Bachelor of Arts, Major in Communication Studies with Specialization in Speech Education

at South Dakota State University USA

The major in Graphic Design provides a comprehensive visual communication experience, including mobile technology, interface design, user experience design, animation and motion graphics, product/package design, brand identity design, data visualization design, and entrepreneurship. Graduates of the Graphic Design program will create professional portfolios, engage in real experiences working in industry, and have the opportunity to build strong connections with professionals nationally and internationally. South Dakota State University graduates are prepared to work in almost any field imaginable. A 12-credit visual arts core taken in conjunction with the graphic design sequence supports the degree and creates a foundation for success. Through taking the core and taking 6 additional ART, ARTH or ARTE courses, majors qualify for the Studio Arts Minor adding breadth and depth to the degree.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Acquire core knowledge of graphic design practice.
• Demonstrate fluency in the visual vocabulary and technical skills relevant to Graphic Design – Typography, Grid systems across analog and digital media, visual narratives (photography, illustration, and type-as-image), and conceptualization of the work based on research. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving; Intercultural Knowledge)
• Imagine and articulate research, conceptualization, and varied solutions (generate effective ideas) to any problem. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Display innovative synergies of media types across print, screen, packaging and emerging media and excel in one or several of the following Areas of Emphasis: Print, Packaging & Environmental, Interaction Design, Media Fluency, Motion.
• Demonstrate the ability to function as an effective member of a team. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork)
• Demonstrate the professional awareness and physical preparation necessary to enter the design workspace. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Problem Solving; Intercultural Knowledge; Integrative Learning)

The major in Business Economics combines the analytical rigor of an economics degree with the practical skills of a management degree. Students can tailor the program to their interests by choosing from a variety of electives in areas such as accounting, business law, decision science, entrepreneurship, economics, finance, management, and marketing.  Career opportunities for Business Economics majors include management, finance, banking, sales, real estate, and marketing. The Business Economics major also serves to prepare students for graduate work in law, economics, and business.

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.

Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering is the science of engineering applied to the products and processes of agriculture and related industries. Design projects solicited from industry provide students with relevant “real world” design experience.  This provides hands on learning in variety of technical areas such as natural resource management, irrigation and drainage, water resources development, machine dynamics and design, precision agriculture, agricultural power, properties and processing of biological materials, environmental control for livestock, indoor air quality, structures, control and disposal of agricultural wastes, computers, or instrumentation. To earn the Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, students must have an average grade of “C” or better in courses taken and required in the ABE curriculum and take the Fundamentals of Engineering examination prior to graduation.

Program Educational Objectives

• To produce engineers that become competent in methods of analysis involving use of mathematics, fundamental physical and biological sciences, engineering sciences, and the computer skills needed for the practice of agricultural and biosystems engineering.
• To produce engineers that develop design skills, including the ability to think creatively, to formulate problem statements, to communicate effectively, to synthesize information, and to evaluate and implement problem solutions.
• To produce engineers that become capable of addressing issues of ethics, safety, professionalism, cultural diversity, globalization, environmental impact, and social and economic impact in engineering practice.
• To produce engineers that will contribute to agricultural profitability though the development, adaptation, and proper use of improved and safer engineering technologies, production systems, and management practices.

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering program will have:

• 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 program provides students with a broad background in all facets of microbiology, preparing them to pursue careers in diagnostic and research laboratories, public health, agriculture, food industry, pharmaceutical companies, academia, governmental agencies, and the private sector. With the recommended electives, the graduate is prepared to pursue health-related professional or graduate education for advanced training. The goal is to provide a sound but varied educational experience.

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

• Demonstrate understanding and application of evolution; biological structure and function; biological and biochemical pathways and transformations of energy and matter; and biological systems. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Apply the process of science. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Information Literacy)
• Demonstrate understanding of and application of quantitative reasoning; information flow, exchange, and storage in microorganisms; relationship between science and society. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Demonstrate knowledge on how microorganisms interact with and impact their environment and the interaction between microorganisms and humans, animals and plants.
• Describe and use new and existing methods and technologies in and out of the laboratory setting.
• Tap into the interdisciplinary nature of science. (Cross-curricular Skill: Integrative Learning)
• Communicate and collaborate with other disciplines. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork)

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.

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science offers the Master of Science in Computer Science. The program prepares graduate students for positions in the design and development of computer systems and applications in business and industry and for scientific positions in industrial or academic computing research. Areas of research interest within the department currently include Software Engineering, Medical Image Processing, Parallel Processing, Applied Computing, GIS, Computer Security, Cluster Computing, and Computer Networks.

Program Educational Objectives

The CS graduate program objectives are to equip individuals to:

• Discover and disseminate knowledge relevant to the discipline of computer science.
• Provide leadership for increasingly complex roles in computer science and industry.
• Contribute to the advancement of the science of computer science serving regional and national needs.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Conduct research and/or design software projects: Conduct research and/or design software projects that demonstrate ability to model, analyze, design, implement, and manage software development processes and systems.
• Understand fundamental principles: Articulate a solid understanding of the fundamental principles in the area of computer science.
• Communication skills: Demonstrate an ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, technical information effectively as an ethically and socially responsible computer science professional.

