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Degree Definitions
Associate Degree
An Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree is typically a two-year transfer degree, which indicates the completion of a student’s lower division general education requirements and forms the foundation for baccalaureate degree programs. Up to 16 credit hours at the 300 and 400 level may be required. More than 16 credit hours at the 300 and 400 level may be required if specified by an accrediting agency.
An Associate of Science (A.S.) degree is a terminal degree. However, it is transferable when a specific degree articulation agreement exists between a given AS degree and a specific baccalaureate degree. (BOR Policy 2:26.) Up to 16 credit hours at the 300 and 400 level may be required. More than 16 credit hours at the 300 and 400 level may be required if specified by an accrediting agency.
At South Dakota State University, the associate’s degree programs are:
- Associate of Science (A.S.) in Agricultural Science
- Associate of Arts (A.A.) in General Studies
Bachelor’s Degree
The bachelor’s degree is awarded to a student by a university for satisfactory completion of a prescribed course of study ranging from 120-138 credits. It is verified by a diploma and transcript signifying a measure of achievement. The bachelor’s degree enables a student to acquire a certain amount of general learning and to also become proficient in a particular field of study or a profession. The curricular structure of a bachelor’s degree program includes a system general education core curriculum, institutional graduation requirements, support courses, major courses, and electives.
At South Dakota State University, the bachelor’s degrees offered are:
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
- Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.)
- Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (B.L.A.)
- Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.)
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
- Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.)
Master’s Degree
In broad terms, the master’s degree indicates that the recipient has mastered a program of advanced, specialized study in a particular field. Normally, degree titles indicate one of two major categories. The Master of Arts and Master of Science are academic degrees designed to provide an introduction to scholarship activities and research. These degrees often serve the needs of individuals teaching in public schools or community colleges and/or preparation for further graduate study. The second category leads to professional master’s degrees, such as the Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) or Master of Music (M. M.) While similar to the MA and MS, these programs tend to emphasize professional practice
At South Dakota State University, the master’s degrees offered are:
- Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Master of Education (M.Ed.)
- Master of Mass Communication (M.M.C.)
- Master of Science (M.S.)
Professional Graduate Degree
The professional graduate degree is earned by two or more years of professional study past the baccalaureate degree. This degree prepares an individual for entry into the practice of a recognized profession. Examples of professional doctorates are the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Juris Doctor (J.D.), Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degrees.
At South Dakota State University, the professional graduate degrees offered are:
- Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
- Masters of Public Health (M.P.H.)
Doctoral Degree
The Doctor of Philosophy program (Ph.D.) is designed to prepare a student to become a scholar, that is, to discover, integrate, and apply knowledge, as well as communicate and disseminate it. A well-prepared doctoral graduate will have developed the ability to understand and evaluate critically the literature of the field and to apply appropriate principles and procedures to the recognition, evaluation, interpretation, and understanding of issues and problems at the frontiers of knowledge. The graduate will also have an appropriate awareness of and commitment to the ethical practices appropriate to the field.
At South Dakota State University, the doctoral degrees offered are:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Major
An academic major or primary area of study within a degree program enables students to make an in-depth inquiry into a discipline or a professional field of study. It is organized around a specific set of goals and objectives that are accomplished through an ordered series of courses, whose connections define an internal structure and whose sequence advances levels of knowledge and understanding. A major introduces students to a discipline or field of study and related area through a foundation of theory and method. A major that focuses on a specific discipline draws its courses predominantly from one department. A major that encompasses a professional field of study or is interdisciplinary usually obtains its courses from more than one department.
The number of credit hours required for a major and its organizational structure will vary, depending on whether it aims at disciplinary or professional preparation. Variations are due to the demands of accrediting agencies, certification requirements, professional competence and expectations. Undergraduate majors require both discipline specific and support courses. In the Regental system majors typically consist of 47-89 semester credit hours with the mean at 68.5 hours. Credits required for the major are supported by the general education core and electives and together meet the total degree requirement.
