College of Agriculture & Biological Sciences

Students in having a discussion in class.

Donald M. Marshall, Interim Dean
Berg Agricultural Hall 131, Box 2207
605-688-4148
Vikram Mistry, Acting Associate Dean for Academic Programs
Berg Agricultural Hall 156, Box 2207
605-688-5135
E-mail: donald.marshall@sdstate.edu
E-mail: vikram.mistry@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/agriculture-biological-sciences

Overview

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 food and other agricultural products. Biological sciences students also enter into a variety of career areas, such as wildlife biology, lab technologist, health fields, food safety and quality assurance, 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 food science, agricultural production, natural resource management, biotechnology, and biomass-based energy and products. SDSU Extension provides educational services statewide to promote the beneficial use and development of human, economic, and natural resources.

Departments

Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science
Animal Science
Biology and Microbiology
Dairy and Food Science
Economics
Natural Resource Management
Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences

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.

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.

The requirements of one of the College’s majors must be met. Specific requirements are listed under each program of study.
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.

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Students who wish to complete a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture must complete a minimum of 11 credits from 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.)

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

Student Support & Engagement Opportunities

The College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences has a robust and rich history of engaging students in a variety of ways to foster their success while they are on campus. Whether it is joining one of our more than 35 clubs that can be found in the college or becoming a part of the Ag-Bio Living and Learning Community, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Getting involved in clubs helps you not only connect with other students with a similar passion, but can also connect you to current professionals within your area of study.

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 premier curricula dispensed by faculty who are committed to student success.