2015-2016 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

SDSU in Review


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 offered. 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. Faculty who are not tenure-track and/or do not have a terminal degree will follow the nomination process for associate graduate faculty status and must be approved by the Graduate Council. All matters of policy and standards are acted on by the Graduate Faculty. In addition, Graduate Faculty are authorized to serve on graduate student committees, advise graduate students, and teach graduate-level courses.

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. The Graduate School promotes scholarly pursuits and scientific research for the advancement of knowledge within a climate of freedom of inquiry. 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 Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) (1307 New York Avenue, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005-4222; 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 South 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.

Mass Communication: The curriculum in Mass Communication is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (Stauffer-Flint Hall, 1435 Jayhawk Blvd, Lawrence, KS 66045-7575; Phone: 785-864-3973).

Athletic Training: The Athletic Training Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (6850 Austin Center Blvd, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78731-3184; 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; Phone: 847-944-1345).

Teacher Education: The preparation of teachers and other professional school personnel at both the undergraduate and graduate levels is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) (1140 19th St NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20036; caepnet.org) and the South Dakota Department of Education (800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501, Phone: 605-773-3134).

Nursing: The Master of Science and Doctor of Nursing Practice 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).

Pharmacy: The curriculum in Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (135 S LaSalle Street, Suite 4100, Chicago, IL 60603-4810; Phone: 312-664-3575).