General Information
An act of the Territorial Legislature approved in 1881 provided for the establishment of what is now South Dakota State University. As a Land-Grant institution, the University subscribes to the philosophy of education, research, and extension as its three-fold mission. The Graduate School is a separate administrative unit composed of selected scholars within the University engaged in work to further the land-grant mission. The institution granted its first Master of Science degree in 1891, its first Master of Education degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1958. All graduate work was supervised by a committee until 1957, when the Graduate School was established.
A Graduate Council of twelve (12) elected members from the Graduate Faculty assists the Graduate Dean. The council includes the Graduate Dean (chair); and two (2) members, and alternates from each of the six (6) colleges: Agriculture and Biological Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Education and Human Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, and Pharmacy. The Dean of the Library serves as an ex-officio voting member.
The Graduate Faculty is composed of the University President, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, college deans, and heads of departments in which graduate courses are given. Tenure-track faculty with a terminal degree are eligible for graduate faculty status and will be admitted to the Graduate Faculty at the request of the appropriate Department Head and Dean (using the appropriate request form), in accordance with the policies of the Graduate School. New faculty hires who are not tenure-track and/or who do not have a terminal degree will follow the extended nomination process. All matters of policy and standards are acted on by the Graduate Faculty. In addition, Graduate Faculty are authorized to serve as advisors to graduate students or on their examining committee and to teach courses for graduate credit.
The Graduate School provides an atmosphere for qualified students to obtain rigorous advanced education in a variety of fields in preparation for service and leadership in their professions and society. It also promotes scholarly pursuits and scientific research for the advancement of knowledge within a climate of freedom of inquiry. This Catalog deals only with the graduate programs of the institution. For material on undergraduate programs and for general information concerning South Dakota State University, refer to the General Catalog (Undergraduate Catalog) or at www.sdstate.edu.
This Catalog is printed to provide information about the graduate programs of South Dakota State University. Every effort has been made to provide as complete and accurate information as possible; however, it should be noted that changes may occur at any time and that the catalog does not represent a contractual agreement. The university reserves the right, as approved by the Board of Regents, to modify requirements, curricula offerings, and charges, and to add, alter, or delete courses and programs through appropriate procedures. While reasonable efforts will be made to publicize such changes, a student is encouraged to seek current information from appropriate offices.
Students are allowed to fulfill the degree requirements in effect at the time of initial enrollment as a degree-seeking student, provided the student completes the degree requirements within the stated time frame through continuous enrollment. If a student needs to re-apply into the degree program, the guidelines in effect at the time of re-application must then be followed. It is the student’s responsibility to become familiar with and complete the requirements for the degree being sought.
Accreditation
Listed below are the specific accreditation boards involving SDSU Graduate Programs:
The University holds institutional membership in a number of educational associations: the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (1307 New York Avenue, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005-4701; Phone 202-478-4701) promotes the aims expressed in the Morrill Act of 1862, and in the subsequent acts of Congress relating to Land-Grant Colleges.
Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (230 North LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL, 60604; Phone 800-621-7440). Its purpose is to maintain high standards of instructional work and educational programs.
Agriculture and Biological Sciences
Agricultural Systems Technology: The Agricultural Systems Technology Program is accredited by the American Society of Agricultural And Biological Engineering (2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659; Phone: 269-429-0300).
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering: The Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology - Engineering Accreditation Commission (111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202; Phone 410-347-7700).
Arts and Sciences
Chemistry: The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is accredited by the American Chemical Society (1155 Sixteenth St., N.W., Washington, DC 20036; Phone 202-872-4589).
Journalism and Mass Communication: The curriculum in Journalism and Mass Communication is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (School of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045; Phone 913-864-3986).
Education and Human Sciences
Athletic Training: The Athletic Training Program (undergraduate and graduate levels) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (2201 Double Creek Drive, Suite 5006, Round Rock, TX 78664; Phone 512-733-9700).
Counseling and Human Resource Development: The Counseling and Human Resource Development program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 510 Alexandria, Virginia 22314; Phone 703-535-5990). The specialization in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling has been accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) (1699 E. Woodfield Road, Suite 300 Schaumburg, IL 60173; 847-944-1345).
Dietetics: The Dietetics program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education of Nutrition and Dietetics, the accrediting agency for Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312-899-0040 ext 5400).
Exercise Science: The Exercise Science Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) (1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756; Phone 727-210-2350). The program was recommended for CAAHEP accreditation after review by the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (COAES) (401 W. Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202; Phone 317-637-9200 ext. 147).
Interior Design: The Interior Design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350 Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4014; Phone: 616.458.0400).
Teacher Education: The preparation of teachers and other professional school personnel at both the undergraduate and graduate levels is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (2010 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20036-1023; Phone 202-466-7496) and the South Dakota Department of Education (800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501, Phone 605-773-3134)
Engineering
The Agricultural and Biosystems, Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering Programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology - Engineering Accreditation Commission (111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202; Phone 410-347-7700).
Computer Science: The Computer Science program is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering & Technology (111 Market Pl., Suite 1050 Baltimore, MD 21202; Phone 410-347-7700).
Construction Management: The Construction Management program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (1717 North Loop 1604 East, Suite 320, San Antonio, TX 78232-1570; Phone 201-495-6161).
Nursing
The programs in the College of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, D.C. 20036-1120; Phone 202-887-6791 x252).
Pharmacy
The curriculum in Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (20 North Clark Street, Suite 2500, Chicago, IL 60602-5109; Phone 312-664-3575).
Extension
The extension programs of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering; Animal Science; Biology/Microbiology; Dairy Science; Economics; Experiment Station; Family and Consumer Sciences; Natural Resource Management; Plant Science; Sociology and Rural Studies; Station Biochemistry; and Veterinary Medicine are reviewed by the United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA); 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Stop 2201, Washington, DC 20250-2201. |