Mechanical engineers design devices and systems that efficiently employ the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of society. Mechanical Engineering is an applied science profession based on mathematics, physics and chemistry. Expertise and sound judgment in application of the sciences are gained through a combination of study and practice.

Mechanical engineers have a remarkable range of career options from which to choose. Work is found in design and development of a wide range of machines and systems, in manufacturing and automation, in energy and power production, and in various related fields of research, management or business.

Program Educational Objectives
The Mechanical Engineering program provides a learning environment that prepares graduates to achieve the following career and professional accomplishments:

• Achieve positions of increasing responsibility or leadership with employers, professional organizations, or civic organizations in recognition of professional competence and the ability to function in team environments.
• Complete licensure, certification, short courses, workshops or advanced degrees in technical or professional subject areas as they adapt to contemporary engineering practice and the global business environment.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the Mechanical Engineering program, the student outcomes are:

• An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
• The 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 social 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 South Dakota State University Master of Science in Athletic Training (AT) program aspires to prepare engaged practitioners and contemporary leaders of athletic training. Through the cultivation of a learning environment implementing innovative and best practice pedagogies, the program exists to challenge students to become reflective, professional, and ethical practitioners dedicated to improving patients’ quality of life. The overall goals of the program are to provide students with knowledge and experiences which improve the depth and breadth of professional competency in athletic training, enhance written and oral communication abilities, and promote an appreciation for the ways research can inform practice, and/or prepare students for advanced study in the field.

The Master of Science in Athletic Training prepares students for entry into clinical practice as licensed athletic trainers. The program is two years in length and includes a blend of coursework and clinical experiences completed under the supervision of preceptors who are appropriately credentialed health care professionals. Clinical experiences will include working with a variety of patients in high schools, colleges/universities, sports medicine clinics, and medical and rehabilitation clinics. Upon successful completion of the curriculum, students will be eligible to challenge the national certifying examination for athletic trainers through the Board of Certification (BOC).

Each year the Master of Science in AT program admits (1) new cohort of students who begin their plan of study during the summer term. Admission to the program is on a competitive basis. For full admission into the athletic training program, students must complete the SDSU Graduate School application as well as a secondary selective admissions application specifically for the AT program.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate competence and confidence: Provide confident and competent, patient-centered care that meets the essential and expected practices of Athletic Training practice in order to improve patient-outcomes.
• Demonstrate ethical behaviors: Recognize and demonstrate behaviors that reflect a commitment to legal, ethical, and professional athletic training practice in a diverse and evolving healthcare environment.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Effectively collaborate within an interdisciplinary team to provide consistent, efficient healthcare that optimizes patient outcomes.
• Critical thinking: Integrate the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values to provide safe and effective care
• Prioritize the patient: Demonstrate the ability to prioritize patient safety and improve quality.
• Communication: Communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error and support decision making using information technology.

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)

The Art Education specialization is part of the Studio Art Program and prepares majors for careers as art educators in elementary and secondary schools (K-12). Art Education comprises courses from the Studio Art Program and the Secondary Teacher Education Program. The curriculum prepares students for the state educator certification process which includes the successful completion of a state-designated pedagogy test. Students pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree that provides instruction in all the studio art areas focusing on technical and conceptual development along with the coursework in teaching and learning.

Student Learning Outcomes
The courses in the Art Education specialization are designed to provide students with fundamental experiences necessary in visual knowledge, decision-making and the mechanisms of creative and expressive abilities. The program offers candidates interested in teaching art in schools (K-12) a strong and diverse program in art education. Upon completion of our curriculum, the student is prepared for certification as an art teacher to teach levels from kindergarten through high school. The art education curriculum, in accord with the College of Education and Human Sciences Undergraduate Teacher Education Program at South Dakota State University, provides candidates with the skills and experience necessary to develop effective teachers.

Upon completion of the Art Education specialization, students will be able to:

• Apply the basic principles of visual organization, in two and three dimensions, to the creation and the analysis of works of art. This includes the application of fundamental drawing skills, design concepts, color theory, and studio specific applications. (Cross-Curricular Skills: Inquiry and Analysis; Integrative Learning)
• Generate a body of original works of art that exhibits a coherent set of artistic/intellectual goals. (Cross-Curricular Skills: Foundation of Lifelong Learning Skills; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving; Integrative Learning)
• Analyze and critically evaluate works of art and design from various cultures and historical periods as well as the ability to apply art historical context to their own work. (Cross-Curricular Skills: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity)
• Articulate, both orally and written, a critical discourse on their artwork and processes, the artwork of others, and art history through the appropriate application of art and design language and concepts. (Cross-Curricular Skill: Integrative Learning)
• Demonstrate the skills required by professional artists in the communication, documentation, and exhibition of their artwork and experience. (Cross-Curricular Skill: Integrative Learning)
• Understand the principles of children’s artistic development, and to use that knowledge to design active learning opportunities that are appropriately adopted for varied developmental levels and diverse approaches to teaching and learning. (Cross-Curricular Skills: Integrative Learning; Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Integrate pedagogical studies with knowledge of specific disciplines to create meaningful learning experiences. (Cross-Curricular Skills: Integrative Learning; Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Develop assessment strategies to evaluate student progress, and to utilize the results to determine whether curricula programs are addressing student needs and facilitating student achievement. (Cross-Curricular Skills: Integrative Learning; Critical and Creative Thinking)