Bachelor of Science, Major in Communication Studies

at South Dakota State University USA

Students in this major are exposed and participate in all aspects of theatre, through a broad-based education. Students will gain practical experience with the newest techniques and technology of theatre. In this major, the hands-on education involves participation in State University Theatre and Prairie Repertory Theatre.

Student Learning Outcomes
In the Theatre major, students will be able to:

• Think conceptually and critically about text, performance, and production. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Integrative Learning)
• Demonstrate an understanding of playwriting and production processes, aesthetic properties of style, and the way these shape and are shaped by artistic and cultural forces. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Be acquainted with a wide selection of theatre repertory including the principal eras, genres, and cultural sources. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Develop and defend informed judgments about theatre. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Demonstrate ability in areas of performance, production, or playwriting appropriate to their individual needs and interests and consistent with the goals and objectives of the program. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
• Understand procedures and approaches for realizing a variety of theatrical styles. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving)

If applicable, students will be prepared to gain entry level positions:

• In the profession in the areas of design, technology, or stage management, or gain entrance to graduate programs for additional training prior to entering the profession.
• As performers or gain acceptance to graduate programs for additional training or to enter the profession.
• In theatre management, promotions/business or gain acceptance to graduate programs for additional training or to enter the profession.

This program takes advantage of the types of courses central to a liberal arts education. Although the degree is not tied to any specific career aspiration, students often use the degree as preparation for careers in musicology, composing, music librarianship, and private studio teaching. The flexibility of the curriculum is also used by students desiring a performance-based course of study and to prepare for graduate school.

Student Learning Outcomes
Music Studies students will:

• Analyze, synthesize, and create music as a means of supporting developing careers in music education and/or performance. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Be able to perform as soloists, ensemble members, and/or chamber musicians at appropriate levels for their concentration. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork)
• Integrative Learning (Cross-curricular Skill: Integrative Learning)
• Demonstrate proficient knowledge of the information literacy as pertained to research method—specifically when it comes to researching and writing about music. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• SLO 5 (Diversity and Inclusion) will be assessed through learning opportunities presented in the first-year MUS 119 course, reinforced through discussion of MUEN programming, and through progress in projects associated with MUS 130, World Music. Data will be collected and analyzed every three years and stored in the Music office. Benchmark for success is that 80% of students will demonstrate proficient knowledge of the diversity of values, beliefs, practices, and ideas embodied in the discipline of music. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

Fashion Studies and Retail Merchandising is the perfect major for students who would like to spend their career in one of many roles in the dynamic, competitive, and creative fashion industry. After gaining a good understanding of fundamental business principles related to merchandising and globalization of the industry, they are qualified to become a store or department manager, buyer, or visual merchandiser. Our students also acquire a broad knowledge of people and their behavior, and an understanding of the world at large, and technical knowledge and skills to select fabrics and plan and produce fashion goods.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of the Fashion Studies and Retail Merchandising major, students will:

• Apply industry terminology, theories, and concepts in appropriate ways to discuss and critique product quality, serviceability, regulatory compliance standards, merchandising strategies, market trends, retail environments, regulatory factors, and global factors related to the fashion and textile industry. (Cross-curricular Skill: Integrative Learning)
• Demonstrate understanding of the fashion process, including the forces that drive fashion changes and diffusion of innovation and ideas. (Cross-curricular Skill: Integrative Learning)
• Identify and interpret needs, wants, and aspirations of consumers, and outline how industry processes can be applied to forecast, plan, develop, produce, communicate, and sell profitable product lines of products that meet the marketplace’ needs. (Cross-curricular Skill: Integrative Learning)
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge about the role of dress as it reflects and shapes intra- and inter-cultural interactions, ideals, values, norms, traditions, appearance management, and human behavior. (Cross-curricular Skill: Intercultural Knowledge; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Apply knowledge of the role of dress as it is used to create, express, and fulfill identities, lifestyles, and fantasies. (Cross-curricular Skill: Intercultural Knowledge; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Understand the role of historic, socio-cultural, economic, technological, political, and psychological factors in aesthetic expression and development of styles.
• Understand how aesthetics and the design process can support quality of life.
• Demonstrate understanding how globalization, market conditions, diverse economic systems and political structures, regulatory factors, cultural norms and values, historic events, geographic locations, and social issues affect industry processes and sourcing strategies.
• Identify and evaluate issues of social responsibility, environmental sustainability, professional behavior, and ethics related to the impact of individual, organizational, societal, and corporate decision-making. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Apply critical and creative thinking skills, including the ability to objectively evaluate and compare diverse perspectives. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving)
• Formulate sound conclusions and decisions by using appropriate technology, knowledge, and business practices to identify, assess, analyze relevant factors that influence the industry and related strategies. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving)
• Apply qualitative and quantitative skills to problem solving and formulate creative strategies to current issues and future opportunities in the industry. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving)
• Use effective and professional written, oral, and visual communication skills to inform, explain, and support ideas, decisions, evaluations, and strategies.
• Demonstrate ability to take appropriate responsibility for their personal and professional growth, including reflection and critiquing of their progress, outlining their career goals, and demonstrate self-directedness.
• Illustrate effective team working and leadership skills within professional and culturally diverse environments. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork; Intercultural Knowledge; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

