Bachelor of Science, Major in Geography

at South Dakota State University USA

The English Major - Writing Specialization requires 45 hours of literature, linguistics and writing courses. Students receive a well-rounded background in literature, but with more intensive work in Creative and/or Professional writing. This program serves students seeking careers in creative or professional writing.

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)

Students who successfully complete this 60-credit hour specialization will earn a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Resource Development specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Upon successful completion of the core requirements, and those of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization and with the successful completion of the comprehensive written and oral examinations, graduates are endorsed as having constructed appropriate entry level knowledge and as having met appropriate skill acquisition to be recognized as professional clinical mental health counselors. Students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization are also responsible for having taken supporting area courses which supplement or enhance their chosen specialty.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Understand and advocate for positive attention to developmental needs of individuals, families, schools, and communities;
• Promote mental health through well-developed and consistent theoretical study and application;
• Appreciate cultural, ethnic, and gender differences as they relate to perceptions and expectations of counseling;
• Apply ethical, legal, moral, and professional standards to all aspects of professional counseling services;
• Respond to the mental health needs of a variety of individuals and families, through a wide spectrum of services including support, education, assessment, and treatment;
• Understand and be able to appropriately select and apply a variety of service or treatment modalities;
• Understand assessment strategies and the criteria for mental illnesses as well as effective treatments;
• Understand and model healthy community and work relationships; and
• Be prepared to pursue licensure as a professional counselor.

Graduate work in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering leads to Master of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences degrees.

Students who undertake graduate studies in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering normally have as their goal a better understanding of the current theories, principles, issues, and problems in agricultural, environmental and biological systems. Graduate studies improve the student’s ability to think critically and creatively, and to synthesize, analyze, and integrate ideas for decision-making and problem solving.

The department offers students an opportunity to undertake research and advanced study in specialization areas such as food and biomaterial processing, physical properties of biological materials, natural resource engineering, precision agriculture, structures, indoor environment, waste management and machine design.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Conduct Research or Design: Conduct research and/or design projects that demonstrate an ability to model, analyze, and design agricultural and biosystems engineering processes and systems.
• Understand the principles of agricultural and biosystems engineering: The student will articulate a solid understanding of fate fundamental principles of agricultural and biosystems engineering, including the area of specialization and supporting areas.
• Communicate effectively: The student will demonstrate an ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, technical information in an effective manner.

Dietetics is the education and practice of food, nutrition and wellness and offers a wide variety of jobs in the health promotion, wellness, nutrition care and foodservice administration areas. Registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) provide nutrition education and counseling and are pivotal in preventive health care and community nutrition programs. Additionally, a RDN is essential to the total care of a patient in a healthcare facility through nutritional assessment and medical nutrition therapy. Students develop an understanding and competency in food, nutrition, wellness, and management and a background in the basic and behavioral sciences to apply the science of nutrition for the promotion of health and disease prevention.

The employment opportunities are in health promotion and wellness programs, public health agencies, foodservice and food production industries, schools, universities, the armed services, hospitals, nursing homes, and state, national and international organizations. Governmental regulations require the services of dietitians in federally supported programs. The consulting services of a dietitian are often sought by architects and hospital administrators in planning and equipping food preparation and services facilities.

Mission and program objectives are available on the Nutrition and Dietetics homepage at www.sdstate.edu/health-and-nutritional-sciences/nutrition-and-dietetics. Program outcome data are available upon request from the program director.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Nutrition and Dietetics major, students will:

• Demonstrate how to locate, interpret, evaluate and use professional literature to make ethical, evidence-based practice decisions. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Use current information technologies to locate and apply evidence-based guidelines and protocols.
• Apply critical thinking skills. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Demonstrate effective and professional oral and written communication and documentation.
• Describe the governance of nutrition and dietetics practice, such as the Scope of Nutrition and Dietetics Practice and the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Nutrition and Dietetics; and describe interprofessional relationships in various practice settings. (Cross-curricular Skill: Ethical Reasoning)
• Assess the impact of a public policy position on nutrition and dietetics practice.
• Discuss the impact of health care policy and different health care delivery systems on food and nutrition services.
• Identify and describe the work of interprofessional teams and the roles of others with whom the registered dietitian nutritionist collaborates in the delivery of food and nutrition services.
• Demonstrate an understanding of cultural competence/sensitivity. (Cross-curricular Skill: Intercultural Knowledge)
• Demonstrate identification with the nutrition and dietetics profession through activities such as participation in professional organizations and defending a position on issues impacting the nutrition and dietetics profession. (Cross-curricular Skill: Intercultural Knowledge)
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance and expectations of a professional in mentoring and precepting others.
• Use the Nutrition Care Process to make decisions, identify nutrition-related problems and determine and evaluate nutrition interventions.
• Develop an educational session or program/educational strategy for a target population.
• Demonstrate counseling and education methods to facilitate behavior change for and enhance wellness for diverse individuals and groups. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Explain the processes involved in delivering quality food and nutrition services.
• Describe basic concepts of nutritional genomics.
• Apply management theories to the development of programs or services.
• Evaluate a budget and interpret financial data.
• Describe the regulation system related to billing and coding, what services are reimbursable by third party payers, and how reimbursement may be obtained.
• Apply the principles of human resource management to different situations.
• Describe safety principles related to food, personnel and consumers.
• Analyze data for assessment and evaluate data to be used in decision-making for continuous quality improvement.

