College of Arts and Sciences

Dennis Papini, Dean
Kathleen M. Donovan, Associate Dean
SWG 251 Box 2275A
605-688-4723
E-mail: dennis.papini@sdstate.edu
E-mail: kathleen.donovan@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/as

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. Students receive education on the scientific method, critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, and cogent expression. They 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 departments and programs in the College of Arts and Sciences offer major and/or minor programs leading to certificates and associate, bachelor, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

Departments

Aerospace Studies
Architecture
Chemistry and Biochemistry (and Medical Laboratory Science)
Communication Studies and Theatre
Economics
English
Geography
History, Political Science, Philosophy, and Religion
Journalism and Mass Communication
Military Science
Modern Languages and Global Studies
Music
Physics
Psychology
Sociology and Rural Studies
Visual Arts

Degrees Offered

Associate of Arts 
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of General Studies 
Bachelor of Music Education
Bachelor of Science
Master of Architecture*
Master of Arts*
Master of Mass Communication*
Master of Science*
Doctor of Philosophy*

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

Accreditations and Certification

The Journalism and Mass Communication Department is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.
The Music Department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
The Chemistry programs are certified by the American Chemical Society.
The Architecture Program has been admitted to candidacy by the National Architectural Accrediting Board.
The Teacher education programs in the College of Arts and Sciences are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of  Educator Preparation.

Programs

Degree 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. Bachelor’s degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences must include 33 semester credits from  upper division courses (300 and above).

Students seeking B.S., B.A., and B.M.E. degrees 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.

 **Students may count 5 credits of Math courses (Math prefix, that are in addition to the System General Education (SGR #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 the College of Education and Human Sciences  and the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leadership  for further details.)

Student Engagement

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, public address, and oral interpretation of literature. 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.