Master of Science in Geography with Specialization in Geographic Information Sciences

at South Dakota State University USA

Chemistry is often referred to as the central science because of its strong connections to the other natural sciences and mathematics. Chemistry is therefore an area of study that allows students vast opportunity to explore the unknown and to address some of society’s most pressing scientific problems. Professional chemists are employed in a number of diverse fields: governmental policymakers, pharmaceutical and industrial chemists, intellectual property attorneys, high school teachers, and physicians. The curriculum reaches both the breadth and depth of the discipline. Students take a foundational course in each of the five subdisciplines (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry) and advanced courses in these subdisciplines based on the student’s individual interests and career goals. Undergraduate training in chemistry at SDSU provides students with enhanced critical-thinking skills and problem-solving abilities, attributes that are highly desired in the modern workforce. The chemistry major is also excellent preparation for professional study in medicine, dentistry, business, and law. The American Chemical Society (ACS), in recognition of the quality and rigor of the curriculum, certifies the B.S. degree in chemistry offered by the Department. In addition to completing the degree requirements listed below, students engage in independent research projects in collaboration with departmental faculty; this capstone experience affords students a means to apply the knowledge of the discipline to questions for which the answers are unknown.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completing a B.S. in Chemistry, graduates will:

• Understand the basic concepts fundamental to chemistry.
• Be properly prepared for laboratory investigations.
• Develop in-depth knowledge of at least four of the five subdisciplines of chemistry (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical).
• Demonstrate knowledge of modern chemistry topics, which could include catalysis, environmental chemistry, green/sustainable chemistry, materials science, and toxicology.
• Be able to design and execute experiments, analyze data, and use the chemical literature. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Be able to synthesize the curricular knowledge and skills in a capstone (research) experience. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Information Literacy)
• Understand the scientific process and develop problem-solving skills. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
• Retrieve information effectively. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Develop chemical safety skills.
• Be able to rely on collaboration, effective teamwork, safety, and ethical practices. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork; Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Learn professional ethics. (Cross-curricular Skill: Ethical Reasoning)
• Have proficiency in essential green chemistry competencies.
• Be able to assess, comprehend, and communicate science. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)

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 the completion of the Physics major, students will:

• 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)
• Be able to 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: Critical and Creative Thinking)

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.

This program takes advantage of the types of courses central to a liberal arts education. Although the degree is not tied to any specific career aspiration, students often use the degree as preparation for careers in musicology, composing, music librarianship, and private studio teaching. The flexibility of the curriculum is also used by students desiring a performance-based course of study and to prepare for graduate school.

Student Learning Outcomes
Music Studies students will:

• Analyze, synthesize, and create music as a means of supporting developing careers in music education and/or performance. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Be able to perform as soloists, ensemble members, and/or chamber musicians at appropriate levels for their concentration. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork)
• Integrative Learning (Cross-curricular Skill: Integrative Learning)
• Demonstrate proficient knowledge of the information literacy as pertained to research method—specifically when it comes to researching and writing about music. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• SLO 5 (Diversity and Inclusion) will be assessed through learning opportunities presented in the first-year MUS 119 course, reinforced through discussion of MUEN programming, and through progress in projects associated with MUS 130, World Music. Data will be collected and analyzed every three years and stored in the Music office. Benchmark for success is that 80% of students will demonstrate proficient knowledge of the diversity of values, beliefs, practices, and ideas embodied in the discipline of music. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

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)

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.

Secondary school mathematics educators need to be mathematicians as well as skilled educators, so the Mathematics Education Specialists take the same challenging core upper level mathematics courses as those math majors pursuing other professional goals. In addition to this rigorous mathematics curriculum, Mathematics Education Specialists take the full block of education courses. This program allows graduates to find meaningful careers in secondary education, as well as preparing students for graduate study.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Mathematics major with teaching specialization, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate competence in all core areas of undergraduate mathematics. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking, Problem Solving)
• Develop a career as a mathematics educator.
• Use contemporary mathematical and presentation software and technology. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Apply pedagogical knowledge to allow them to grow as a teacher. (Cross-curricular Skill: Integrative Learning, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Communicate clearly and succinctly in writing in the discipline. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Articulate complex ideas to an audience. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)

The Precision Agriculture major prepares students for careers that bridge the gaps between agronomy, agriculture machinery management, and data sciences caused by the rapid evolution of high-speed sensor technology.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Precision Agriculture major, students will:

• Demonstrate foundational and specialized knowledge in crop management, environmental stewardships, and precision agriculture technologies and their integrations at local, regional, and global scales. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Explore complex local, regional, and global issues using a precision agriculture 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 economic and environmental proficiency in applying the proper principles and technologies of precision agriculture and to address socioeconomic issues in Agricultural sciences. (Cross-curricular Skill: Civic Knowledge and Engagement)
• Demonstrate the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and synthesize accurate digital field maps using specialized software and have the operational knowledge for specialized precision agriculture equipment, computers, and spreadsheet applications to produce meaningful management recommendations (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
• Effectively communicate and demonstrate openness to new perspectives and diverse others, and demonstrate the ability to reassess their personal perspective within precision agriculture activities when appropriate. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

Landscape Architecture is the art of design, planning, and management of outdoor spaces for human use and habitation. Cultural and scientific knowledge are applied to the use and arrangement of natural and man-made elements with concern for resource conservation, stewardship, and the environment. Graduates work in a wide variety of areas in the landscape industry, as designers and planners in public and private practice, and as environmental designers and managers.

Student Learning Outcomes
Students in the Landscape Architecture program will be able to:

• Collect and analyze site-related data and attributes. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Synthesize findings and analysis into design program and decisions. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Develop and analyze different design concepts and points of view. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Apply knowledge and skills to address a design problem and provide appropriate solutions. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
• Develop and lead community engagement/improvement projects. (Cross-curricular Skill: Civic Knowledge and Engagement)
• Consider diverse perspectives and user groups when making design decisions. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
• Address issues of diversity and equity through the design process. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)

A major in advertising will prepare students with effective written and visual communication, critical thinking, strategy, design, and research skills. Through coursework and experiential learning experiences, including a required internship, graduates gain experience working on teams to develop solutions for applied projects, clients, and competitive campaigns.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students completing an advertising 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.