Master of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

at South Dakota State University USA

The major in Economics provides rigorous training in economic theory and quantitative methods. Students develop analytical and critical-thinking skills, and are well trained for careers in policy analysis, financial analysis, business, or law school. Students may choose the general economics major in which they will customize their program of study by selecting electives in economics, finance or policy, or they can pursue the specialization in Agricultural Economics through the College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences.  This program also provides strong preparation for students pursuing a graduate degree in economics, law, or a related field.

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.

A major in Communication Studies prepares students to understand the central role that communication plays in people’s lives. Graduates of this program will receive the training, expertise and background that will promote professional success in a wide variety of career areas where communication is a critical requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates in Communication Studies will be able to:

• Describe the Communication discipline and its central questions by employing communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Engage in Communication inquiry. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Create and critically analyze messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Demonstrate the ability to accomplish communicative goals (self-efficacy). (Cross-curricular Skill: Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills)
• Prepare for ethical public influence that embraces differences. (Cross-curricular Skill: Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

The department has three academic components:

• The first year School of Design cross-disciplinary experience.
• The three semester pre-professional building arts and public works design experience.
• The seven semester professional program experience.

A Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture degree (BFA-Arch) is recommended for those who want a studio-based liberal arts education in architecture as their first post-secondary experience.  Students in this program typically come from high school, community colleges / technical institutes, and transfer from other majors.  The B.F.A. in Architecture is 120 credit hours in eight semesters that can be completed in four regular (Fall & Spring only) academic years.  Students completing the B.F.A. can apply to the two year Master of Architecture program to cap the education as NAAB accredited professional training in architecture.  One must hold an NAAB accredited degree to become an architect.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the architecture major, students will be able to:

• Move ideas from abstract to concrete through graphical methods.
• Measure and understand the impact of ideas on theoretical, social, political, economic, cultural, and environmental contexts.
• Use a diverse range of mediated practices to think about and convey architectural ideas, including writing, investigating, speaking, drawing, and modeling.
• Comprehend the technical aspects of both construction and mediating technologies and be able to apply that comprehension to architectural solutions.
• Capacity to synthesize a wide range of variables into an integrated design solution.
• Understand business principles for the practice of architecture, including management, advocacy, and the need to act legally, ethically, and critically for the good of the client, society, and the public. (Cross-curricular Skill: Ethical Reasoning)

The M.S. in Nutrition and Exercise Sciences provides an opportunity to specialize in Nutritional Sciences or Exercise Science. Students are prepared for careers in clinical, industry, or research fields. A partial list includes clinical dietitians, public health nutritionists, research dietitians, clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, research assistants or coordinators, instructors, or public health officials.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

A major in Interior Design prepares students for professional practice, through research informed, design thinking infused and practice-based projects and opportunities that will strengthen their rational and creative thinking. Very broadly, it seeks to teach students the importance and value of the design process and design thinking, promote the awareness and knowledge of the contributions of the profession to the health, safety and well being of people in the built environment, and to prepare graduates of the program to succeed as professional designers. Upon graduation from this CIDA (Council of Interior Design Accreditation) Accredited program, students are eligible to begin the NCIDQ (National Council of Interior Design Qualification) certificate examination process.

The curriculum is interactive, haptic and performance based, offering problem solving experiences in all major areas of design practice (i.e. healthcare, retail, corporate, residential, etc.), in addition to areas of focused instruction including human factors and behaviors, materials, history, building systems and construction, building codes and regulations, lighting, acoustics and professional practice. The overarching goal of the interior design program is to provide a transformative teaching and learning environment where passion and creativity are fostered, and careers are shaped. This is accomplished through four main goals woven into each project and opportunity delivered across the program: to be experiential, to be contextual, to be collaborative, to be empathetic.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Interior Design major, students will be able to:

• Synthesize research findings to inform design solutions. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Create interior environments infused with design-thinking. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving)
• Apply practice-based knowledge and skill sets to interior spaces. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork; Ethical Reasoning)

This major prepares students with essential written and visual communication, critical thinking, strategy, design, and research skills for careers in public relations and marketing communications.

Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing a public relations major will be equipped to:

• Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located, as well as receive instruction in and understand the range of systems of freedom of expression around the world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications.
• Demonstrate an understanding of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass communications. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society.   (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information. (Cross-curricular Skills: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity, Information Literacy)
• Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity. (Cross-curricular skill: Ethical Reasoning)
• Think critically, creatively and independently. (Cross-curricular Skills: Inquiry and Analysis, Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis, Information Literacy)
• Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve.
• Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)

Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.

