Bachelor of Science, Major in Electrical Engineering

at South Dakota State University USA

Psychology is the discipline concerned with the study of behavior and mental processes. It is a tremendously broad field spanning subject matter from the biological to social sciences. The study of psychology prepares students for work in fields like health care, counseling, education, social work, human resources, statistics, probation and corrections, business, politics, public relations, and more. Psychologists are commonly found working in conjunction with other professionals to contribute to every area of society. Advisors assist students to personalize curriculum plans to meet career and educational goals.

Student Learning Outcomes
In the Psychology major, 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)

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.

This area of specialization is designed for the person who plans to become a communication educator. While the emphasis is primarily on secondary education, the area can serve as a specialization for teaching higher education as well.

Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be prepared 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)

Graduate work in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering leads to Master of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences degrees.

Students who undertake graduate studies in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering normally have as their goal a better understanding of the current theories, principles, issues, and problems in agricultural, environmental and biological systems. Graduate studies improve the student’s ability to think critically and creatively, and to synthesize, analyze, and integrate ideas for decision-making and problem solving.

The department offers students an opportunity to undertake research and advanced study in specialization areas such as food and biomaterial processing, physical properties of biological materials, natural resource engineering, precision agriculture, structures, indoor environment, waste management and machine design.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Conduct Research or Design: Conduct research and/or design projects that demonstrate an ability to model, analyze, and design agricultural and biosystems engineering processes and systems.
• Understand the principles of agricultural and biosystems engineering: The student will articulate a solid understanding of fate fundamental principles of agricultural and biosystems engineering, including the area of specialization and supporting areas.
• Communicate effectively: The student will demonstrate an ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, technical information in an effective manner.

The Dairy and Food Science Department provides research opportunities leading to Masters and PhD degrees. SDSU is one of two universities in the US with a Dairy Science Program that offers Dairy Production and Manufacturing majors. It is equipped with excellent laboratories, and a state of the art dairy processing plant which has the capability of processing fluid milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, concentrated and dried products, and other products. It also has a dairy research and training facility where a herd of 300 Holstein and Brown Swiss cattle for teaching and research is maintained. Metabolism and surgical facilities in the Animal Science Complex, and specialized laboratory equipment in the Genomics Lab and other departments on campus, including, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, and Health and Nutritional Sciences Programs are also available. Graduate students accepted in the program will have opportunities to utilize these facilities to develop basic and/or applied research programs in dairy product processing, microbiology, chemistry, food safety, dairy cattle nutrition, metabolism, breeding, microbiology of the rumen, immunology, and management, while interacting with well qualified faculty.  The SDSU Dairy Science Program, in collaboration with the Food Science and Nutrition Program at the University of Minnesota and the Food Science and Human Nutrition Program at Iowa State University, is the Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center. This provides graduate students in the manufacturing area a unique opportunity to be involved with current issues and research needs.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate adequate presentation and communication skills, including thesis and journal article writing, poster and oral presentation skills.
• Demonstrate information literacy for science-based inquiry and critical review of existing knowledge sources.
• Demonstrate an understanding of scientific methods and application of analytical techniques for solving research problems.
• Develop a deep understanding of experimental design, statistical analysis and use of inferential statistics to make valid judgements based on scientific data.
• Specialize research focus in some area such as dairy manufacturing, dairy microbiology or dairy production, but still be broadly based in knowledge of dairy science.
• Be able to conduct and publish scholarly research. (Option A)
• Demonstrate professional development and competence so that they may enter the work force in academia or industry.

Rangeland Ecology and Management focuses on the scientific study of rangelands, arid regions and grasslands to achieve resource management for maximum benefit and environmental balance. Graduates are well prepared for careers in a variety of land management fields, as well as agency and private sector positions.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Rangeland Ecology and Management specialization, students will:

• Understand ecological and environmental principles required for management of natural resources for multiple-uses, including (but not limited to) wildlife habitat, water management, ecosystems services, recreation, and livestock production. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Describe how natural resource management fits into the context of society and how societal factors (e.g., economics, policy, laws, regulations, attitudes, behaviors, norms) influence natural resource management. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Problem Solving; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Lead and work with others as appropriate to successfully manage natural resources. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Apply natural resource field and lab techniques and contemporary technologies to management of natural resources. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Analyze and critically evaluate data and other information. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Analyze and critically evaluate data and other information. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Communicate (both written and orally) with both scientific and non-scientific audiences. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Display professional and ethical behavior consistent with that expected in a natural resource management field. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Teamwork; Problem Solving; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

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 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 French Studies program allows students to learn a language, gain intercultural competence, and communicate effectively and appropriately with all people.  Studying French provides models to deal with cultural differences that are applicable in any part of the world, including the U.S Students engage with the contemporary norms that structure societies’ politics, religions, identities, and workplaces, as well as with the heritage and diversity of cultures in the French-speaking world. Students also participate in internships, study abroad, and experiential learning opportunities both locally and internationally. Courses in the French Studies program provide students with the flexibility to pair with another major, and with the skills to function and communicate effectively in any environment, and ultimately, to work competitively in the global marketplace.

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

• Speak, read and write French 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 French-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 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)