Bachelor of Science, Major in Early Education and Care

at South Dakota State University USA

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 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 Sport and Recreation Administration program at South Dakota State University prepares students to become dynamic leaders in intercollegiate athletics as well as campus and community recreation. The curriculum and internship experiences will educate students in management, marketing, communications, facilities, finance, ethics and legal issues, research, and much more. In addition to their experiential learning opportunities in their coursework, students will gain valuable real world experiences with our industry partners both on and off campus. Students graduating from the program will be equipped with a skill set that can be directly applied to a wide range of exciting career possibilities.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Management and ethical leadership: Students will understand a foundation in advanced principles and procedures of management and ethical leadership (e.g., administration, marketing, finance and budgeting) for the delivery of sport and recreation management.
• Effective communication: Students will develop effective writing and oral communication skills within the professional guidelines appropriate to graduate study in the field.
• Research: Develop effective writing and oral communication skills within the professional guidelines appropriate to graduate study in the field.
• Diversity awareness: Demonstrate an appreciation of individual differences, civic responsibility and engagement, ethical issues and all dimensions of diversity.
• Experiential learning: Demonstrate the ability to apply the disciplinary knowledge and skills in experiential learning endeavors.

A German B.A. at SDSU opens the door to a world of art, music, technology, psychology, politics, medicine, and many other fields. In today’s interconnected world, many professions cross international borders and bring together people through German, the most widely spoken language in Europe.

A German B.A. prepares students to confidently use the German language in any environment. It includes courses in language, culture, pop culture, film and literature of German speaking countries and promotes intercultural competence so graduates can navigate cultural differences with ease.

Language scholarships are made available to encourage students to take advantage of multiple opportunities, both within the school and through our International Affairs Office, to study or do an internship abroad.

The major offers flexibility and can easily be added to another major.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of the German major, students should be able to:

• Speak, read and write German at the Intermediate-High or Advanced level, developing solid competence in the language needed for everyday life and advanced narrative skills in the past, present, and future. (Cross-curricular Skills: Intercultural Knowledge; Inquiry & Analysis; Information Literacy)
• Demonstrate understanding of and growth in the skills required for intercultural communication and competence and life-long learning. (Cross-curricular Skill: Intercultural Knowledge; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity; Critical & Creative Thinking)
• Identify the cultural perspectives of the German-speaking world’s civilizations and their cultural products, such as literatures, arts, institutions, pop cultures, etc. and compare the cultural frames that determine everyday life in French- speaking cultures and the U.S. (Cross-curricular Skills: Intercultural Knowledge; Critical & Creative Thinking; Inquiry & Analysis; Information Literacy)
• Adapt behavior to a variety of cultural contexts through critical analysis of cultural frames. (Cross-curricular Skills: Intercultural Knowledge; Creative & Critical Thinking; and Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Articulate the value of their language and cultural studies and apply this knowledge in future employment. (Cross-curricular Skill: Intercultural Knowledge; 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.

Civil Engineering includes design, construction, and operation and maintenance of highways, airports, buildings, bridges, dams, water supply and distribution systems, waste water collection systems and treatment plants, irrigation and drainage systems, river and harbor improvements and many other infrastructure facilities essential in modern life. Civil Engineers are custodians of the built environment and are responsible for all aspects of the world’s infrastructure.

To prepare students for these responsibilities, the program provides opportunities for them to solve engineering problems, promote original thought, illustrate the work expected of engineers and stimulate interest and enthusiasm for design. Seniors design teams work on comprehensive, open-ended projects involving scope and definition, evaluation of alternatives on the basis of economic, social, environmental, and other factors, concluding with the preparation of a functional design, plans, specifications and final cost estimates.

Program Educational Objectives

The civil engineering program at South Dakota State University is committed to preparing students to achieve the following educational objectives within five years beyond the baccalaureate degree.

• Graduates will have obtained professional licensure or specialized certification.
• Graduates will have engaged in professional development and life-long learning through earning advanced degrees, attending continuing education forums, or active participation in professional organizations.
• Graduates will have become actively involved in their profession, communities, and global society with a trajectory towards leadership positions.

Student Learning Outcomes

The program’s mission and educational objectives are accomplished by providing undergraduate students with an educational program that will result in the following outcomes by the time of graduation:

• An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
• An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
• An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
• An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
• An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
• An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
• An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

The history curriculum is adaptable to personal interests and needs, allowing students to explore the past and make connections to the present. Students pursuing a History Teaching Specialization may select either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in preparation for careers in various fields related to education. The program also provides a necessary background for graduate work or other specialized training.

