Bachelor of Science, Major in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences

at South Dakota State University USA

The Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science Department is an integrated department that includes programs in crop production, entomology, horticulture, plant biotechnology, plant breeding, plant pathology, precision farming, soils, water management, and weed science. The primary goals of the department are to conduct research in these areas, to transmit the results to the public, and to help prepare students for an occupation in these disciplines and to become productive members of a community. Graduate training includes classroom instruction, teaching experience, seminars designed to refine oral and written skills, and meaningful experience in laboratory and field research techniques. Departmental diversity encourages collaborations among disciplines and research programs that support this graduate training.

A major in Communication Studies prepares students to understand the central role that communication plays in people’s lives. Graduates of this program will receive the training, expertise and background that will promote professional success in a wide variety of career areas where communication is a critical requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates in Communication Studies will be able 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)

Physics is the foundation of almost all of the science and engineering disciplines. The curriculum in Physics has the flexibility to accommodate a wide range of student interests including engineering, physical science, mathematics, biological science, or health sciences. Graduates find careers in physics research, education, engineering, medicine, nuclear medicine, law, science journalism or alternatively many other choices.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Physics - Science Teaching Specialization, students will be able to:

• Support an environment that is inclusive to everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability status. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity)
• Write a laboratory report that is appropriate for the discipline of physics and suitable for publication in an undergraduate research journal. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Defend a hypothesis or a research project by giving an oral presentation in a colloquium setting.
• Solve complex physics problems by applying scientific and mathematical principles. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
• Design experiments; build and use equipment; gather, analyze and interpret experimental data; and draw conclusions based upon the data. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Propose creative solutions for key issues of scientific, social, economic, or environmental merit and defend their hypothesis in either a research paper or by generating a proposal for an experimental design. (Cross-curricular Skill: Creative and Critical Thinking)

The M.S. in Interdisciplinary Sciences program is an innovative, flexible, and highly individualized graduate program designed to meet students’ academic and professional goals. Students will work with their advisor to finalize their plan of study in at least two or three disciplines, using classes that are relevant to supporting the student in achieving their educational goals. Students will complete a plan of study with a research/design paper or coursework only option.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the various disciplines incorporated into their plan of study;
• Identify and apply relevant theoretical frameworks;
• Have fundamental knowledge of their disciplines and specific knowledge of their particular area of study; and
• Demonstrate mastery of subject matter on their plan of study.

Students who undertake a project will be able to:

• Develop a plan for the project or develop a plan for a scholarly or creative work;
• Locate, retrieve and utilize appropriate information;
• Read, understand, and critically review the primary literature or previous creative works;
• Utilize appropriate methodologies to conduct an applied study, implement a project, or utilize appropriate skills to produce a creative work;
• Analyze results using qualitative or quantitative techniques when appropriate;
• Compare their results to previous studies when appropriate;
• Explain the contribution of their work to the broader field of existing knowledge or to previously created works; and
• Communicate the originality of, as well as the independent thinking and rationale for their work, in oral or written format.

Students who undertake the course completion option will be able to:

• Undertake scholarly or creative work as demonstrated in specific class assignments;
• Locate, retrieve and utilize appropriate information;
• Read, understand, and critically review the primary literature or previous creative works;
• Analyze results using qualitative or quantitative techniques when appropriate;
• Compare their results to previous studies when appropriate;
• Explain the contribution of their work to the broader field of existing knowledge or to previously created works; and
• Communicate the originality of, as well as the independent thinking and rationale for their work, in written or oral format.

Students majoring in Consumer Affairs who pursue the Consumer Services Management specialization are usually interested in marketing, communication, human development, planning principles and working with individuals to develop personal management skills. Required courses for the Consumer Services Management specialization focus on the application of resource management concepts for families of varying structures, consumer rights and responsibilities, consumer behavior in making decisions, the impact of the marketplace on problem solving and implementation strategies for working with diverse audiences.

Completion of the Consumer Affairs major and Consumer Services Management specialization prepares students to engage in a variety of careers such as: management of non-profit organizations, management of retail businesses, Extension, credit/financial counseling, human resources, marketing and sales.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will apply the consumer decision-making process to improve consumer well-being.
• Students will demonstrate effective resource management skills. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills)
• Students will integrate knowledge of policy and community resources to solve consumer issues. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy; Problem Solving)
• Students will increase knowledge, awareness, and understanding of individual and social differences in consumer behavior. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

The Master of Engineering program is a professional degree designed to grow your capacity to manage and lead in complex technical organizations. The program is 50% advanced engineering courses, 50% management and leadership courses, and can be completed on-campus or on-line.

The Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) is a terminal or professional degree as it is coursework only – no thesis. This graduate program is tailored to meet the needs of working professionals at their own pace or for senior-level engineering students who want to earn a graduate degree while still at SDSU. Core classes include project management, operations, and management and leadership, culminating in an applied industry-based project.  Advanced engineering courses come from civil, electrical, mechanical, or agricultural engineering disciplines.

The M.Eng. program has a dedicated industrial advisory board to provide input and guidance on expected student competencies and program outcomes.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the time of graduation from the Master of Engineering program, students will have:

• in-depth technical knowledge in engineering;
• knowledge of contemporary leadership and management in professional practice;
• a demonstrated ability to apply engineering, management and leadership concepts; and,
• a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally, graphically and in writing.

The Capstone course (GE 750) is used to determine whether students have met expected program outcomes. In the Capstone course, students are expected to manage and execute an industry-based project or similar complex application of technical knowledge and management analysis skills.

The focus of the M.S. in Statistics program is the development of sophisticated statistical models and their implementation on high performance computing platforms. The curriculum features a balance of application, computation, and theory with particular emphasis in the areas of biostatistics/informatics and analytics. Areas of faculty and graduate student research activity include bioinformatics, biostatistics, business and financial analytics, forensic statistics, and general statistics. The program is particularly effective at preparing graduates to work in business, industry, or government as well as preparing students to continue on to the CSS Ph.D. or other Ph.D. program.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will understand mathematical or statistical models.
• Students will be able to construct and apply standard mathematical and statistical models.
• Students will be able to solve problems using appropriate software to implement the appropriate models.
• Students will be able to disseminate the results of their work to others.
• Students will be able to apply Argument Deconstruction in mathematics and statistics.

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 Mechanical Engineering Department offers courses for the degree Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Also, course offerings can be used in co-major or minor programs for students of other departments. The graduate program in mechanical engineering concentrates on advanced study, including design and research, in such areas as thermofluid science, solid mechanics and dynamics, and industrial and quality control engineering. Students are encouraged to broaden their education by participating in supporting programs in established departments such as mathematics, computer science and other fields of engineering.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Articulate a solid understanding of the fundamental principles in the general areas of the mechanical engineering discipline and supporting areas.
• Demonstrate an ability to communicate, written and verbal, technical information in an effective manner.
• Conduct research and/or design projects that demonstrate ability to model, analyze and design mechanical engineering processes and systems.
• Demonstrate the transferable skills necessary for a career as a researcher and/or for employment in a senior and leading capacity in a relevant area of professional practice or industry, through career preparedness training, such as writing cover letters and resumes.

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.