The program offers a variety of courses that encompass a broad range of Electrical Engineering areas including: alternative energy and power systems; computer engineering, communications; electronic materials, devices and sensors; nano technology, photovoltaic devices and systems; and signal and image processing. The department’s graduate faculty conduct active research in these areas using modern research facilities and equipment.

Program Educational Objectives

The EE graduate program objectives are to equip individuals to

• Discover and disseminate knowledge relevant to the discipline of electrical engineering.
• Provide leadership for increasingly complex roles in electrical engineering and industry.
• Contribute to the advancement of the science of electrical engineering serving regional and national needs.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Understand fundamental principles: Articulate a solid understanding of the fundamental principles in the area of specialization and supporting areas.
• Communication skills: Demonstrate an ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, technical information in an effective manner.
• Conduct research and/or design project: Conduct research and/or design projects that demonstrate ability to model, analyze and design electrical engineering processes and systems.

The Department of Natural Resource Management offers graduate programs in both Biological Science with a Specialization in Natural Resource Management and Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences. Both degree programs award M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.

Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences

The M.S. degree program in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences is intended to educate students for management-level positions with state and federal agencies, private companies, and for the pursuit of higher academic degrees. By using specifically identified coursework and mentoring, we strive to assist students in developing their intellectual capabilities in working with natural resources and people. In addition, each student must propose and conduct an original scientific investigation. Placement rates for M.S. graduates into positions as fisheries biologists, wildlife biologists, and other natural resource positions with state and federal agencies is extremely high.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Be knowledgeable regarding biological systems at a level appropriate to a M.S. degree holder.
• Be able to effectively express themselves orally and in written form.
• Understand the scientific method of solving problem.
• Be computer and statistically capable.
• Be specialized in some area of wildlife or fisheries, but still be broadly based in knowledge.
• Be able to conduct scholarly research.
• Understand the relationships between biological information and socioeconomic factors.
• Demonstrate professional development, especially in regard to the need for continued learning after their degree program.
• Develop a concern and feeling for the natural resources of the world.

The Master of Arts in Communication and Media Studies is a broad-based graduate degree for students with an undergraduate degree in communication studies, media studies, or related areas. Coursework emphasizes the intersections of academic and professional approaches to understanding, creating, and evaluating messages across contexts. Core coursework covers the foundations of the communication and media studies disciplines (including relevant theories and methods), explores cross-platform communication, and offers applied coursework in either professional communication or media law.

Students who pursue Option A (thesis) complete an additional 9-12 credits of elective coursework and an independent, theoretically-based study that generates new disciplinary knowledge and prepares them for advanced graduate work. Students who pursue Option B (project) complete an additional 15-18 credits of elective coursework and an independent, applied project that addresses a practical issue using skills related to students’ chosen career fields.

Student Learning Outcomes

A graduate with a specialization in Communication Studies will be able to:

• Demonstrate excellent communication skills across various platforms (written, oral, and digital) that are tailored to the professions, audiences, and purposes they serve. (Transferable Skill: Career Preparedness)
• Conduct research and/or evaluation projects using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies.
• Understand the theoretical foundations of the field and generate new, creative insights or contributions to one’s academic or professional field.
• Identify the impact of history, diversity, and intersectionality of social identities on human communication and mass media within personal, professional, organizational, and societal contexts.
• Use current and emerging technologies effectively to adapt fundamental critical thinking and storytelling skills to the interconnected world with digital, networked media.
• Practice professional ethics, as well as principles of freedom of speech and expression, within one’s academic or professional field.

The Ecology and Environmental Science major includes a strong core in biological and physical sciences and a variety of elective courses that allow students to follow different career paths within the major. Most students enrolled in this major are planning careers with state and federal natural resource agencies, consulting firms and industry. Predefined emphases are available to support careers in ecological informatics and analysis, watershed management, ecology, analytical laboratory analysis and health.  Students seek employment with state or federal environmental monitoring and regulatory agencies or private consulting firms immediately following graduation.  Many go on to pursue graduate degrees in conservation, ecology and environmental science.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Ecology and Environmental Science major, students will:

• Understand 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; 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; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Problem Solving; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• 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; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Apply natural resource field and lab techniques and contemporary technologies to management of natural resources. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• 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; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• 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; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• 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)
• Display professional and ethical behavior consistent with that expected in a natural resource management field. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

