Bachelor of Arts, Major in French Studies

at South Dakota State University USA

A degree in Studio Art prepares majors for careers as fine artists, graduate study in fine arts, and entry-level positions in art and graphic design. The degree focuses on the breadth of general studies combined with visual arts studies where majors receive certificates in one or more of the following areas: Animation, Art History, Ceramics, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture. A 30-hour visual arts core supports the degree and creates a foundation of success in art related fields.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Studio Art program, students will be able to:

• Apply the basic principles of visual organization, in two and three dimensions, to the creation and the analysis of works of art. This includes the application of fundamental drawing skills, design concepts, color theory, and studio specific applications. (Cross-Curricular Skills: Inquiry and Analysis; Integrative Learning)
• Generate a body of original works of art in their chosen area of specialization that exhibits a coherent set of artistic/intellectual goals. This includes the application of the relevant technologies and media associated with their area of specialization as well as other studio disciplines. (Cross-Curricular Skills: Foundation of Lifelong Learning Skills; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving; Integrative Learning)
• Analyze and critically evaluate works of art and design from various cultures and historical periods as well as the ability to apply art historical context to their own work. (Cross-Curricular Skills: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity)
• Articulate, both orally and written, a critical discourse on their artwork and processes, the artwork of others, and art history through the appropriate application of art and design language and concepts. (Cross-Curricular Skill: Integrative Learning)
• Demonstrate the skills required by professional artists in the communication, documentation, and exhibition of their artwork and experience. (Cross-Curricular Skill: Integrative Learning)

Psychology is the discipline concerned with the study of behavior and mental processes. The teaching specialization prepares students to qualify for certification to teach psychology in one of thousands of schools nationwide.  Students pursuing this specialization should contact the College of Education and Human Sciences before their junior year.

Student Learning Outcomes
In the Psychology - Teaching Specialization, 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 major in Economics provides rigorous training in economic theory and quantitative methods. Students develop analytical and critical-thinking skills, and are well trained for careers in policy analysis, financial analysis, business, or law school. Students may choose the general economics major in which they will customize their program of study by selecting electives in economics, finance or policy, or they can pursue the specialization in Agricultural Economics through the College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences.  This program also provides strong preparation for students pursuing a graduate degree in economics, law, or a related field.

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 Mathematics degree program provides an outstanding educational experience to students interested in any of the wide range of excellent career or graduate school choices available in the mathematical sciences. The undergraduate mathematics curriculum is organized into three cores: the General Education Core, the Mathematics Core, and the Professional Core. Options for the Professional Core are the Computational Science Concentration, the Financial Engineering Curriculum, the Open Concentration, and the Mathematics Education Specialization. The flexible, specialized paths are available that lead to the best career options open to mathematicians and statisticians.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Mathematics major, students will be able to:

• Apply concepts and methods from Calculus and Linear Algebra. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving)
• Analyze, evaluate, and create mathematically rigorous arguments.(Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Use contemporary mathematical, statistical, and educational software and technology to create models, analyze data, or explain concepts as appropriate for student’s focus. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving)
• Work as part of a team to solve a complex mathematical or statistical problem.
• Demonstrate mathematical independence by critically reading, understanding and re-explaining mathematical, statistical, or mathematics pedagogy resources. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Communicate complex mathematical, statistical, or mathematics pedagogical ideas clearly and succinctly both in writing and verbally as appropriate for student’s focus. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Exhibit strength in at least one career-focused or graduate school preparatory area of mathematics or statistics. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Understand and appreciate the contributions to the field of mathematics and statistics by a diverse group of individuals and how the student fits and works in this group. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

The Agricultural Education, Communication and Leadership Major is a multidisciplinary program that provides a strong foundation in agricultural sciences. The major allows students the flexibility to select a plan of study based on their interests and skills by choosing one of three specializations: Education, Communication, or Leadership. Students in the Agricultural Education specialization will complete a professional education curriculum, as well as supportive instruction in technical agriculture, basic science, and other competencies. Graduates of the Education Specialization will qualify for a secondary teaching certificate, and will also be prepared for a variety of careers in the agricultural industry.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Agricultural Education Specialization of the Agricultural Education, Communication, and Leadership Major, students will:

• Demonstrate knowledge and skill across the broad field of the Agricultural, Food, and Natural Resources industries.  
• Demonstrate and apply educational content knowledge related to effective teaching and learning of diverse groups of secondary students.
• Explain the importance of and show evidence of ethical and professional behaviors. (Cross-curricular Skill: Ethical Reasoning)
• Locate and evaluate information to solve real world problems. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy; Problem Solving)
• Evaluate core competencies and create plans for effective lifetime learning. (Cross-curricular Skill: Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills)
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communications skills.
• Evaluate a diverse spectrum of agriculturally related global challenges to communicate culturally responsible solutions to a variety of audiences. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