Student Learning Outcomes
Students with a major in History will be able to:

• Demonstrate a knowledge of the most important historical events in U.S. History, including an in-depth study of issues facing minorities within the U.S. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the most important historical events beyond the United States. (Cross-curricular Skill: Intercultural Knowledge)
• Interpret the past in context; contextualize the past on its own terms. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Develop a disciplined, skeptical stand and outlook on the world that demands evidence and a sophisticated use of information. This includes recognizing the difference between strong and weak arguments based on evidence, seeking use of proper citations and peer review in other works. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Demonstrate an awareness that knowledge is often incomplete or imperfect, and thus multiple alternatives must be considered and conclusions are subject to change. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Know the difference between primary and secondary documents, demonstrate how and when to cite in the format of the profession.
• Identify and summarize the historical arguments of other scholars.
• Frame a historical question and develop research strategies to address it, generate historical argument that is reasoned and based on evidence selected, arranged and analyzed. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Effectively navigate the library and online databases, as well as the archives or in the community for primary sources, peer-reviewed literature and book reviews. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)

The Horticulture major is designed to prepare students for careers in nursery production, local food production, landscape, tree management, garden center operation, greenhouse production, or for entry into research and graduate study in horticultural science. Greenhouse facilities and extensive field plots in woody and herbaceous ornamentals, fruit, and vegetables provide students with the opportunity to experience all aspects of plant production and management.

Program Emphases
The Horticulture Major offers four areas of emphasis. Students with an interest in:

• Crop management and production technologies of greenhouse, nursery, fruit, or vegetable crops can tailor their program of studies using the Production Emphasis.
• Careers in managing nurseries, landscape maintenance, arboriculture, garden centers or greenhouse businesses should follow the Business Emphasis.
• Careers in food crop or local food production and marketing should follow the Food Crop Emphasis.
• Pursuing a graduate degree or laboratory science career should follow the Science Emphasis.

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

• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic Horticultural 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 Horticulture. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Demonstrate the ability to apply scientific principles, quantitative skills, and other problem solving skills in Horticulture. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
• Demonstrate knowledge and application of ethical and sustainable practices in the Horticultural fields. (Cross-curricular Skill: Ethical Reasoning)
• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of local food production principles and practices.
• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of plant identification, selection, use, and maintenance of plant material best suited for conventional and sustainable landscapes.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate (written, listening and oral) with both scientific and non-scientific audiences.

The Human Sciences (M.S.) - Developmental Sciences (DS) Specialization provides students with graduate training in an interdisciplinary field that examines human development across the lifespan in cultural, social, and family contexts. Students will complete advanced coursework in the areas of child, adolescent, and adult development with an emphasis in multiculturalism, diverse learners, and learning sciences. The specialization provides advanced training for individuals working in outreach and advocacy, health, and human services, education, and businesses and corporations.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Human Development - Students will demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the major human development domains.
• Diversity - Students will demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of multicultural and pluralistic trends, including characteristics and concerns within and among diverse groups nationally and internationally.
• Integration of Developmental Science - Utilizing practice, prevention, and policy, students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the developmental sciences.
• Communication - Students will demonstrate critical and innovative thinking.

The Bachelor of General Studies program through the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences is designed for adult and returning students who have already completed significant college credit (at least 60 credits) and want to complete a baccalaureate degree. The Bachelor of General Studies offers students the flexibility to select coursework from a variety of focus areas: agriculture/natural resource management, allied health, business, education, engineering, fine arts, humanities, social science, science/mathematics, technology, and wellness.

Student Learning Outcomes
Each graduate completing the Bachelor of General Studies will:

• Synthesize key findings from various resources, articulate a position, and draw conclusions. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Evaluate available print and electronic resources for reliability and usefulness. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Apply knowledge to address a problem and provide a solution or explain a new understanding of the problem. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
• Evaluate the importance of lifelong learning in relation to their life and professional goals. (Cross-curricular Skill: Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills)
• Integrate knowledge across various academic disciplines. (Cross-curricular Skill: Integrative Learning)
• Consider the nature and diversity of individuals, organizations, cultures and societies. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)