Bachelor of Arts, Major in Global Studies

at South Dakota State University USA

The Agronomy major provides broad training in the plant and soil sciences and in crop production technology. The integrated program is designed to provide students with an understanding and knowledge base in crops, seeds, soils, weeds, entomology, plant pathology, breeding and genetics, precision agriculture, natural resource management, and the interaction of production systems. This major is recommended for students interested in cropping systems, natural/agricultural resource management, or the agribusiness areas of crops, soils, and pest management. Individuals can prepare for careers in crop consulting, crop/plant research, and with private industry managing agricultural inputs such as pesticides and fertilizers; developing improved seed traits, plant sciences, genomics, sales, and seed production; and for work with government agencies, such as the Cooperative Extension Service, Farm Service Agency, Agricultural Research Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Agronomy major, students will:

• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic Agronomy principles and practices.
• Demonstrate the ability to think creatively and to apply critical thinking skills when evaluating and analyzing information. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Demonstrate the ability to learn, develop, and apply skills for the application of existing and emerging knowledge and technologies in Agronomy.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply scientific principles, quantitative skills, and other problem solving skills in Agronomy. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
• Demonstrate knowledge and application of ethical and sustainable practices in the agronomic fields. (Cross-curricular Skill: Ethical Reasoning)
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate (written, listening and oral) with both scientific and non-scientific audiences.

The Operations Management (OM) program has been designed to prepare students to manage operations and resources including people, equipment, facilities, finances, and processes. The OM program is an applied management program tailored to entry-level positions of responsibility in manufacturing, technical services companies, suppliers to manufacturers, and/or industrial sales.

There are two emphases for the OM program. The Manufacturing emphasis includes Lean, quality management systems, process development, workplace safety, supply chain management, and industrial controls. Students may elect to pursue an additional professional certification at graduation. The Electronics emphasis prepares students to work as supervisors or project team leaders in industries that manufacture, service, or develop electronic devices or distributed systems. Courses include circuits, digital & analog devices, networks, microcontrollers, PCBs, industrial controls, and PLCs.

Program Educational Outcomes
SDSU Operations Management graduates will become professionals who:

• Achieve positions of increasing responsibility or leadership with employers, professional organizations, or civic organizations as an indicator of professional competence, demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, and successfully function in team environments (Professional Responsibility and Teamwork);
• Apply management, mathematics and science principles, and appropriate technology to the solution of current and future problems in the field of operations management, and (Problem Solving); and,
• Complete licensure, certification, short courses, workshops, or advanced degrees in technical, professional, or management subject areas to enhance their abilities in operations management practice and the global business environment (Professional Growth).

Student Learning Outcomes

Operations Management graduates will have:

• An ability to identify, formulate, and solve broadly defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to the discipline. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• An ability to formulate or design a system, process, procedure, or program to meet desired needs
• An ability to develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data and use scientific judgement to draw conclusions. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
• An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
• An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts. (Cross-curricular Skill: Ethical Reasoning)
• An ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork)
• An ability to understand the value of diverse perspectives in the workplace. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion & Equity)

The Aviation Education Specialization is for students who wish to become Certified Flight Instructors and later be professional pilots in industry. Many of our graduates are in the airlines, military, government, and corporate workplaces. Top performing students of this option are often brought on as flight instructors in the SDSU program during their junior and senior years.

Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Aviation Education program will be able to:

• Apply their educational experience to the aviation profession. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Demonstrate instructional knowledge in single- and multi-engine aircraft to the FAA commercial pilot standard. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Demonstrate instructional knowledge by creating and teaching relevant aviation topics to colleagues. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy; Teamwork)

Additionally, all students will participate in a senior capstone course that is designed to bridge the gap between their educational experience and future career. Students are evaluated using direct and indirect assessment to assure competency within the profession using a comprehensive assessment plan.

The Animal Science program provides instruction in livestock breeding, feeding, management, selection, evaluation, and marketing, along with meat science, and equine studies. Courses emphasize the principles of genetics, nutrition, physiology, and meats as they affect production and management of livestock and animal products. Beef cattle, horses, sheep, and swine are the primary species discussed in courses.

The specialization allows students to focus their studies on Industry, Science, or Food Animal Health.  The Industry specialization provides flexibility for students to complete courses and minors in related areas of interest. The Science and Food Animal Health specializations are designed to meet course requirements of the Pre-Veterinary Medicine curriculum for the SDSU Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine and some other veterinary schools.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Animal Science major with a Food Animal Health Specialization, students will:

• Acquire knowledge of the core sciences and best management practices that are the foundation of animal science and husbandry.
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills using a variety of mediums and with various audience types.
• Demonstrate the ability to function as an effective member of a team. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork)
• Develop fact-based comparisons of both sides of contemporary issues that impact diversity, inclusion, equity, and professional ethics as related to animal agriculture. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy; Ethical Reasoning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Interpret, critically evaluate, and apply information in order to recognize problems and create solutions. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving)

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.

