Bachelor of Arts, Major in Entrepreneurial Studies

at South Dakota State University USA

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)

Dairy Science is an application of the sciences, engineering and technology, and business toward the study of milk production and processing.  The Dairy Manufacturing major focuses on processing of milk and milk products. The degree is designed to prepare students for a wide range of outstanding, challenging and rewarding career opportunities ranging from industry to private enterprise, government, research and higher education.  Students will develop a knowledge base related to the basic physical, microbiological, chemical and engineering sciences as they are applied to dairy foods.  These sciences are utilized to study the nature and development of dairy products; the unit operations involved in processing and production of quality dairy foods; the causes of deterioration and spoilage, and principles of dairy food preservation.  Students will also be exposed to business operations management as it relates specifically to a dairy processing facility. These skill sets are also utilized by scientists to develop and create approaches for the generation of new dairy food products to assist in feeding the world through provision of products that provide proper nutrition with acceptable taste and texture while maintaining affordability.  Graduates with a degree in Dairy Manufacturing are well prepared for professional positions within the dairy processing industry or for further graduate study in Dairy Science.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Dairy Manufacturing curriculum a graduate should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Understanding of the chemistry underlying the properties and reactions of the various components within a dairy food as they are influenced by processing conditions. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving; Integrative Learning)
• Practical proficiency in laboratory techniques associated with the determination of qualitative and quantitative analytical data related to physical, chemical, biological and microbiological aspects of dairy foods and dairy-based ingredients. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning)
• Understanding of microbial growth and survival as it impacts the safety, preservation and spoilage of dairy food systems. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Problem Solving; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning)
• Understanding of unit operations, process control and sanitation protocols as they relate to the production and preservation of dairy-based foods. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning)
• Understanding of cleaning and sanitation processes and protocols as they impact the control and assurance of quality in the finished dairy food. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning)
• Practical proficiency in application of Good Manufacturing Principles (GMP’s), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP’s) as a direct result of exposure to these items in an applied manufacturing environment. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork; Problem Solving; Ethical Reasoning; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Understanding of the laws and regulations governing the manufacture and sale of dairy-based food products. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Intercultural Knowledge; Ethical Reasoning; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• General understanding of business operations including finance, human resources, inventory management, infrastructure requirements, loss control and purchasing. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Intercultural Knowledge; Ethical Reasoning; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Ability to utilize verbal and written communication skills effectively in a group environment. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Intercultural Knowledge; Ethical Reasoning; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Ability to apply critical thinking and reasoning skills while ethically applying scientific principles to resolving issues associated with dairy food products and processing systems. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Ethical Reasoning; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills; Integrative Learning; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

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)

The curriculum in the Biology Secondary Education specialization is designed to provide students with the background needed for a successful career teaching biology in middle and high schools. Students complete a broad distribution of courses that include all the major areas in Biology as well as coursework in pedagogical and professional development. For secondary education majors that may teach in a rural school or apply to graduate school, speak to an advisor about taking additional chemistry, physics, and math classes.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Biology major with a Secondary Education specialization, 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.
• 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.
• Communicate and collaborate with other disciplines.
• Understand how learners grow and develop, recognize that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and design and implement developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
• Understand and use multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
• Plan instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
• Understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

The SDSU M.S. in Data Science is a one-year program that provides graduates with the statistical, mathematical, and computational skills needed to meet the large-scale data science challenges of today’s professional world. The curriculum incorporates current techniques in statistics, operations research, predictive modeling, data mining, forecasting, big data programming and management, and data visualization. The program’s focus is on application and interpretation of modern data analysis techniques of known value in both the private and public sectors. It is recommended that this program be started in the summer semester. Failure to start in the summer may increase the amount of time necessary to complete the program.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Communication: Students will understand the foundations of data science, with a specific focus on the interplay between computational complexity and statistical efficiency.
• Ethics: Students will understand ethical implications of using data and statistical models for making decisions.
• Analysis: Students will perform exploratory data analysis and statistical inference in appropriate application areas.
• Application of methods: Students will apply the methods in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or pattern recognition to real data.
• Students will proficiently use at least one statistical software among R, SAS, PYTHON, STATA, JMP, or SQL.
• Students will appropriately communicate the results of their analysis to various audiences.

The major in Entrepreneurial Studies is designed to enhance entrepreneurial talent by providing students with the knowledge, skills and experiences to think entrepreneurially and create value in our society. The program allows students to cultivate a mindset for thinking creatively and develop the ability to be innovative. The curriculum emphasizes entrepreneurship, business management, and interdisciplinary electives.

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 Spanish major - Teaching specialization at SDSU consists of language, culture, literature and professional courses to prepare students for teaching careers in primary, middle or secondary schools or for further graduate study.

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

• Speak, read and write Spanish 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 Spanish-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 Natural Resource Management specialization will provide training in ecology, evolution, environmental sciences, and range areas of expertise with a focus on basic and applied research.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of program: Exhibit knowledge concerning biological and/or microbiological systems/sciences at a level appropriate to a M.S. degree holder.
• Communication skills: Be able to effectively express themselves orally and in written form.
• Understand scientific method: Understand the scientific methods and techniques for solving research problems and analyze scientific data using the appropriate statistics.
• Use statistics to analyze data: Be able to use statistics to analyze scientific data.
• Specialization: Specialize in some area of biology, biotechnology and/or microbiology, but still be broadly based in knowledge in cellular and molecular biology.
• Publish research: Be able to conduct and publish scholarly research. (Option A)
• Professional Development: Demonstrate professional development and competence so that they may enter the work force in academia or industry.

The M.S. in Human Biology provides graduate-level preparation for students for successful admission to professional schools, including those not admitted directly to professional school from an undergraduate program. The program is designed to provide graduate-level preparation for students who desire admission to professional schools in human healthcare. This includes but is not limited to programs such as: Allopathic Medical Doctor (M.D.), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), Doctor of Optometry (O.D.), Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S), and Master of Science – Physician Assistant Studies (M.S. – PAS). The M.S. program allows for additional opportunities to demonstrate their academic excellence and polish their professional skills. This program directly strengthens the academic capacity of the student with special attention to advanced content knowledge and case based application, professional development and professional skills needed by the healthcare provider.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Integrate the biological, biochemical, physiological and structural aspects of the human body.
• Demonstrate quantitative literacy and evaluate quantitative reasoning.
• Communicate effectively (written and oral).
• Demonstrate leadership and adhere to the ethical standards of the field.

A degree in Studio Art prepares majors for careers as fine artists, graduate study in fine arts, and entry-level positions in art and graphic design. The degree focuses on the breadth of general studies combined with visual arts studies where majors receive certificates in one or more of the following areas: Animation, Art History, Ceramics, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture. A 30-hour visual arts core supports the degree and creates a foundation of success in art related fields.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Studio Art program, 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 in their chosen area of specialization that exhibits a coherent set of artistic/intellectual goals. This includes the application of the relevant technologies and media associated with their area of specialization as well as other studio disciplines. (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)