The Agricultural Education, Communication and Leadership Major is a multidisciplinary program that provides a strong foundation in agricultural sciences. The major allows students the flexibility to select a plan of study based on their interests and skills by choosing one of three specializations: Education, Communication, or Leadership. Graduates of the Agricultural Education, Communication and Leadership Major - Leadership specialization will be well prepared for employment with agricultural organizations such as breed associations and commodity organizations.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Leadership Specialization of the Agricultural Education, Communication, and Leadership Major, students will:

• Demonstrate knowledge and skill across the broad field of the Agricultural, Food, and Natural Resources industries.
• Demonstrate and apply in-depth knowledge of leadership principles.
• Upon completion of the program students will explain the importance of and show evidence of ethical and professional behaviors. (Cross-curricular Skill: Ethical Reasoning)
• Locate and evaluate information to solve real world problems. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy; Problem Solving)
• Evaluate core competencies and create plans for effective lifetime learning. (Cross-curricular Skill: Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills)
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
• Evaluate a diverse spectrum of agriculturally related global challenges to communicate culturally responsible solutions to a variety of audiences. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

Geographic Information Science concerns the use of geographic information and data acquired from satellites and airborne platforms, and from ground based measurements and surveys of human activity and the environment. Geographic Information Science students learn how to work with geospatial data to study relationships, patterns, and trends. In the U.S. the explosion of geospatial data and their increasing use in business, government, and people’s everyday lives has led to a growing demand for qualified Geographic Information Science graduates. Geospatial science is developing rapidly, associated with developments in mobile, satellite and airborne remote sensing, computational, and big data technologies.

Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates with a major in Geographic Information Sciences will:

• Demonstrate foundational and specialized knowledge in both the physical and human sciences and their interconnectedness at local, regional, and global scales. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Interpret the ethical consequences of global issues concerning the environment to strengthen commitment to local, national, and global citizenship. (Cross-curricular Skill: Ethical Reasoning)
• Demonstrate proficiency in the application of appropriate geographical technologies and techniques to address issues in the physical and/or human sciences. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
• Communicate geographic ideas clearly and effectively (e.g., maps, writing, oral presentations, posters, photos, flowcharts, tables, graphs, and illustrations).
• Apply observations from laboratory and/or field experiences to analyze problems and offer solutions. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Demonstrate the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and synthesize information about people, places, and environments in a spatial-temporal context. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Explore complex local, regional, and global issues using a geographical perspective to formulate questions and draw informed conclusions that are based on critical scientific analysis and interpretation of information. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Demonstrate openness to new perspectives and diverse others, evaluate the complexity inherent to multiple perspectives, and demonstrate the ability to reassess their personal perspective when appropriate. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

The goal of the online M.S. specializing in Family and Community Services (FCS) is to provide advanced, professional education and research expertise that focuses on improving individual, family, and community well-being. This specialization is delivered entirely online through Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA) and is designed to meet the educational needs of military service members and their spouses. Students who successfully complete this specialization will earn a Master of Science in Human Sciences specializing in Family and Community Services.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Research-based perspective: Student will be able to use a research-based perspective on individual, family, interpersonal and community dynamics across the lifespan.
• Design, implement and sustain program: Student will have the knowledge and skills to design, implement, and sustain family and community service programs.
• Leadership and management: Student will have the knowledge and skills for leadership and management of family and community service programs.

The Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences offers graduate students the opportunity to earn a Master of Science Degree. The curriculum, organized through formal courses, seminars, internship experiences, and supervised research, is designed to prepare students for positions in such professional areas as planning, remote sensing, geographic information sciences, government service, research, business, and teaching. The program also is designed to provide students with the education needed to pursue further graduate study. Students seeking this degree are expected to select courses that will provide a sound foundation in geography (philosophical, physical and human, and research techniques) supported, if appropriate, by courses outside the department. Students may also seek out opportunities such as the cooperative program with the EROS Data Center and/or internships, generally available with planning districts, governmental agencies, business, and industry.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Critical thinking: Demonstrate foundational and specialized knowledge in both the physical and human sciences and their interconnectedness at local, regional, and global scales.
• Critical thinking: Interpret the ethical consequences of global issues concerning the environment to strengthen commitment to local, national, and global citizenship.
• Problem solving: Demonstrate proficiency in the application of appropriate geographical technologies and techniques to address issues in the physical and/or human sciences.
• Written communication: Communicate geographic ideas clearly and effectively (e.g., maps, writing, oral presentations, posters, photos, flowcharts, tables, graphs, and illustrations).
• Creative thinking: Apply observations from laboratory and/or field experiences to analyze problems and offer solutions.
• Creative thinking: Demonstrate the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and synthesize information about people, places, and environments in a spatial-temporal context.
• Inquiry and analysis: Explore complex local, regional, and global issues using a geographical perspective to formulate questions and draw informed conclusions that are based on critical scientific analysis and interpretation of information.

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)