The M.S. in Human Biology provides graduate-level preparation for students for successful admission to professional schools, including those not admitted directly to professional school from an undergraduate program. The program is designed to provide graduate-level preparation for students who desire admission to professional schools in human healthcare. This includes but is not limited to programs such as: Allopathic Medical Doctor (M.D.), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), Doctor of Optometry (O.D.), Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S), and Master of Science – Physician Assistant Studies (M.S. – PAS). The M.S. program allows for additional opportunities to demonstrate their academic excellence and polish their professional skills. This program directly strengthens the academic capacity of the student with special attention to advanced content knowledge and case based application, professional development and professional skills needed by the healthcare provider.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Integrate the biological, biochemical, physiological and structural aspects of the human body.
• Demonstrate quantitative literacy and evaluate quantitative reasoning.
• Communicate effectively (written and oral).
• Demonstrate leadership and adhere to the ethical standards of the field.

Dietetics prepares Registered Dietitian Nutritionists to practice dietetics at an advanced level and/or pursue doctoral study.  The program seeks to develop research skills, stimulate independent thought, and provide up-to-date knowledge in foods, nutrition, and food service/business management. This program prepares individuals to integrate and apply the principles ranging from the biomedical sciences, human behavior, and management to design, and to lead effective food, nutrition, health and wellness programs in a variety of settings. This online program will be a degree tailored for credentialed, practicing dietetics professionals who seek to enhance their knowledge in a specific area of dietetics practice or to retool for new career opportunities in dietetics practice. The student must already have the RDN credential or have a Verification Statement from an ACEND accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics. This degree does not prepare one to become a credentialed RDN.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Foundational knowledge: Apply foundational knowledge and skills in the theory and application of nutrition and dietetics sciences to professional practice, education, and research.
• Communication skills: Develop effective written and oral communication skills.
• Critical thinking: Critically analyze and synthesize scientific evidence to defend a position.
• Career preparedness: Demonstrate effective career preparedness.

Dairy Science is an application of the sciences, engineering and technology, and business toward the study of milk production and processing. The degree is designed to prepare students for a wide range of outstanding, challenging and rewarding career opportunities ranging from industry to private enterprise, government, research and higher education. The Dairy Manufacturing Major - Microbiology Specialization provides a strong biology, chemistry and microbiology focused curriculum for students with a strong interest in pursuing Microbiology related careers within the dairy industry. Students will develop a knowledge base related to the basic physical, biological, microbiological, chemical and engineering sciences, with special emphasis on microbiology, as they are applied to dairy foods.  These sciences are utilized to study the nature and development of dairy products; the unit operations involved in processing and production of quality dairy foods; the causes of deterioration and spoilage, and principles of dairy food preservation.  Students will also be exposed to business operations management as it relates specifically to a dairy processing facility. These skill sets are also utilized by scientists to develop and create approaches for the generation of new dairy food products to assist in feeding the world through provision of products that provide proper nutrition with acceptable taste and texture while maintaining affordability.  Graduates with a degree in Dairy Manufacturing-Microbiology Specialization are well prepared for professional positions within the dairy processing industry or for further graduate study in Dairy Science.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Dairy Manufacturing - Microbiology Specialization curriculum a graduate should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Understanding of the chemistry underlying the properties and reactions of the various components within a dairy food as they are influenced by processing conditions. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving; Integrative Learning)
• Practical proficiency in laboratory techniques associated with the determination of qualitative and quantitative analytical data related to physical, chemical, biological and microbiological aspects of dairy foods and dairy-based ingredients. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning)
• Understanding of microbial growth and survival as it impacts the safety, preservation and spoilage of dairy food systems. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Problem Solving; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning)
• Understanding of unit operations, process control and sanitation protocols as they relate to the production and preservation of dairy-based foods. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning)
• Understanding of cleaning and sanitation processes and protocols as they impact the control and assurance of quality in the finished dairy food. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning)
• Practical proficiency in application of Good Manufacturing Principles (GMP’s), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP’s) as a direct result of exposure to these items in an applied manufacturing environment. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork; Problem Solving; Ethical Reasoning; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Understanding of the laws and regulations governing the manufacture and sale of dairy-based food products. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Intercultural Knowledge; Ethical Reasoning; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• General understanding of business operations including finance, human resources, inventory management, infrastructure requirements, loss control and purchasing. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Intercultural Knowledge; Ethical Reasoning; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Ability to utilize verbal and written communication skills effectively in a group environment. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Intercultural Knowledge; Ethical Reasoning; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Ability to apply critical thinking and reasoning skills while ethically applying scientific principles to resolving issues associated with dairy food products and processing systems. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Ethical Reasoning; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)