Geographic Information Science concerns the use of geographic information and data acquired from satellites and airborne platforms, and from ground based measurements and surveys of human activity and the environment. Geographic Information Science students learn how to work with geospatial data to study relationships, patterns, and trends. In the U.S. the explosion of geospatial data and their increasing use in business, government, and people’s everyday lives has led to a growing demand for qualified Geographic Information Science graduates. Geospatial science is developing rapidly, associated with developments in mobile, satellite and airborne remote sensing, computational, and big data technologies.

Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates with a major in Geographic Information Sciences will:

• Demonstrate foundational and specialized knowledge in both the physical and human sciences and their interconnectedness at local, regional, and global scales. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Interpret the ethical consequences of global issues concerning the environment to strengthen commitment to local, national, and global citizenship. (Cross-curricular Skill: Ethical Reasoning)
• Demonstrate proficiency in the application of appropriate geographical technologies and techniques to address issues in the physical and/or human sciences. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
• Communicate geographic ideas clearly and effectively (e.g., maps, writing, oral presentations, posters, photos, flowcharts, tables, graphs, and illustrations).
• Apply observations from laboratory and/or field experiences to analyze problems and offer solutions. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Demonstrate the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and synthesize information about people, places, and environments in a spatial-temporal context. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Explore complex local, regional, and global issues using a geographical perspective to formulate questions and draw informed conclusions that are based on critical scientific analysis and interpretation of information. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Demonstrate openness to new perspectives and diverse others, evaluate the complexity inherent to multiple perspectives, and demonstrate the ability to reassess their personal perspective when appropriate. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

Rangeland Ecology and Management focuses on the scientific study of rangelands, arid regions and grasslands to achieve resource management for maximum benefit and environmental balance. Graduates are well prepared for careers in a variety of land management fields, as well as agency and private sector positions.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Rangeland Ecology and Management specialization, 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 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 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 Science 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 Department of Biology and Microbiology provides students with a wide range of opportunities for advanced study. The graduate faculty offer expertise and graduate student advisement in subdisciplines from molecular biology through ecology. Faculty members are very successful in obtaining extramural funds to support graduate student projects. Graduate students have modern research laboratories, equipment and field research sites available to carry out their research projects. The learning environment, scholarly excellence and quality of teaching are areas of strength in the department’s Graduate Program.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Program content: Graduates will demonstrate fundamental knowledge in biological or microbiological sciences broadly focused on cellular and molecular biology concepts and will specialize in specific area of biology, microbiology or molecular biology.
• Content – Research: Graduates will carry out research and scholarly activity in analysis of scientific data using statistics.
• Communication skills: Graduate will demonstrate effective oral and written communications skills in expressing and reporting scientific findings and concepts.
• Intellectual and critical thinking: Graduates will demonstrate effective intellectual and critical thinking traits.

The Interdisciplinary Studies major is designed for those pursuing unique educational goals. Each student develops a goal-driven plan of study approved by the department selecting coursework relevant to those unique goals. Career opportunities for graduates are vast, evolving from the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired through a well-designed plan of study. Interdisciplinary studies graduates have been very successful in the job market and in gaining acceptance to graduate/professional schools. Most graduates pursue careers in broad industries or emerging fields. Intensive advising and career planning are critical elements to ensure the plan of study appropriately prepares students for future goals.

Student Learning Outcomes
Interdisciplinary Studies graduates will be able to:

• Analyze how historical and metaphorical models support research and problem solving through diverse disciplinary approaches. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Information Literacy; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Apply interdisciplinary analytics to research. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Express interdisciplinary understanding of a complex problem through the integration of disciplinary insights in an undergraduate research project. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Illustrate how interdisciplinary study contributes to success in future professional and personal goals. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Information Literacy; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)