Bachelor of Science, Major in Civil Engineering

at South Dakota State University USA

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.

Students in this major are exposed and participate in all aspects of theatre, through a broad-based education. Students will gain practical experience with the newest techniques and technology of theatre. In this major, the hands-on education involves participation in State University Theatre and Prairie Repertory Theatre.

Student Learning Outcomes
In the Theatre major, students will be able to:

• Think conceptually and critically about text, performance, and production. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Integrative Learning)
• Demonstrate an understanding of playwriting and production processes, aesthetic properties of style, and the way these shape and are shaped by artistic and cultural forces. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Be acquainted with a wide selection of theatre repertory including the principal eras, genres, and cultural sources. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Develop and defend informed judgments about theatre. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Demonstrate ability in areas of performance, production, or playwriting appropriate to their individual needs and interests and consistent with the goals and objectives of the program. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
• Understand procedures and approaches for realizing a variety of theatrical styles. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving)

If applicable, students will be prepared to gain entry level positions:

• In the profession in the areas of design, technology, or stage management, or gain entrance to graduate programs for additional training prior to entering the profession.
• As performers or gain acceptance to graduate programs for additional training or to enter the profession.
• In theatre management, promotions/business or gain acceptance to graduate programs for additional training or to enter the profession.

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)

One of the fastest growing scientific disciplines is also one of the youngest – biochemistry. Biochemistry is the application of atomic and molecular principles to the function of plant and animal life processes. This multifaceted science includes the study of all life forms and depends on basic concepts derived from chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. Training in biochemistry at the undergraduate level positions students well for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, government laboratories, and is very appropriate as a pre-professional course of study. The B.S. in Biochemistry curriculum at SDSU builds upon a solid foundation in chemistry, and incorporates selected aspects of biology, physics, and mathematics to complete the undergraduate degree. In addition to completing the degree requirements listed below, biochemistry students engage in undergraduate research with faculty members in the department.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will understand the basic concepts fundamental to chemistry.
• Students will be properly prepared for laboratory investigations.
• Students will understand the nature of biological energy.
• Students will understand catalysis.
• Students will be able to describe energetic coupling of chemical processes in metabolic pathways.
• Students will be able to describe biological macromolecules.
• Students will describe the factors which determine the structure of biological macromolecules.
• Students will be able to relate structure and function.
• Students will be able to describe macromolecular interactions.
• Students will understand that macromolecular structure is dynamic.
• Students will be able to discuss regulation of the biological activity of macromolecules.
• Students will be able to relate the structure (and hence function) with the foundational principles of chemistry and physics.
• Students will be able to use a variety of experimental and computational approaches to observe and quantitatively measure the structure, dynamics and function of biological macromolecules. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving)
• Students will be able to describe the genome.
• Students will be able to discuss the relationship between nucleotide sequence and biological function.
• Students will be able to explain gene transmission from one generation to the next.
• Students will be able to describe genome maintenance.
• Students will understand the scientific process. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Students will be able to assess, comprehend, and communicate science. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Students will be able to rely on collaboration, effective teamwork, safety, and ethical practices. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Students will be able to describe the biological need for homeostasis.
• Students will be able to link steady state processes and homeostasis.
• Students will be able quantify homeostasis.
• Students will be able to describe control mechanisms.
• Students will be able to describe cellular and organismal homeostasis.
• Students will be able to synthesize the curricular knowledge and skills in a capstone (research) experience. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Information Literacy)

The Agricultural Education, Communication and Leadership Major is a multidisciplinary program that provides a strong foundation in agricultural sciences. The major allows students the flexibility to select a plan of study based on their interests and skills by choosing one of three specializations: Education, Communication, or Leadership. Students in the Agricultural Education specialization will complete a professional education curriculum, as well as supportive instruction in technical agriculture, basic science, and other competencies. Graduates of the Education Specialization will qualify for a secondary teaching certificate, and will also be prepared for a variety of careers in the agricultural industry.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Agricultural Education Specialization of the Agricultural Education, Communication, and Leadership Major, students will:

• Demonstrate knowledge and skill across the broad field of the Agricultural, Food, and Natural Resources industries.  
• Demonstrate and apply educational content knowledge related to effective teaching and learning of diverse groups of secondary students.
• Explain the importance of and show evidence of ethical and professional behaviors. (Cross-curricular Skill: Ethical Reasoning)
• Locate and evaluate information to solve real world problems. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy; Problem Solving)
• Evaluate core competencies and create plans for effective lifetime learning. (Cross-curricular Skill: Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills)
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communications skills.
• Evaluate a diverse spectrum of agriculturally related global challenges to communicate culturally responsible solutions to a variety of audiences. (Cross-curricular Skill: 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)

The Sport and Recreation Administration program at South Dakota State University prepares students to become dynamic leaders in intercollegiate athletics as well as campus and community recreation. The curriculum and internship experiences will educate students in management, marketing, communications, facilities, finance, ethics and legal issues, research, and much more. In addition to their experiential learning opportunities in their coursework, students will gain valuable real world experiences with our industry partners both on and off campus. Students graduating from the program will be equipped with a skill set that can be directly applied to a wide range of exciting career possibilities.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Management and ethical leadership: Students will understand a foundation in advanced principles and procedures of management and ethical leadership (e.g., administration, marketing, finance and budgeting) for the delivery of sport and recreation management.
• Effective communication: Students will develop effective writing and oral communication skills within the professional guidelines appropriate to graduate study in the field.
• Research: Develop effective writing and oral communication skills within the professional guidelines appropriate to graduate study in the field.
• Diversity awareness: Demonstrate an appreciation of individual differences, civic responsibility and engagement, ethical issues and all dimensions of diversity.
• Experiential learning: Demonstrate the ability to apply the disciplinary knowledge and skills in experiential learning endeavors.

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)

There is a strong demand for family and consumer sciences teachers and education professionals nationwide.  Through the online Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA) program, graduates will earn a Master’s of Science in Human Sciences with a specialization in Family and Consumer Sciences Education. Students in the program develop skills in planning curriculum, creating physical and psychological learning environments conducive to learning, developing engaging activities for learners, integrating technology, advising student organizations, working with diverse audiences and analyzing the historical and philosophical underpinnings of the family and consumer sciences profession.  Courses will also address professionalism and applying research to practice.

There are two emphases within this specialization:

• Teacher Licensure/Certification Emphasis - This emphasis is designed for those seeking initial teacher certification and is a teacher preparation focused program.
• Professional Practice Emphasis – This emphasis is designed for practicing professionals in family and consumer sciences education and extension and is a professional development/advancement focused program.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Nutrition - Students will demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the nutritional value of food and the necessary steps for food preparation and safety.
• Diversity - Students will demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of multicultural and pluralistic trends, including characteristics and concerns within and among diverse groups nationally and internationally.
• Careers - Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the varied careers available to individuals who pursue a career in this area.
• Communication - Students will demonstrate critical and innovative thinking.

Psychology is the discipline concerned with the study of behavior and mental processes. The teaching specialization prepares students to qualify for certification to teach psychology in one of thousands of schools nationwide.  Students pursuing this specialization should contact the College of Education and Human Sciences before their junior year.

Student Learning Outcomes
In the Psychology - Teaching Specialization, students will:

• Express fundamental knowledge and comprehension of major concepts in psychology. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Apply scientific reasoning to psychological issues/problems. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving; Ethical Reasoning)
• Show an understanding of diversity and ethical/social responsibility in professional settings. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Write competently in APA style. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Demonstrate oral competency. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)