The Early Education and Care (EEC) is an online undergraduate program provided by seven universities working in collaboration. This program will prepare you to work in early childhood settings with young children, especially those whose family members are highly mobile. When students complete the program they will be qualified to work in a variety of programs that offer early care and education in the community and on military installations. Some of these programs are:

• Childcare centers and homes
• Infant/toddler and preschool programs
• Head Start programs
• Before and after-school programs for children ages birth to eight

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students use their understanding of young children’s characteristics and needs, and of multiple interacting influences on children’s development and learning, to create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for each child. (Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Students know about, understand, and value the importance and complex characteristics of children’s families and communities. They use this understanding to create respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families, and to involve all families in their children’s development and learning. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Information Literacy; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Students know about and understand the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment. They know about and use systematic observations, documentation, and other effective assessment strategies in a responsible way, in partnership with families and other professionals, to positively influence the development of every child. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Ethical Reasoning; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Students understand that teaching and learning with young children is a complex enterprise and its details vary depending on children’s ages, characteristics, and the settings within which teaching, and learning occur. They understand and use positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation for their work with young children and families. Candidates know, understand, and use a wide array of developmentally appropriate approaches, instructional strategies, and tools to connect with children and families and positively influence each child’s development and learning. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Students use their knowledge of academic disciplines to design, implement, and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for each and every young child. Candidates understand the importance of developmental domains and academic (or content) disciplines in early childhood curriculum. They know the essential concepts, inquiry tools, and structure of content areas, including academic subjects, and can identify resources to deepen their understanding. Candidates use their own knowledge and other resources to design, implement, and evaluate meaningful, challenging curriculum that promotes comprehensive developmental and learning outcomes for every young child. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Ethical Reasoning; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Students identify and conduct themselves as members of the early childhood profession. They know and use ethical guidelines and other professional standards related to early childhood practice. They are continuous, collaborative learners who demonstrate knowledgeable, reflective, and critical perspectives on their work, making informed decisions that integrate knowledge from a variety of sources. They are informed advocates for sound educational practices and policies. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Ethical Reasoning; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Students develop the knowledge, skills and professional dispositions necessary to promote the development and learning of young children across the entire developmental period of early childhood—in at least two of the three early childhood age groups (birth – age 3, 3 through 5, 5 through 8 years) and in the variety of settings that offer early education (early school grades, child care centers and homes, Head Start programs). (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Ethical Reasoning; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

The Electronics Engineering Technology Bachelor of Science degree program blends theory with an extensive hands-on, lab-based course sequence. The program has three key components: electronics foundations, advanced electronics applications, and applied management. The goal is to prepare graduates to use be proficient in using, developing, and troubleshooting electronic devices, networks, and controls. Electronics technology courses include circuits, analog and digital systems (intro and advanced), networking, programming, microcontrollers, industrial controls and PLCs, circuit board design, power systems, and communication systems. The program also includes courses in computer programming, project management, quality systems management, and statistics.

Program Educational Outcomes
SDSU Electronics Engineering Technology graduates will become professionals who:

• Achieve positions of increasing responsibility or leadership with employers, professional organizations, or civic organizations as an indicator of professional competence, demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, and successfully function in team environments;
• Apply principles of mathematics, science and management and use appropriate technology to solve current and future problems in the field of electronics technology; and,
• Complete licensure, certification, short courses, workshops, and/or advanced degrees to be effective technical managers in the global business environment.

Student Learning Outcomes
EET graduates have:

• An ability to apply knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline; (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• An ability to design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline; (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
• An ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly-defined technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature;
• An ability to conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes; and
• An ability to function effectively as a member as well as a leader on technical teams. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork)

The program provides coursework on campus, in classroom, laboratory, and in field-based settings.  The EET program has three dedicated electronics labs for bench work, circuit testing, and project fabrication.

The German Teaching specialization at SDSU consists of the same aims and content as the German B.A. In addition, teaching candidates are given training in the most current professional standards and methods for teaching excellence in Germanic language and cultures. Former candidates have gone on to teach in public and private schools and have gone for further training in order to teach English as a Second Language and prepare for University-level teaching.

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)

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)