Master of Science in Sociology with Specialization in Community Development

at South Dakota State University USA

The Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences offers graduate students the opportunity to earn a Master of Science Degree. The curriculum, organized through formal courses, seminars, internship experiences, and supervised research, is designed to prepare students for positions in such professional areas as planning, remote sensing, geographic information sciences, government service, research, business, and teaching. The program also is designed to provide students with the education needed to pursue further graduate study. Students seeking this degree are expected to select courses that will provide a sound foundation in geography (philosophical, physical and human, and research techniques) supported, if appropriate, by courses outside the department. Students may also seek out opportunities such as the cooperative program with the EROS Data Center and/or internships, generally available with planning districts, governmental agencies, business, and industry.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Critical thinking: Demonstrate foundational and specialized knowledge in both the physical and human sciences and their interconnectedness at local, regional, and global scales.
• Critical thinking: Interpret the ethical consequences of global issues concerning the environment to strengthen commitment to local, national, and global citizenship.
• Problem solving: Demonstrate proficiency in the application of appropriate geographical technologies and techniques to address issues in the physical and/or human sciences.
• Written communication: Communicate geographic ideas clearly and effectively (e.g., maps, writing, oral presentations, posters, photos, flowcharts, tables, graphs, and illustrations).
• Creative thinking: Apply observations from laboratory and/or field experiences to analyze problems and offer solutions.
• Creative thinking: Demonstrate the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and synthesize information about people, places, and environments in a spatial-temporal context.
• Inquiry and analysis: 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.

In addition to a traditional thesis-based (Option A) M.S. degree, the Department also offers a predominantly on-line Chemistry M.S. with chemical education specialization. This is a non-thesis (Option B) degree that focuses on the content necessary for practicing high school teachers to achieve highly qualified status. Admission in this program is limited to in-service high school/college science teachers. Students interested in thesis-based M.S. degree in the sub-disciplinary area of chemical education should select the Chemistry (M.S.) program in their application for admission.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of AP curriculum: Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of topics in the Advanced Placement curriculum in chemistry.
  • Students will be able to explain atomic theory.
  • Students will be able to describe bonding and intermolecular forces.
  • Students will be able to explain phases of matter.
  • Students will be able to explain thermodynamics and equilibria.
  • Students will be able to describe kinetics.
  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and organic and biochemistry.
• Apply content knowledge toward teaching: Students will apply content knowledge toward teaching and critique their approaches toward teaching various chemistry topics.
• Action research project: Students will investigate the learning environment in their classroom via an action research project.
• Make discipline accessible and meaningful: Students will use the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he/she teaches and create learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
• Prepare plans of instruction to support all students: Students will prepare plans of instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.

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.

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 MSCE program offers courses, design, and research activities within Civil and Environmental Engineering that are related to structural, transportation, geotechnical, water resources, hydrology, hydraulics and environmental engineering, as well as engineering mechanics. Students can pursue an MS degree under a thesis, design paper, or coursework only option.

Program Educational Objectives

The Civil Engineering program at South Dakota State University is committed to preparing students to achieve the following educational objectives within five years beyond the baccalaureate degree.

• Graduates will have obtained professional licensure or specialized certification.
• Graduates will have engaged in professional development and life-long learning through earning advanced degrees, attending continuing education forums, or active participation in professional organizations.
• Graduates will have become actively involved in their profession, communities, and global society with a trajectory towards leadership positions.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, students should be able to:

• Apply principles of engineering analysis and design to solve problems in civil engineering.
• Design and evaluate civil engineering systems to meet desired needs within realistic constraints.
• Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Assess and reflect personal values in relation to ethical dilemmas within the civil engineering profession.
• One of the following
  • Carry out an engineering research project and provide written documentation in the form of a thesis. (Option A)
  • Develop an engineering design and provide written documentation in the form of a design paper. (Option B)
  • Provide written documentation in the form of a learning portfolio detailing how you have met 1, 2, and 3. (Option C)

The major in Business Economics combines the analytical rigor of an economics degree with the practical skills of a management degree. Students can tailor the program to their interests by choosing from a variety of electives in areas such as accounting, business law, decision science, entrepreneurship, economics, finance, management, and marketing.  Career opportunities for Business Economics majors include management, finance, banking, sales, real estate, and marketing. The Business Economics major also serves to prepare students for graduate work in law, economics, and business.

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 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.

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)

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.

This is a collaborative graduate program leading to the Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences. Departments that cooperate in the program are the Departments of Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering; Agronomy, Horticulture, & Plant Science; Biology & Microbiology; Dairy & Food Science; Natural Resource Management; and Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences. Specializations and emphases are available in the following areas:

• Biology Specialization
• Dairy Science Specialization
• Food Science Specialization
• Microbiology Specialization
• Natural Resource Management Specialization
• Veterinary Medicine Specialization
• Veterinary Microbiology Emphasis
• Veterinary Pathology Emphasis

The masters and doctoral programs in Biological Sciences allow for considerable latitude in the education and training of students. Students interested in advanced studies in the biological sciences will have the opportunity to tailor a program that meets their interest by selecting courses offered by faculty from the participating departments. While the training of most students is largely directed to a single discipline represented within one of the participating departments, cross-discipline training is available. Generally, identification of a major professor with resources to support the student’s dissertation project is required for unconditional acceptance into the program. Therefore, interested persons should make application for program admission well in advance of the anticipated date of enrollment. Please refer to each departmental section for a listing of the graduate faculty and details regarding the areas of study offered in this program. Inquiries should be made directly to the department representing the discipline of interest.

Biological Sciences Program Objectives

Graduates of the Master of Science in Biological Sciences will:

• Have a deep understanding and knowledge of biological principles related to the chosen discipline
• Apply principles into practice in the field or industry setting
• Have an appreciation and working knowledge of scientific research methods in the discipline
• Demonstrate ability to interpret research findings and understand the implications
• Write a coherent thesis or research paper and demonstrate the ability to write a scientific journal paper
• Demonstrate competence in the major course topics covered by the student’s graduate plan of study
• Demonstrate the ability to use ethics in decision making and planning
• Demonstrate information literacy for science-based decision making and lifetime learning

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.