2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Agricultural Science Major (Bachelor of)


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Program Contact
Donald Marshall, Associate Dean
College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences
Agricultural Hall 156
605-688-5133
e-mail: Donald.Marshall@sdstate.edu
Click here for additional information. 

Program Description
The Agricultural Science curriculum is designed for the student undecided as to a specific major field of study within the area of agriculture, or who may want to combine multiple fields of study within agriculture, or plans to return to the farm or ranch after college. A large number of free electives are available allowing the student to take courses in the different disciplines needed for a diversified career or to manage a production unit.

General electives may be selected from any area and allow students to develop special competencies or interests. When qualifying for a Bachelor of Science degree a student may, through a choice of electives, complete courses in business, prepare for graduate study, or enroll in special areas of study such as plant and/or animal science.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the BS Degree in Agricultural Science, students will:

  • Have broad knowledge of animal science, agronomy, agricultural systems technology, and agri-business.
  • Have an in-depth understanding of the principles underlying a chosen area of emphasis.
  • Be prepared to manage a farm or ranch enterprise or for a career in agribusiness.
  • Locate and evaluate information to aid in decision making.
  • Have sufficient core competencies for effective lifetime learning.
  • Have a broad understanding of global challenges and issues related to food systems and agriculture
  • Demonstrate effective written and oral communications skills
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and decision making skills

Course Delivery Format
Courses are delivered in lecture, laboratory, and field-based formats, and some are offered by online delivery.

Requirements for General Agriculture Major: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

System General Education Requirements*: 31


Institutional Graduation Requirements**: 5


Elective Coursework


Agriculture Electives: 6


Select at least six credits from the following courses.

  • Any course with the prefix(es) of ABE, ABS, AS, AST,  DS, EES, HO, LA, NRM, PR, PRM, RANG or VET

Communication Elective: 3


Select one of the following Advanced Writing courses.

Program Concentration Electives or General Electives: 31-36


Total Required Credits: 120


Curriculum Notes


* The 30 credit Board of Regents System General Education Requirements (SGRs) must be completed as part of a student’s first 64 credits.

** South Dakota State University has a 5 credit Institutional Graduation Requirement (IGRs).

(G) Globalization Requirement.

(AW) Advanced Writing Requirement.

Students must take the proficiency examination after completing 48 credits. English 101, and a course in each of the General Education areas of social science, mathematics, natural science, and humanities and arts must be taken prior to taking this exam.

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