South Dakota State University
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

The Ecology and Environmental Science major includes a strong core in biological and physical sciences and a variety of elective courses that allow students to follow different career paths within the major. Most students enrolled in this major are planning careers with state and federal natural resource agencies, consulting firms and industry. Predefined emphases are available to support careers in ecological informatics and analysis, watershed management, ecology, analytical laboratory analysis and health. Students seek employment with state or federal environmental monitoring and regulatory agencies or private consulting firms immediately following graduation. Many go on to pursue graduate degrees in conservation, ecology and environmental science.

Geography is the scientific study of the distribution of both physical and human features of the Earth's surface. Geographers seek to describe, relate and explain the natural and cultural phenomena that distinguish places around the world. Geographers focus upon "where" and "why" questions concerning the global environment. Geography also functions as a bridge between the natural sciences; its perspective on the location of phenomena makes it unique among the academic disciplines. The process of change is a fundamental theme in geography and the examination of how humankind modifies the Earth is a continual emphasis. The study of geography is thus of vital concern to all citizens and provides graduates with numerous career opportunities in business, education, and government. The Geography program is designed to provide the student with a general education as well as a concentration in the major field of study. The faculty recommends that majors take several courses in disciplines closely related to their specific area of interest in geography. Those interested in physical geography might register for associated courses in physics, agricultural sciences, botany or other allied disciplines. If one is interested in human geography, course work in sociology, economics, history, political science or foreign language or some other social science might be considered. For technical geography, computer science and mathematics courses are recommended. Qualified students may also enhance their academic experience with participation in the Undergraduate Scholars Program.

These are additional degree programs that were considered to have a sustainability aspects: Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering (B.S.), Agricultural Systems Technology (B.S.), Agronomy (B.S.), Civil Engineering (B.S.), Community & Regional Planning (B.S.), Conservation Planning & Park Management (B.S.), Conservation Planning & Park Management (B.S.) - Park Administration & Management Specialization, Ecology & Environmental Science (B.S.) - Rangeland Ecology & Management Specialization, Landscape Architecture (B.L.A.), Natural Resource Law Enforcement (B.S.), Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences (B.S.)

The minor in Sustainability provides an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability, allowing students to explore the challenges of sustainability and to think about how to develop solutions to pressing issues at the local, regional, and global scale. Students will be exposed to information and experiences that increase their knowledge base of the three pillars of sustainability as reflected in the human and scientific dimensions as well as coursework on ethics and policy. The minor complements any major on campus and provides both intellectual breadth and depth in a challenging new area of inquiry that is gaining a high level of interest in businesses, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. A minor in Sustainability and a major in a discipline will provide excellent thinking and problem-solving skills for students as a citizen, employee, or graduate student.

The Sustainable Energy Systems Minor is appropriate for students interested in gaining a background in sustainability, energy efficiency, and renewable energy technologies. The minor helps to prepare graduates with training that distinguishes them from their peers and supports immediate entry into careers in energy resource development, energy production, and efficient end-use technologies.

The interdisciplinary minor in Sustainable Local Foods focuses on healthful food choices and sustainable food production of locally produced vegetables and fruits. It will equip students in any major to understand the process of growing, harvesting, storage, preparation, and perceived nutritional benefits of locally produced food. Students will explore the fundamental ecological, nutritional, and social forces that influence the long-term viability of today's small-scale food production systems.

These are the additional minors/certificates that were considered to have aspects of sustainability: Agricultural & Environmental Law Certificate, Bioprocessing Sciences Certificate, Engineering for Precision Agriculture Minor, Soil Health Management Minor, Soil Science Certification, Wizipan Leadership & Sustainability Certificate, Bioprocessing Sciences Minor, Crop Protection Minor, Geographic Information Sciences Certificate, Global Studies Minor, Rangeland Ecology & Management Minor.