2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]


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Psychology (B.A./B.S.) - Teaching Specialization



Program Coordinator/Contact

Elizabeth Koob, Professional Advisor
School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies
Agricultural Engineering 110
605-688-6296

Program Information

Psychology is the discipline concerned with the study of behavior and mental processes. The teaching specialization prepares students to qualify for certification to teach psychology in one of thousands of schools nationwide.  Students pursuing this specialization should contact the College of Education and Human Sciences before their junior year.

Student Learning Outcomes

In the Psychology - Teaching Specialization, students will:

  • Express fundamental knowledge and comprehension of major concepts in psychology.
  • Apply scientific reasoning to psychological issues/problems.
  • Show an understanding of diversity and ethical/social responsibility in professional settings.
  • Write competently in APA style.
  • Demonstrate oral competency.

Academic Requirements

  • Psychology does not permit the double use of courses in its major with a minor. All psychology courses that count toward the major must receive a C or better grade.
  • A grade of “C” or better is required in CMST 101 , ENGL 101 , PSYC 101 , and MATH 103  or higher (if these courses are in your plan of study), and all courses for the major (classes with department/program prefix).
  • An overall GPA of 2.5 is required to enroll in any education courses.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

Accreditation

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
South Dakota Department of Education

Certification and Licensure

  • Completion of an approved bachelor’s Secondary preparation program.
  • Completion of an approved Indian Studies course.
  • Pass the state designated content knowledge test or 2.7 GPA in content major coursework.
  • Pass the state designated pedagogy test.
  • Completion of a Suicide Awareness and Prevention training, available free online through the South Dakota Department of Education.
  • Apply online with the South Dakota Department of Education.
  • Written recommendation from institution of higher education (SDSU) verifying program completion.

Course Delivery Format

Psychology courses are delivered in multiple formats including face-to-face lecture and laboratory courses, as well as online courses.

Requirements for Psychology Major - Teaching Specialization: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements


College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements


  • One declared minor outside of the major prefix OR a second major OR a teaching specialization. The minor may be a traditional minor within one department or it may be interdisciplinary involving more than one department. The minor can be in a different college. The minor must be declared no later than the student’s third semester of enrollment.
  • Capstone course in the major discipline
  • Upper division coursework Credits: 33

Bachelor of Arts Requirements: 9+

Bachelor of Science Requirements: 13+

System General Education and/or major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements. Consult program advisor for details. See the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences  for additional information about Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science specifications.

Select from the following


Select from the following. Credits: 3

Select from the following


Select from the following. Credits: 6

Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Arts

System General Education Requirements 30 Credit Hours
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements* 9+ Credit Hours
Major Requirements 38 Credit Hours
Teaching Specialization Requirements 34 Credit Hours
Electives** 9 Credit Hours

Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements 30 Credit Hours
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements* 13+ Credit Hours
Major Requirements 38 Credit Hours
Teaching Specialization Requirements 34 Credit Hours
Electives** 11 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements, Major Requirements, and Supporting Coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements.  
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.