College of Arts and Sciences

Introduction

The College of Arts and Sciences serves two significant functions within the University. It provides instruction in the University’s core requirement for a liberal education as well as education in specific disciplines. A liberal education gives students the means to test ideas, beliefs, and facts. It exposes them to a variety of academic disciplines that will broaden and deepen their perspectives and enable them to continue the learning process as educated citizens. Students study the ways of thinking and expression that are intrinsic to the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Through this, students are educated in the scientific method, critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, and cogent expression. They are helped to develop intellectual skills, humanistic understanding, and aesthetic appreciation. Such an education increases the usefulness of career planning and specialization by laying a foundation for lifelong values. The sixteen departments and programs in the College of Arts and Sciences offer major and/or minor programs leading to one of three undergraduate degrees. In addition, four departments in other colleges offer majors and/or minors in programs administered through the College of Arts and Sciences.

Departments and Programs

Aerospace Studies
Architecture
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Communication Studies and Theatre
Economics
English
Geography
Global Studies
History/Political Science
Journalism and Mass
Communication
Military Science
Modern Languages
Music
Philosphy and Religion
Psychology                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Sociology
Visual Arts

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Music Education
Bachelor of Science
Master of Arts*
Master of Science*
Doctor of Philosophy*

* Graduate degrees are offered in collaboration with the Graduate School. For details, see the Graduate Catalog.

Programs

Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Music Education degrees are offered by the Arts and Sciences College. Students enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete the System General Education Requirements (SGRs),  the SDSU Institutional Graduation Requirements (IGRs), and the College of Arts and Sciences requirements.  Specific requirements for each degree also include:

Bachelor of Science

*Bachelor of Science students in the Arts and Sciences College must complete 6 credits from the System General Education (SGR) Natural Science list and an additional 8 credits (from the list below) to meet the College of Arts and Sciences requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree. In order to meet the College B.S. requirements, students must complete a minimum of 8 Physical Science credits and a minimum of 6 Biological Science credits for the required total of 14 credits.

Biological Science credits that may meet the 6-credit requirement are:

Physical Science credits that may meet the 8-credit requirement are:

Students may count 5 credits of Math courses (Math prefix, that are in addition to the System General Education (SGR Goal 5) requirement of 3 credits toward the Physical Science requirement.

Bachelor of Arts

* International students whose native language is not English may substitute 14 credits in “American Culture” courses for the modern language requirement. These courses in the humanities and social sciences are in addition to the normal B.A. requirements. Students must visit with the Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for permission to follow this option.

Bachelor of Music Education

Secondary Education Courses

Students planning to teach at the high school level should start taking professional education courses during their sophomore year. Students must apply for admission to the Supervisor of Student Teaching before being admitted to the education sequence. (See College of Education and Human Sciences for further details.)

Additional Requirements

All general university requirements must be met to qualify for the bachelor’s degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences. In addition, the following special requirements and rules have been established for all graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences:

1. The requirements of one of the College of Arts and Sciences departmental majors must be met. Specific requirements are listed under each department. Courses taken in the major may be used to fulfill university core requirements if the department does not state otherwise.
2. 33 semester credits must be upper division (300 and above).

Activities

A variety of activities, including many extracurricular activities, are administered within the College of Arts and Sciences.

Dramatics and Forensics. The Communication Studies and Theatre Department supervises a forensics program in debate, extempore speaking, oral interpretation, and oratory. State University Theatre presents a program of major and experimental productions each year. During the summer a season of plays in repertory are given by the Prairie Repertory Theatre in Brookings and Brandon.

Music Groups. The Music Department sponsors a variety of vocal and instrumental groups. Membership may be by audition, arranged with the appropriate director, and is open to all University students regardless of major. Credit can be awarded for participation.

Choral: Concert Choir, Statesmen (Men’s Chorus), University Women’s Choir, and Opera Workshop.

Instrumental: Civic/University Symphony Orchestra, Marching Band (The “Pride of the Dakotas”), Pep Bands, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensembles and various Percussion, Woodwind and Brass small ensembles.

The Ritz Art Gallery. The Ritz Gallery sponsors an annual program of professional and student exhibitions, including the Juried Student Exhibition which is open to all SDSU students.