Bachelor of Science, Major in Conservation Planning and Park Management

at South Dakota State University USA

As a family and consumer sciences educator, the FCSE graduate is qualified to teach content in a wide range of settings, including in middle and high schools, occupational training programs, adult programs, or to serve as an extension educator. The FCSE program prepares students with comprehensive subject matter background from all areas of family and consumer sciences, (human development, family studies, consumer affairs, apparel, housing, nutrition, hospitality, and personal finance) contributing to the versatility of the major. The program focuses on characteristics of various learners or clients, learning principles and different applications of the teaching-learning process.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Family and Consumer Sciences major students will:

• Analyze family, community, and work interrelationships; investigate career paths; examine family and consumer sciences careers; and apply career decision making and transitioning processes. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Ethical Reasoning; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Use resources responsibly to address the diverse needs and goals of individuals, families, and communities in family and consumer sciences areas such as resource management, consumer economics, financial literacy, living environments, and textiles and apparel. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Ethical Reasoning; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Apply principles of human development, interpersonal relationships, and family to strengthen individuals and families across the lifespan in contexts such as parenting, care giving, and the workplace. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Ethical Reasoning; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Promote nutrition, food, and wellness practices that enhance individual and family well- being across the lifespan and address related concerns in a global society. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Ethical Reasoning; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Develop, justify, and implement curricula that address perennial and evolving family, career, and community issues; reflect the integrative nature of family and consumer sciences; and integrate core academic areas. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Problem Solving; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Facilitate students’ critical thinking and problem solving in family and consumer sciences through varied instructional strategies and technologies and through responsible management of resources in schools, communities, and the workplace. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Problem Solving; Ethical Reasoning; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Create and implement a safe, supportive learning environment that shows sensitivity to diverse needs, values, and characteristics of students, families, and communities. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Ethical Reasoning; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Engage in ethical professional practice based on the history and philosophy of family and consumer sciences and career and technical education through civic engagement, advocacy, and ongoing professional development. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Ethical Reasoning; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Assess, evaluate, and improve student learning and programs in family and consumer sciences using appropriate criteria, standards, and processes. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Problem Solving; Ethical Reasoning; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Integrate the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America student organization into the program to foster students’ academic growth, application of family and consumer sciences content, leadership, service learning, and career development. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Ethical Reasoning; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• The teacher candidate will foster relationships with school colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community to support students’ learning and well being.

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 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)

Students majoring in Consumer Affairs who pursue the Consumer Services Management specialization are usually interested in marketing, communication, human development, planning principles and working with individuals to develop personal management skills. Required courses for the Consumer Services Management specialization focus on the application of resource management concepts for families of varying structures, consumer rights and responsibilities, consumer behavior in making decisions, the impact of the marketplace on problem solving and implementation strategies for working with diverse audiences.

Completion of the Consumer Affairs major and Consumer Services Management specialization prepares students to engage in a variety of careers such as: management of non-profit organizations, management of retail businesses, Extension, credit/financial counseling, human resources, marketing and sales.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will apply the consumer decision-making process to improve consumer well-being.
• Students will demonstrate effective resource management skills. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills)
• Students will integrate knowledge of policy and community resources to solve consumer issues. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy; Problem Solving)
• Students will increase knowledge, awareness, and understanding of individual and social differences in consumer behavior. (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 specializing in communication take courses in agriculture along with courses in the School of Communication and Journalism.

Graduates of the Communication specialization report agricultural information to farmers and ranchers, consumers, governmental agencies, agribusinesses, commodity groups, and legislators through positions in public relations, sales, marketing, journalism, social media, and the government.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Communication 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 journalism and mass communication.
• 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)

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.

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)

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.

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 Natural Resource Management specialization will provide training in ecology, evolution, environmental sciences, and range areas of expertise with a focus on basic and applied research.

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.