birth to eight

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students use their understanding of young children’s characteristics and needs, and of multiple interacting influences on children’s development and learning, to create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for each child. (Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Students know about, understand, and value the importance and complex characteristics of children’s families and communities. They use this understanding to create respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families, and to involve all families in their children’s development and learning. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Information Literacy; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Students know about and understand the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment. They know about and use systematic observations, documentation, and other effective assessment strategies in a responsible way, in partnership with families and other professionals, to positively influence the development of every child. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Ethical Reasoning; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Students understand that teaching and learning with young children is a complex enterprise and its details vary depending on children’s ages, characteristics, and the settings within which teaching, and learning occur. They understand and use positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation for their work with young children and families. Candidates know, understand, and use a wide array of developmentally appropriate approaches, instructional strategies, and tools to connect with children and families and positively influence each child’s development and learning. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Students use their knowledge of academic disciplines to design, implement, and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for each and every young child. Candidates understand the importance of developmental domains and academic (or content) disciplines in early childhood curriculum. They know the essential concepts, inquiry tools, and structure of content areas, including academic subjects, and can identify resources to deepen their understanding. Candidates use their own knowledge and other resources to design, implement, and evaluate meaningful, challenging curriculum that promotes comprehensive developmental and learning outcomes for every young child. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Ethical Reasoning; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Students identify and conduct themselves as members of the early childhood profession. They know and use ethical guidelines and other professional standards related to early childhood practice. They are continuous, collaborative learners who demonstrate knowledgeable, reflective, and critical perspectives on their work, making informed decisions that integrate knowledge from a variety of sources. They are informed advocates for sound educational practices and policies. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Ethical Reasoning; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Students develop the knowledge, skills and professional dispositions necessary to promote the development and learning of young children across the entire developmental period of early childhood—in at least two of the three early childhood age groups (birth – age 3, 3 through 5, 5 through 8 years) and in the variety of settings that offer early education (early school grades, child care centers and homes, Head Start programs). (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Ethical Reasoning; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

The program provides students with a broad background in all facets of microbiology, preparing them to pursue careers in diagnostic and research laboratories, public health, agriculture, food industry, pharmaceutical companies, academia, governmental agencies, and the private sector. With the recommended electives, the graduate is prepared to pursue health-related professional or graduate education for advanced training. The goal is to provide a sound but varied educational experience.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Microbiology major, students will:

• Demonstrate understanding and application of evolution; biological structure and function; biological and biochemical pathways and transformations of energy and matter; and biological systems. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Apply the process of science. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Information Literacy)
• Demonstrate understanding of and application of quantitative reasoning; information flow, exchange, and storage in microorganisms; relationship between science and society. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Demonstrate knowledge on how microorganisms interact with and impact their environment and the interaction between microorganisms and humans, animals and plants.
• Describe and use new and existing methods and technologies in and out of the laboratory setting.
• Tap into the interdisciplinary nature of science. (Cross-curricular Skill: Integrative Learning)
• Communicate and collaborate with other disciplines. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork)

The major in Business Economics combines the analytical rigor of an economics degree with the practical skills of a management degree. Students can tailor the program to their interests by choosing from a variety of electives in areas such as accounting, business law, decision science, entrepreneurship, economics, finance, management, and marketing.  Career opportunities for Business Economics majors include management, finance, banking, sales, real estate, and marketing. The Business Economics major also serves to prepare students for graduate work in law, economics, and business.

Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates will:

• Be able to use analytical methods to make effective decisions. (Cross-curricular Skills: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving)
• Be able to communicate effectively. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Be able to evaluate matters of ethics in the profession and the culture more broadly. (Cross-curricular Skills: Ethical Reasoning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Have the requisite body of knowledge in management and economics.

The major in Agricultural Business prepares students to excel in the challenging environment of the modern agricultural industry. Graduates are creative, adaptable, and well educated in economics and management. The program combines education in management and economics with a strong technical knowledge in production agriculture and skills in problem solving. The curriculum emphasizes economic theory, agricultural business management, quantitative methods, and agricultural and biological science electives. Students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in agricultural economics, agri-business, or related fields are well prepared by this degree program.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

• Be able to use analytical methods to make effective decisions. (Cross-curricular Skills: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving)
• Be able to communicate effectively. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Be able to evaluate matters of ethics in the profession and the culture more broadly. (Cross-curricular Skills: Ethical Reasoning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Have the requisite body of knowledge in management and economics.

This area of specialization is designed for the person who plans to become a communication educator. While the emphasis is primarily on secondary education, the area can serve as a specialization for teaching higher education as well.

Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be prepared to:

• Describe the Communication discipline and its central questions by employing communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Engage in Communication inquiry. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Create and critically analyze messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Demonstrate the ability to accomplish communicative goals (self-efficacy). (Cross-curricular Skill: Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills)
• Prepare for ethical public influence that embraces differences. (Cross-curricular Skill: Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

The major in Entrepreneurial Studies is designed to enhance entrepreneurial talent by providing students with the knowledge, skills and experiences to think entrepreneurially and create value in our society. The program allows students to cultivate a mindset for thinking creatively and develop the ability to be innovative. The curriculum emphasizes entrepreneurship, business management, and interdisciplinary electives.

Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates will

• Be able to use analytical methods to make effective decisions. (Cross-curricular Skills: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving)
• Be able to communicate effectively. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Be able to evaluate matters of ethics in the profession and the culture more broadly. (Cross-curricular Skills: Ethical Reasoning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Have the requisite body of knowledge in management and economics.