Minor
An academic minor within a degree program enables a student to make an inquiry into a discipline or field of study beyond the major or to investigate a particular content theme. It too should be organized around a specific set of objectives that are achieved through a series of courses. Minors are intended to provide limited competency in the subject. Course offerings in a minor may be centered in a specific department or drawn from several departments as in the case of a topical or thematic focus. Some specific requirements are included. Regental undergraduate minors typically consist of 18 semester credit hours. Flexibility typically is achieved by offering the student a choice from among a group of courses to complete the credits.
Specialization
A specialization is a designated plan of study, within an existing degree program. It provides a student an alternative to the primary format of the major or it may be one of several tracks within a broad major. It is specified in the institutional catalog and is designated on the transcript.
Certificates
A certificate program is a sequence, pattern, or group of courses that focus upon an area of specialized knowledge or information with defined outcomes. In the Regental system certificates typically consist of 9-12 credit hours including prerequisites.
Emphasis
An emphasis is a concentration within a major and is accomplished by individual student choices within a plan of study. For example, within a major on adult health the student may focus on the older adult. An emphasis is not regarded as a separate program. It may be described in the catalog, but not detailed as a specific plan of study. It is not specified on a transcript.
Degrees and Associated Majors
SDSU offers degrees the from the following colleges. Listed below are the major areas of study organized by college.
College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences
Associate of Science in Agriculture |
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Agricultural Science |
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture |
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Agricultural and Resource Economics |
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Agricultural Business |
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Agricultural Education, Communication, and Leadership |
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Agricultural Science |
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Agricultural Systems Technology |
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Agronomy |
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Animal Science |
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Dairy Manufacturing |
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Dairy Production |
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Food Science |
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Horticulture |
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Rangeland Ecology and Management |
Bachelor of Science in Biological Science |
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Biology |
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Biotechnology |
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Ecology and Environmental Science |
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Microbiology |
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Natural Resource Law Enforcement |
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Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences |
College of Arts and Sciences
Associate of Arts in Arts and Sciences
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General Studies |
Bachelor of Arts in Arts and Sciences |
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Advertising |
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American Indian Studies |
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Economics |
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English |
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French Studies |
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German |
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Global Studies |
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History |
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Journalism |
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Music |
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Political Science |
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Spanish |
Bachelor of Fine Arts |
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Architecture |
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Graphic Design |
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Interior Design |
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Studio Art |
Bachelor of General Studies |
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General Studies |
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture |
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Landscape Architecture |
Bachelor of Music Education |
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Music Education |
Bachelor of Science in Arts and Sciences |
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Advertising |
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Biochemistry |
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Chemistry |
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Economics |
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Entrepreneurial Studies |
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Geographic Information Sciences |
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Geography |
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History |
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Interdisciplinary Studies |
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Journalism |
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Physics |
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Political Science |
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Psychology |
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Sociology |
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Speech Communication |
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Theatre |
College of Education and Human Sciences
Bachelor of Science |
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Apparel Merchandising |
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Athletic Training |
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Aviation |
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Consumer Affairs |
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Early Childhood Education |
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Exercise Science |
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Family and Consumer Sciences Education |
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Health Education |
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Hospitality Management |
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Human Development and Family Studies |
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Nutrition and Dietetics |
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Physical Education Teacher Education |
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Sport, Recreation and Park Management |
Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering
Bachelor of Science |
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Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering |
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Civil Engineering |
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Computer Science |
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Construction Management |
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Electrical Engineering |
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Electronics Engineering Technology |
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Mathematics |
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Mechanical Engineering |
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Operations Management |
College of Nursing
Bachelor of Science |
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Accelerated Nursing |
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Nursing |
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RN Upward Mobility |
College of Pharmacy
Bachelor of Science |
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Medical Laboratory Science |
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Pharmaceutical Sciences |
Graduate School*
Master of Architecture |
Master of Arts |
Master of Education |
Master of Mass Communication |
Master of Public Health |
Master of Science |
Doctor of Nursing Practice |
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Doctor of Pharmacy |
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Doctor of Philosophy |
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* See Graduate School Catalog for information about majors and degrees |
