College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences

Barry Dunn, Dean and Director of Cooperative Extension Service
SAG 131, 605-688-4148
Donald M. Marshall, Associate Dean and Director, Academic Programs
SAG 156, 605-688-5133
Daniel Scholl, Director, South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station and Associate Dean, Research
SAG 135, 605-688-4149
Box 2207, Brookings SD 57007-0191
E-mail: donald.marshall@sdstate.edu
http://www.sdstate.edu/abs/index.cfm

Introduction

Undergraduate academic programs in the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences lead to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture or Biological Science with a variety of majors and minors. An Associate of Science Degree in Agriculture is also available. Graduate degrees are offered in several disciplines. Students in agriculture enter into a wide array of technical, professional, and business careers, many of which deal with producing, processing, and marketing agricultural products. Biological sciences students also enter into a variety of career areas, such as wildlife biology, medical lab technologist, criminal investigation technologist, food safety, and environmental management. Many graduates in agriculture and biological sciences are recruited by public agencies for employment in such services as forestry, parks, fish and wildlife, public health, conservation of natural resources, research laboratories, and many others. Many graduates pursue advanced degrees in graduate schools or professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine, or law. In addition to academic programs, the College has extensive involvement in research and outreach/extension. Research for the benefit of South Dakota, the region, and the world is done in such areas as agricultural production, biostress, natural resources, biotechnology, and biomass-based energy and products. The results of research often form the basis for classroom instruction and extension work. The Cooperative Extension Service provides educational services statewide to promote the beneficial use and development of human, economic, and natural resources.

Departments/Units

Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (Ag Systems Technology)
Animal Science
Biology and Microbiology
Dairy Science
Economics
Natural Resources Management
Plant Science
Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Agricultural Experiment Station
Animal Disease Research & Diagnostic Lab
Cooperative Extension Service
Water Resources Institute
Degrees Offered
Associate of Science
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
Bachelor of Science in Biological Science
Master of Science*
Doctor of Philosophy*

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

Accreditations/Reviews

American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD)
American Society of Agricultural Engineering (ASAE)
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
Society for Range Management

Programs

One of the hallmarks of the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences is its diversity with multiple departments, numerous majors and specializations, and hundreds of different courses from which to choose. The College offers a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, and an Associate of Science in Agriculture at the undergraduate level.

The purposes, objectives, and requirements of various majors and options are outlined in the discussions under the various departments. If at any time you desire a change in major and/or specialization, you should report to the Director of Academic Programs for your adviser reassignment.

Degree Requirements

Students seeking the Bachelor of Science degree must complete the System General Education Requirements and SDSU Institutional Graduation Requirements. In some majors, the student must select a “specialization.” Additional requirements for both Bachelor of Science degrees follow.

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
Students who wish to complete a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture must complete a minimum of 11 credits from at least four courses on the approved list of Group 1 courses in Agriculture .
Some departments require specific courses from the list, whereas others leave the selection entirely to the student and the advisor.

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences
Students who wish to complete a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences must complete a minimum of 33 credits from the natural sciences. Refer to departments offering the degree for specific course listings.

Secondary Education Courses
Students planning to teach at the secondary 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 details.)

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

1. The requirements of one of the College’s majors must be met. Specific requirements are listed under each program of study.
2. 25 semester credits must be upper division (300 and above), with the exception that MATH 125 and 225, Calculus II and III, may be counted as five credits toward the total.

Activities
Most departments in the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences have one or more student organizations. Most of these organizations sponsor educational, social, and service activities, and provide students opportunities to develop leadership skills and other important abilities.

Nationally known agricultural fraternities for men (Alpha Gamma Rho and Farmhouse) and women (Ceres) are organized and provide living accommodations near campus. During the first semester of the sophomore year, students with outstanding scholarship, leadership, and character may be initiated into Alpha Zeta, Sigma Alpha, and Beta Beta Beta honor societies. Gamma Sigma Delta, an agricultural honor society for seniors with high academic ability, also has an SDSU chapter.