Bachelor of Science, Major in Dairy Production

at South Dakota State University USA

The English major requires 45 credits in English and linguistics courses and is designed to give the student a broad overview of literature, writing, and the language.

Student Learning Outcomes
The English department’s B.A. program prepares students to become innovative professionals and global citizens by teaching them to read closely and critically, write creatively and persuasively, and explore the beauty and value of diverse literatures and cultures.

• Analyze texts closely and critically, using key literary terms and concepts to interpret how the specific elements of a text contribute to its larger meanings. (Cross-Curricular Skills: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Integrative Learning)
• Identify significant texts, authors, periods, movements, genres, theories, or modes from literary history, explaining how literary texts engage with their historical, cultural, aesthetic, or ideological contexts. (Cross-Curricular Skills: Inquiry and Analysis; Integrative Learning)
• Identify key theoretical ideas, concepts, or methodologies and apply them to the reading and writing of texts. (Cross-Curricular Skills: Critical and Creative Thinking; Integrative Learning)
• Write argumentative, creative, and reflective texts that demonstrate focus, content, structure, evidence, style, and grammar appropriate to their rhetorical contexts. (Cross-Curricular Skills: Critical and Creative Thinking; Integrative Learning)
• Conduct scholarly research that incorporates the use of library resources and discipline-specific databases; the evaluation and integration of secondary sources; and the documentation of primary and secondary sources using MLA style.  (Cross-Curricular Skills: Information Literacy; Inquiry and Analysis)
• Explain how literature both reflects and enriches the diversity of human experience through its exploration of the ways in which race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, ability, or class shape identity and influence perception. (Cross-Curricular Skills: Critical and Creative Thinking; Inquiry and Analysis; Integrative Learning; 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)

The curriculum in the Human Biology major is designed for students planning to apply to health-related professional programs (e.g. chiropractic, dentistry, medicine, optometry, occupational therapy, physical therapy and physician assistant.)

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

• Demonstrate understanding and application of evolution; biological structure and function; biological and biochemical pathways and transformations of energy and matter; biological systems; and biology, biochemical, physiological and structural aspects of the human body. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Apply the process of science.
• Demonstrate understanding of and application of quantitative reasoning; information flow, exchange, and storage; relationship between science and society.
• Tap into the interdisciplinary nature of science. (Cross-curricular Skill: Integrative Learning)
• Communicate and collaborate with other disciplines. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork)

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)

The Data Science major prepares students to use the power of data to help organizations of all sorts and society as a whole to make better decisions.  Students learn to use mathematics, statistics, and computational tools to analyze data of all sorts, and learn to communicate the results of their analysis in order to produce the greatest positive impact.  Graduates are prepared for any post-graduation outcome including immediate entry into the professional world or further study in a pursuit of a M.S. in Data Science.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Data Science major, students should be able to:

• Apply concepts and methods from Calculus and Linear Algebra. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Information Literacy)
• Work as part of a team to solve a complex Data Science problem. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork)
• Gather requirements from professional contexts and translate them into a clearly articulated data analysis problem. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving)
• Identify, gather, and prepare data necessary for analysis (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Select the optimal combination of mathematical, statistical, and computing techniques necessary to solve a problem. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Problem Solving)
• Conduct analysis in a manner that produces well-understood and reproducible results and avoids common analytical and ethical problems associated with data analysis. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Problem Solving)
• Interpret and communicate results in the optimal combination of written, graphical/visual, and verbal means, to provide actionable intelligence to the stakeholder. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
• Appreciate the value of and work efficiently with a diverse group of individuals. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

The goal of the B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies is to provide an interdisciplinary approach to study and work with individuals and families. This program draws from theory and research that examines the process of human development across the lifespan and the dynamic interaction of family members. Students pursuing the B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies gain knowledge and experience in the science of human growth and development, human interaction, and family relationships. Graduates work in careers that promote healthy development and positive family functioning across the lifespan, such as: a Social Services Case Worker, Provider at Residential Treatment Center, Youth Organization Worker, Program Director for Youth, Family or Senior Citizen Center.

Student Learning Outcomes
In the Human Development and Family Studies major, students will:

• Identify the effects of diverse environments on the development of individuals and families. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Apply human development and family theories and concepts to the experiences of individuals, couples, and families. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Apply human development and family theories to explain and improve individual growth and family interaction. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
• Reflect on their experience of participating in community-based programs. (Cross-curricular Skill: Civic Knowledge and Engagement)
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills in a group setting. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork)

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 American Indian and Indigenous Studies program prepares critical thinkers for living in an interrelated world with the rigorous engagement of Indigenous intellectual traditions, interdisciplinary theories, methods and community engagement. Indigenous languages and narratives provide a grounding for the development of Indigenous leadership. Coursework provides an understanding of American Indian and Indigenous worldviews as lenses to comprehend traditional knowledge and culture, and a basis with which to view the process of colonization and decolonization of Indigenous peoples and lands.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

• Identify and analyze the trajectory of colonization and decolonization among Indigenous peoples in the North American context. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Apply a theory of Indigenous worldview to effectively demonstrate cultural difference among Indigenous peoples and between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. (Cross-curricular Skill: Intercultural Knowledge)
• Apply an Indigenous methodological lens towards a research project benefitting Indigenous communities. (Cross-curricular Skill: Integrative Learning)
• Critically analyze and evaluate contemporary Indigenous issues working across academic disciplines to further the process of decolonization and Indigenization. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Analyze the cultural and linguistic translations evident in American Indian and Indigenous Studies to develop decolonizing and Indigenizing discourses. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)

The specialization in Agricultural Economics is an applied field of economics concerned with the application of economic theory in optimizing the production and distribution of food, biofuel and fiber. Students develop analytical and critical-thinking skills, and are well prepared for careers in agricultural policy analysis, natural resource stewardship, or future graduate study. The curriculum emphasizes economic theory, agricultural economics, quantitative methods, and agricultural and biological sciences electives. This program also provides strong preparation for students who wish to pursue a graduate degree in economics, agricultural economics, law, or related fields.

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 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)