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Majors Sorted by General Degree Type
Associate of Arts (A.A.) |
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General Studies |
Associate of Science in Agriculture (A.S.) |
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Agricultural Science |
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) |
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Advertising |
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American Indian Studies |
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Economics |
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English |
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French Studies |
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German |
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Global Studies |
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History |
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Journalism |
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Music |
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Political Science |
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Spanish |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) |
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Architecture |
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Graphic Design |
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Interior Design |
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Studio Art |
Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.) |
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General Studies |
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Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (B.L.A.) |
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Landscape Architecture |
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Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) |
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Music Education |
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) |
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Advertising |
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Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering |
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Agricultural and Resource Economics |
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Agricultural Business |
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Agricultural Education, Communication and Leadership |
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Agricultural Science |
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Agricultural Systems Technology |
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Agronomy |
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Animal Science |
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Apparel Merchandising |
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Athletic Training |
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Aviation |
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Biochemistry |
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Biology |
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Biotechnology |
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Chemistry |
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Civil Engineering |
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Computer Science |
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Construction Management |
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Consumer Affairs |
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Dairy Manufacturing |
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Dairy Production |
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Early Childhood Education |
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Ecology and Environmental Science |
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Economics |
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Electrical Engineering |
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Electronics Engineering Technology |
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Exercise Science |
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Family and Consumer Sciences Education |
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Geographic Information Sciences |
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Food Science |
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Geography |
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Graphic Design |
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Health Education |
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History |
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Horticulture |
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Hospitality Management |
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Human Development and Family Studies |
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Interdisciplinary Studies |
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Interior Design |
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Journalism |
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Mathematics |
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Mechanical Engineering |
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Medical Laboratory Science |
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Microbiology |
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Natural Resource Law Enforcement |
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Nursing |
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Nutrition and Dietetics |
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Operations Management |
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Pharmaceutical Sciences |
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Physics |
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Physical Education Teacher Education |
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Political Science |
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Psychology |
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Rangeland Ecology and Management |
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Sociology |
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Speech Communication |
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Sport, Recreation and Park Management |
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Theatre |
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Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences |
Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)* |
Master of Arts (M.A.)* |
Master of Education (M.Ed.)* |
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)* |
Master of Mass Communication (M.M.C.)* |
Master of Science (M.S.)* |
Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)* |
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Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)* |
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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)* |
* See Graduate School Catalog for further detail about
certificate programs, major specializations, emphasis,
minors
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Majors, Minors, and Certficates by Department
Aerospace Studies
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Animal Science
Architecture
Biology and Microbiology
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Communication Studies and Theatre
Construction and Operations Management
Consumer Sciences
Counseling and Human Development
Dairy Science
Economics
Economics
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
English
Geography
Health and Nutritional Sciences
History, Political Science, Philosophy, and Religion
Journalism and Mass Communication
Mathematics and Statistics
Mechanical Engineering
Military Science
Modern Languages and Global Studies
Music
Natural Resource Management
Nursing
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Pharmacy Practice
Physics
Plant Science
Psychology
School of Design
Sociology and Rural Studies
Teaching, Learning, and Leadership
Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Aerospace Studies
Aerospace Studies Minor
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Agricultural Systems Technology (B.S.)
Precision Agriculture Minor
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (B.S.)
Engineering for Precision Agriculture Minor
Animal Science
Animal Science (B.S.) - Business and Production Specialization
Animal Science (B.S.) - Science Specialization
Animal Science Minor
Equine Studies Minor
Meat Science Minor
Swine Science Certificate
Architecture
Architecture (B.F.A.)
Biology and Microbiology
(Pre-) Chiropractic
(Pre-) Dental
(Pre-) Medicine
(Pre-) Mortuary
(Pre-) Optometry
(Pre-) Physician Assistant
Biology (B.S.)
Biology (B.S.) - Pre-professional Specialization
Biology (B.S.) - Secondary Education Specialization
Biology Minor
Biotechnology (B.S.)
Microbiology (B.S.)
Microbiology Minor
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Biochemistry (B.S.)
