South Dakota State University
AC-4: Graduate Program

The Department of Geography offers graduate students the opportunity to earn a Master of Science Degree. The curriculum, organized through formal courses, seminars, internship experiences, and supervised research, is designed to prepare students for positions in such professional areas as planning, remote sensing, geographic information sciences, government service, research, business, and teaching. The program also is designed to provide students with the education needed to pursue further graduate study. Students seeking this degree are expected to select courses that will provide a sound foundation in geography (philosophical, physical and human, and research techniques) supported, if appropriate, by courses outside the department. Students may also seek out opportunities such as the cooperative program with the EROS Data Center and/or internships, generally available with planning districts, governmental agencies, business, and industry.

The M.S. degree program in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences is intended to educate students for management-level positions with state and federal agencies, private companies, and for the pursuit of higher academic degrees. By using specifically identified coursework and mentoring, we strive to assist students in developing their intellectual capabilities in working with natural resources and people. In addition, each student must propose and conduct an original scientific investigation. Placement rates for M.S. graduates into positions as fisheries biologists, wildlife biologists, and other natural resource positions with state and federal agencies is extremely high.

The Community Development specialization provides students the opportunity to study with leading educators and researchers from several different universities representing a diversity of fields including Community and Regional Planning, Architecture, Sociology, Native American Studies, Economics and Natural Resources. This program is designed for people doing community development work in non-profit organizations, colleges, communities, community organizations and governments. The program welcomes those working in all areas to help communities and regions build their capacity for an inclusive, sustainable future; those who volunteer their time and resources to support community; and most of all those with a passion for working toward a brighter future and a willingness to share their experience and wisdom with others via the Internet community. A student guide to the program is located on the department website.

Masters: Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences (M.S.) - Fisheries Sciences Specialization - The M.S. degree program in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences is intended to educate students for management-level positions with state and federal agencies, private companies, and for the pursuit of higher academic degrees. By using specifically identified coursework and mentoring, we strive to assist students in developing their intellectual capabilities in working with natural resources and people. In addition, each student must propose and conduct an original scientific investigation. Placement rates for M.S. graduates into positions as fisheries biologists, wildlife biologists, and other natural resource positions with state and federal agencies is extremely high. Doctorate: Wildlife & Fisheries - The Ph.D. degree program in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences is intended to educate students for upper-level management, research and administrative positions with state and federal agencies, private companies, and academic institutions. Academic career opportunities also exist for Ph.D. graduates in all the Departmental disciplines, preparing students for the responsibilities of teaching, research, and service, required for faculty positions with universities and colleges. By building on the educational foundation that students obtain from B.S. and M.S. degree work, we endeavor to raise them to a higher intellectual plateau. While coursework is involved, this educational experience is primarily based on research and mentoring. This degree requires original thought and research contributions, synthesis and development of information, and contributions to the world and its natural resources.

Grasslands represent a fundamental resource of the region that determines the environmental and economic future of the Great Plains. Many of the managers or advisors on these grasslands have B.S. degrees in natural resources or agriculture and want to further develop their expertise in grassland management through university programs. However, constraints associated with their work schedule and responsibilities limit their ability to pursue conventional on-campus coursework and graduate degrees. The Grassland Management Graduate Certificate Program was developed to address the needs of working professionals as well as other students interested in distance education opportunities. Students will interact with their institutional advisors to develop a plan of study most beneficial to the student. Coursework may be transferred in on a case-by-case basis with the approval of the student's advisor.