Bachelor of Arts, Major in Geography

at South Dakota State University USA

The Leadership and Management of Nonprofit Organizations major will prepare students for jobs in the nonprofit sector. Through the Leadership and Management of Nonprofit Organizations (LMNO) program, students will be empowered to become successful professionals who work to advance the quality of life in communities. The program prepares students with opportunities to increase their abilities and skills in the work of leadership to enhance nonprofit organizations. Students will develop a basic understanding of the nonprofit sector, the role of philanthropy in the United States, and introduce the history, philosophy, ethics, and organizational structure of nonprofit and social service agencies. Students will apply fundraising, volunteer management, financial management, leadership and team development techniques.

Upon completion of the undergraduate program, students may also earn the Certified Nonprofit Professional credential with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance organization. This certification requires students to have knowledge and experiences in 10 different competencies areas. Those competency areas are: Communication, Marketing, and Public Relations; Culture and Diversity; Financial Resource Development and Management; Foundations and Management of Nonprofit Sector; Governance, Leadership, and Advocacy; Legal and Ethical Decision Making; Personal and Professional Development; Program Development; Volunteer and Human Resource Management; and Future of the Nonprofit Sector.

Graduates will be prepared to obtain positions with local, national, and international nonprofit organizations or employers outside of the nonprofit sector. Examples of these positions include executive director of a nonprofit; marketing and public relations; fundraising and resource development; human resources director of a nonprofit; volunteer recruitment and management; community and economic development; program development, management and evaluation; and financial administration and management. Students graduating with the LMNO major may be employed by for-profits in their public affairs, community relations, or corporate responsibility departments or in the consultant industry.

Student Learning Outcomes
Leadership and Management of Nonprofit Organizations graduates will:

• Apply knowledge of fundamental nonprofit management terms, theories, and skills.
• Demonstrate and apply in-depth knowledge of leadership theories.
• Demonstrate the ability to function as an effective member of a team.
• Demonstrate respect and understanding towards diverse cultures and beliefs of individuals and communities. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Explain the importance of and show evidence of ethical and professional behaviors. (Cross-curricular Skill: Ethical Reasoning)
• Design, implement, and evaluate projects for a variety of audiences. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement)
• Demonstrate effective written and/or oral communication skills to appropriate audiences.

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.

The Department of Natural Resource Management offers graduate programs in both Biological Science with a Specialization in Natural Resource Management and Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences. Both degree programs award M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.

Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences

The M.S. degree program in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences is intended to educate students for management-level positions with state and federal agencies, private companies, and for the pursuit of higher academic degrees. By using specifically identified coursework and mentoring, we strive to assist students in developing their intellectual capabilities in working with natural resources and people. In addition, each student must propose and conduct an original scientific investigation. Placement rates for M.S. graduates into positions as fisheries biologists, wildlife biologists, and other natural resource positions with state and federal agencies is extremely high.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Be knowledgeable regarding biological systems at a level appropriate to a M.S. degree holder.
• Be able to effectively express themselves orally and in written form.
• Understand the scientific method of solving problems.
• Be computer and statistically capable.
• Be specialized in some area of wildlife or fisheries, but still be broadly based in knowledge.
• Be able to conduct scholarly research.
• Understand the relationships between biological information and socioeconomic factors.
• Demonstrate professional development, especially in regard to the need for continued learning after their degree program.
• Develop a concern and feeling for the natural resources of the world.

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 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)

Electrical engineers play key roles in solving technical problems in many areas including biomedical engineering, communications, computers and digital hardware, electronic materials and sensor devices, image processing, control systems, alternative energy and power systems.

The program begins the first year developing a strong foundation in mathematics, science, and communication. Unique to SDSU, the EE program boasts a first semester introductory hands-on lab experience followed by a first course in linear circuits and lab in the second semester. Following this are two intensive years of study in circuits, energy conversion, electronics, signal, systems and control theory, electronic material and devices, digital and microprocessor systems. The junior and senior years include courses that cover the breadth and depth of the field.  During their senior year, students will select a specialization and take technical electives in their chosen area. The capstone of the program is Senior Design I and II, a two-semester sequence taken in the senior year that places every student on a team that designs, builds, tests, and demonstrates a significant electrical engineering project (typically industry sponsored), which 1) incorporates appropriate engineering standards and multiple constraints, and 2) is based on the knowledge and skills acquired in earlier course work; students also take a Project Management and Engineering Economics course that supports this sequence. The projects are developed in collaboration with SDSU researchers or industry and provide students valuable “real world” team design experience.

Program Educational Objectives
The undergraduate EE program educational objectives are to equip individuals who, after graduation and initial work experience,

•  Provide innovative and state-of-the-art approaches to solving complex technical problems through application of sound electrical engineering principles and make high quality technical decisions based on accumulated knowledge, experience, wisdom and common sense.
• Create positive organizational impact through individual contribution and teamwork with a commitment to working with others of diverse culture and interdisciplinary backgrounds.
• Demonstrate professional stewardship and ethical responsibility and exemplify a productive member of society by serving their communities and society.
• Illustrate initiative and successful career growth through measurable and impactful contributions that strongly support the organization’s core high-level goals, accompanied by lifelong learning through graduate work, professional development and self-study, leading to increases in organizational responsibility.

Student Outcomes
All graduates 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 history curriculum is adaptable to personal interests and needs, allowing students to explore the past and make connections to the present.  The Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree in history prepares students for careers in various professional occupations, law, journalism, teaching, business, public service, library sciences, international work, historical research, and 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 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.

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 Master’s degree in Agricultural Education is designed to meet the needs of individuals who work (or plan to work) in agricultural education, non-profit organizations, post-secondary education or in agriculture leadership. The School of Education, Counseling and Human Development provides professional preparation for those who want to expand their knowledge and advance themselves professionally in the agricultural industry.

Students are able to choose from either a program in which only coursework is required or a program in which they must complete a research project or creative component. If a student elects to complete a thesis (Plan A) the program will include 30 credit hours. If a student elects to complete a creative component (Plan B), the student must complete a minimum of 32 credit hours in order to graduate. If a full coursework option is selected (Plan C), the student must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of current issues: The graduate of the curriculum and instruction program displays knowledge of current practices, research, theories, and issues in education.
• Knowledge of learning: The graduate of the curriculum and instruction program demonstrates knowledge of how students learn and is able to effectively apply that knowledge within a variety of educational roles.
• Curricular processes: The graduate of the curriculum and instruction program effectively participates in curricular processes.
• Communication skills: The graduate of the curriculum and instruction program effectively communicates.
• Foundational lifetime learning skills: The graduate of the curriculum and instruction program displays commitment to professional involvement and growth through continual learning, reflective practice, and collaboration.
• Technology: The graduate of the curriculum and instruction program makes appropriate use of educational technology.