Chemistry (B.S.)
Chemistry Minor
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Civil Engineering (B.S.)
College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences
Agricultural Science (A.S. & B.S.)
Agricultural Education, Communication and Leadership (B.S.) - Agricultural Education Specialization
Agricultural Education, Communication and Leadership (B.S.) - Communication Specialization
Agricultural Education, Communication and Leadership (B.S.) - Leadership Specialization
College of Arts and Sciences
American Indian Studies (B.S.)
American Indian Studies Minor
Experiential Learning Certificate
General Studies (A.A./ B.G.S.) (Administered by University College and Continuing and Extended Education)
Interdisciplinary Studies (B.S.)
Museum Studies Minor
Women’s Studies Minor
Communication Studies and Theatre
Communication Studies and Theatre Minor
Dance Minor
Health Communication Minor
Speech Communication (B.S.)
Speech Communication (B.S.) - Speech Education Specialization
Theatre (B.S.)
Theatre Arts Administration Certificate
Construction and Operations Management
Construction Management (B.S.)
Construction Minor
Electronics Engineering Technology (B.S.)
Operations Management (B.S.)
Consumer Sciences
Apparel Merchandising (B.S.)
Aviation (B.S.) - Aviation Education Specialization
Aviation (B.S.) - Aviation Maintenance Management Specialization
Aviation Minor
Consumer Affairs (B.S.) - Consumer Services Management Specialization
Consumer Affairs (B.S.) - Family Financial Management Specialization
Events and Facilities Administration Minor
Hospitality Management (B.S.)
Leadership and Management of Nonprofit Organizations Minor
Leadership Minor
Counseling and Human Development
Gerontology Minor
Human Development and Family Studies (B.S.)
Human Development and Family Studies Minor
Rehabilitation Services Minor
Dairy Science
Dairy Manufacturing (B.S.)
Dairy Manufacturing (B.S.) - Microbiology Specialization
Dairy Production (B.S.)
Food Safety Minor
Food Science (B.S.)
Economics
Accounting Minor
Agricultural and Environmental Law Certificate
Agricultural and Resource Economics (B.S.)
Agricultural Business (B.S.)
Agricultural Business Minor
Agricultural Marketing Minor
Economics (B.A./B.S.)
Economics (B.A./B.S.) - Business Economics Specialization
Economics Minor
Entrepreneurial Studies (B.S.)
Entrepreneurial Studies Minor
Management Minor
Marketing Minor
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Computer Science (B.S.)
Computer Science Minor
Electrical Engineering (B.S.)
Informatics Minor
Software Engineering Minor
English
English (B.A.)
English (B.A.) - English Education Specialization
English (B.A.) - Writing Specialization
English Minor
Peace and Conflict Studies Minor
Professional Writing Minor
Geography
Geographic Information Sciences (B.S.)
Geographic Information Sciences Certificate
Geographic Information Sciences Minor
Geography (B.S.)
Geography Minor
Health and Nutritional Sciences
(Pre-) Occupational Therapy
(Pre-) Physical Therapy
Athletic Coaching Certification
Athletic Training (B.S.)
Exercise Science (B.S.)
Health Education (B.S.)
Health Education Minor
Nutrition and Dietetics (B.S.)
Nutrition Minor
Physical Education Teacher Education (B.S.)
Recreation Administration Minor
Sport, Recreation and Park Management (B.S.)
History, Political Science, Philosophy, and Religion
(Pre-) Law
(Pre-) Ministerial
History (B.A./B.S.)
History (B.A./B.S.) - Teaching Specialization
History Minor
Legal Studies Minor
Philosophy Minor
Political Science (B.A./B.S.)
Political Science Minor
Religion Minor
Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering
Biomedical Engineering Minor
Journalism and Mass Communication
Advertising (B.A./B.S.)
Advertising Minor
Journalism (B.A./B.S.)
Journalism Minor
Mathematics and Statistics
Mathematics (B.S.)
Mathematics (B.S.) - Teaching Specialization
Mathematics Minor
Statistics Minor
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering (B.S.)