A major in Communication Studies prepares students to understand the central role that communication plays in people’s lives. Graduates of this program will receive the training, expertise and background that will promote professional success in a wide variety of career areas where communication is a critical requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates in Communication Studies will be able 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 Natural Resource Law Enforcement program was developed in coordination with state and federal agencies to prepare students for careers as conservation officers, federal wildlife agents, park rangers, and game wardens.  The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong academic foundation that integrates natural resource management, conservation and law enforcement.  Students pursue coursework in wildlife and fisheries sciences, ecology, criminal law and procedures, constitutional law, social issues, and environmental laws and policies.  Students acquire skills in communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, leadership, ethics, laws and human dimensions, statistics, technology, global competence, critical thinking, and problem solving.  The Natural Resource Law Enforcement Program also delivers outstanding non-traditional educational experiences to students, further increasing their opportunities for career success.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Natural Resource Law Enforcement major, students 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; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• 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; Information Literacy; Problem Solving; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Demonstrate the ability to lead and work with others as appropriate to successfully manage natural resources. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Demonstrate appropriate use of natural resource field and lab techniques as well as contemporary technology. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Demonstrate the ability to appropriately analyze and critically evaluate data and other information. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Teamwork; Problem Solving)
• Demonstrate the ability to 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; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Demonstrate an understanding of the professional and ethical responsibility that necessary for a natural resource professional. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Information Literacy; Ethical Reasoning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

This interdisciplinary program helps prepare students in fundamental sciences so that they may successfully compete for career opportunities in the growing life sciences industries. Graduates with expertise in biotechnology fill increasing demand from employers utilizing technologies such as molecular biology, genetic engineering, tissue culture, reproductive intervention, and biomass conversion in a variety of applications, such as vaccine and pharmaceutical development, agronomic seed production, livestock breeding, genetic diagnostic testing, identity and parentage verification, criminal forensics, biorenewable product development, or biomedical research.

Students may choose this major for preparation for admission to professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. The program provides an excellent background for students entering graduate school in a life sciences discipline.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Graduates will demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of fundamental concepts in biology and microbiology. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Graduates will demonstrate scientific reasoning and problem solving. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
• Graduates will demonstrate technical laboratory proficiency in applying fundamental knowledge of biology and microbiology. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Tap into the interdisciplinary nature of science. (Cross-curricular Skill: Integrative Learning)
• Graduates will demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.

The M.S. in Human Sciences specialization in Merchandising provides an understanding of merchandising at every level, with emphasis on current trends in the United States and the global marketplace, factors that will distinguish graduates among their peers. Students can obtain a focus on the merchandising aspect of the business. The additional expertise offered through the merchandising certificate may position individuals for career advancement or a new career in merchandising. Graduates of the program are prepared to work in product development, promotions, and retail management in this ever-expanding industry.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate the ability to identify and understand theories, principles, practices and terminology related to the merchandising industry.
• Demonstrate competency in communicating effectively using oral and written techniques, to include the use of technology, in the gathering and professional presentation of information.
• Apply their knowledge of leadership, planning, and controlling to business activities and merchandising organizations.
• Analyze and evaluate the triple bottom-line (economic, social, environmental) impact of sustainable merchandising industry activities and processes.
• Demonstrate strong research, analytical and strategic decision-making skills.

SDSU, in partnership with the University of Minnesota (U of MN), is offering a collaborative Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine leading to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Students must first complete all their pre-veterinary requirements and then can apply to the new professional program.  Students admitted to the professional program will be allowed to dual-enroll in the Biological Sciences (M.S.) - Veterinary Medicine Specialization, thus having the opportunity to simultaneously earn an M.S. degree while completing the PPVM coursework needed for transitioning to the University of Minnesota to complete the final two years of the DVM degree. For more information visit the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS).

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Demonstrate understanding of central biological principles and mechanisms that underlie animal health and disease from the molecular to histologic to gross levels.
• Demonstrate knowledge of normal function and behavior, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and management or control of important domestic and foreign animal diseases.
• Demonstrate understanding of food safety, zoonotic disease, and public health issues.
• Retrieve and integrate information from the veterinary literature.
• Ability to understand and interpret research related to mechanisms of disease, diagnostic technology, and treatments.