Sustainable Energy Systems Minor
Military Science
Military Science Minor
Modern Languages and Global Studies
French Studies (B.A.)
French Studies (B.A.) - Teaching Specialization
French Studies Minor
German (B.A.)
German (B.A.) - Teaching Specialization
German Minor
Global Studies Minor
Global Studies (B.A.)
Spanish (B.A.)
Spanish (B.A.) - Teaching Specialization
Spanish Minor
Music
Music (B.A.) - Music Entrepreneurship Specialization
Music (B.A.) - Music Studies Specialization
Music Education (B.M.E.)
Music Minor
Natural Resource Management
Botany Minor
Ecology and Environmental Science (B.S.)
Natural Resource Law Enforcement (B.S.)
Rangeland Ecology and Management (B.S.)
Rangeland Ecology and Management Minor
Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences (B.S.)
Nursing
Health Science Minor
Nursing (B.S.)
Nursing (B.S.) - Accelerated Program
Nursing (B.S.) - RN Upward Mobility
Pharmacy
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Physics
Nuclear Engineering Minor
Physics (B.S.)
Physics (B.S.) - Science Teaching Specialization
Physics Minor
Plant Science
Agronomy (B.S.)
Agronomy Minor
Horticulture (B.S.)
Horticulture Minor
Pest Management Minor
Soil Science Certification
Soil Science Minor
Psychology
Psychology (B.S.)
Psychology (B.S.) - Teaching Specialization
Psychology Minor
School of Design
Animation Certificate
Architecture (B.F.A.)
Art History Certificate
Ceramics Certificate
Film Studies Minor
Graphic Design (B.F.A.)
Graphic Design Certificate
Interior Design (B.F.A.)
Interior Design Minor
Landscape Architecture (B.L.A.)
Painting Certificate
Printmaking Certificate
Sculpture Certificate
Studio Art (B.F.A.) - Art Education Specialization
Studio Art (B.F.A.) - Ceramics Specialization
Studio Art (B.F.A.) - Painting Specialization
Studio Art (B.F.A.) - Printmaking Specialization
Studio Art (B.F.A.) - Sculpture Specialization
Studio Arts Minor
Sociology and Rural Studies
Criminal Justice Minor
Sociology (B.A./B.S.)
Sociology (B.S.) - Human Resources Specialization
Sociology (B.S.) - Human Services Specialization
Sociology (B.S.) - Teaching Specialization
Sociology Minor
Teaching, Learning, and Leadership
Early Childhood Education (B.S.) - Birth to 5 Specialization
Early Childhood Education (B.S.) - Birth to 8 Specialization
Early Childhood Education (B.S.) - Cooperative Program with DSU or NSU
Early Childhood Education Kindergarten Education Endorsement
Early Childhood Special Education Endorsement
Family and Consumer Sciences Education (B.S.)
Teacher Education - Certification Only
Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
(Pre-) Veterinary Medicine
Animal Health Minor
Organizational Structure of SDSU
Office of Academic Affairs
College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences
- Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
- Animal Science
- Biology and Microbiology
- Dairy Science
- Economics
- Natural Resource Management
- Plant Science
- Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences
- School of Design
- Air Force ROTC
- Army ROTC
- Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Communication Studies and Theatre
- English
- Geography
- History, Political Science, Philosophy, and Religion
- Journalism and Mass Communication
- Modern Languages and Global Studies
- Music
- Physics
- Psychology
- Sociology and Rural Studies
College of Education and Human Sciences
- Consumer Sciences
- Counseling and Human Development
- Health and Nutritional Sciences
- Teaching, Learning and Leadership
Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering
- Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Construction and Operations Management
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Mechanical Engineering
College of Nursing
- Graduate Nursing
- Nursing Student Services
- Undergraduate Nursing
College of Pharmacy
- Pharmacy Practice
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Graduate School
Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College
Office of Continuing and Distance Education
- Distance Education
- Outreach Programs
University College
- Exploratory Studies Program
- First Year Advising Center
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