Explore Majors and Careers

Earth Observation

The Geospatial science and engineering (GSE) Ph.D. is an interdisciplinary program that combines advanced coursework with cutting-edge research to advance the field of geospatial sciences. The focus is on transforming geospatial data into relevant information through acquisition, processing, characterization, analysis and modeling in order to understand geographic patterns, processes and relationships at scales ranging from landscapes to the globe.

To achieve these aims, the geospatial sciences integrate the geographic disciplines of cartography, geodesy, geographic information systems and remote sensing with elements of mathematics, statistics, the natural sciences, the social sciences and engineering. The resulting array of geospatial concepts, methods, technologies and datasets are used to address a wide range of pertinent questions about the functioning of the biosphere and its implications for sustainability of natural resources, agricultural productivity, biodiversity, environmental quality and human welfare in a rapidly-changing world.

Current faculty research interests include quantitative remote sensing, land cover and land use change, geography, climate change, and fire science as well as applications of geospatial technologies in agriculture, meteorology, natural resource management and other fields. The program seeks highly motivated students with strong backgrounds in the geospatial sciences or a closely-related field to complement these efforts.

Become a better math teacher by becoming a better mathematician.

The graduate mathematics certificate and the advanced graduate mathematics Certificate 18-credit sequence is designed for current high school math teachers who are either enrolled in or have completed a master's degree, are interested in obtaining credentials to teach dual credit math courses and have already completed 9 credit hours of graduate math courses.

Certified for success.

Grasslands - including rangelands, pasturelands and haylands - are the principal land resource type in the Great Plains, comprising more than 50% of the land surface area. Grasslands represent a fundamental resource of the region that determines the environmental and economic future of the Great Plains states. The grassland management certificate program exists to help ranchers, consultants, educators and government agencies preserve this regional resource by preventing overgrazing, minimizing undesirable botanical composition shifts, improving grassland health and sustaining long-term productivity.

Whether you want to enhance a major in ecology or agriculture with specialized courses or are a professional looking to advance in your career, the 12-credit grassland management certificate promises a foundational understanding of core concepts including: fire ecology, plant identification, forage quality, watershed management and the ecology of invasive species.

This program is offered by SDSU through the Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA). Courses are taught by experienced faculty members in agriculture disciplines.

The study of human life: evolution, structure, function, information flow, pathways and biological systems.

The M.S. in Human Biology provides graduate-level preparation for students for successful admission to professional schools, including those not admitted directly to professional school from an undergraduate program. The program is designed to provide graduate-level preparation for students who desire admission to professional schools in human healthcare. This includes but is not limited to programs such as: Allopathic Medical Doctor (M.D.), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), Doctor of Optometry (O.D.), Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S), and Master of Science – Physician Assistant Studies (M.S. – PAS). The M.S. program allows for additional opportunities to demonstrate their academic excellence and polish their professional skills. This program directly strengthens the academic capacity of the student with special attention to advanced content knowledge and case-based application, professional development and professional skills needed by the healthcare provider.

Understand human development across the lifespan.

The human sciences (M.S.) - developmental sciences specialization provides students with graduate training in an interdisciplinary field that examines human development across the lifespan in cultural, social and family contexts. Students will complete advanced coursework in the areas of child, adolescent and adult development with an emphasis in multiculturalism, diverse learners and learning sciences. The specialization provides advanced training for individuals working in outreach and advocacy, health and human services, education and businesses and corporations.

Building community through communication.

What if you understood people more easily? What if you learned how to provide others with what they need, how to navigate conflict and negotiate and how to manage others effectively? An important role of social services is equipping individuals and their families to succeed in interpersonal relationships in order to achieve positive outcomes working and living within their communities. Communities need communicators with passion, skill and relatability to thrive. By learning to understand these dynamics through SDSU's M.S. in human sciences -  family and community services specialization, you will be prepared to assist families, communities and businesses and educate them in available resources.

Earning a master’s degree with a specialization in family and community services will provide you the flexibility to choose your future. Graduates work in community/agency settings, non-profit, governmental and other entities that require advanced skills in leadership and organization

Building a teachable, practical foundation.

Education is not just about knowledge; it is also about skills. Classroom technique is the key - that’s what SDSU can provide to give educators a boost in methods and curricula. If you have a passion for equipping middle and high school students with practical skills in the consumer sciences, SDSU's M.S. in human sciences - family and consumer sciences education specialization can provide you with the information, techniques and personal experience needed to gain teaching licensure. Taught entirely online, this degree offers flexible course options. Option A may especially appeal to graduates with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, human development or another area of family and consumer sciences who are interested in becoming certified to teach family and consumer sciences. Option B focuses on professional development and advancement, and would benefit family and consumer sciences teachers (grades 7-12), extension educators, 4-H professionals, curriculum specialists, service unit educators as well as human resources professionals in government, business or industry.

Financial guidance to help families reach their unique goals and dreams.

Preparing for the future, practicing wisdom, accounting for changes in life and the market - the services of a financial planner are an invaluable resource. People rely on the most organized, wisest of financial minds to help them make decisions about their money. SDSU’s master’s in human sciences - family financial planning specialization prepares you for a career in serving private, corporate and government entities by providing comprehensive guidance in many financial areas such as education, insurance, tax, retirement, estate, investment, debt and real estate planning. The program is formally approved by the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Board. Set your own direction while enhancing your personal finance knowledge, gaining eligibility to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination and increasing your networking opportunities and career options. Your courses will prepare you with valuable tools to launch a new career in family financial planning, from taxation and investments to economics and housing. Elevate your skills beyond typical financial licensing and credentials with this high-demand M.S. specialization.

Need for institutional research and assessment professionals

Nationally, every postsecondary institution employs trained institutional research and assessment professionals. These positions range from research data analysts to directors of institutional assessment to vice-presidents of institutional effectiveness. SDSU’s graduate certificate in institutional research and assessment in higher education enables students to explore fundamental concepts in institutional research and assessment. Students are introduced to knowledge and skills needed to access, manage, analyze and use data in today’s complex higher education contexts. Data use for decision-making in higher education is critical for improving student success and institutional effectiveness. Institutional research and assessment professionals support academic planning, decision making, accreditation and assessment for academic institutions, while also maintaining reporting requirements for external agencies and organizations.

Customize your graduate program.

Do your career goals fall outside the mold of a traditional graduate program? If the answer is yes, then interdisciplinary studies could be the perfect fit for you. The M.S. in interdisciplinary studies program is an innovative, flexible and highly individualized graduate program designed to meet students’ academic and professional goals. Students will work with their advisor to finalize a plan of study in at least two or three disciplines, utilizing courses that are relevant to supporting the student in achieving their educational goals. The plan of study will include both a research/design paper or coursework only option.

Learn How to Manage in Complex Organizations

Workplace processes and practices are constantly evolving and managers are pressured to make do with fewer resources. For the new manager, controlling assigned resources to meet demand requires smart, data-based decisions. You need to be able to successfully balance budgets, assign work, and leverage assets to meet strategic goals: both of which present a challenge and an opportunity.

Our 12-credit management foundations certificate builds your knowledge in core topics managers need to have to be a successful leader. Project management, managing and leading in technical organizations and operations management are courses you will take to prepare you to lead small and large group initiatives. This certificate is appropriate if you are a relatively new manager or a seasoned leader seeking a graduate credential to move to the next level.

You can complete the certificate in as little as 9 months with a fall start. The management foundations certificate credits can be applied toward the Master of Engineering professional degree program or the M.S. in operations management program. Both of these graduate degree programs can be earned online as well. 

Customized. Convenient. Comprehensive.

Need flexibility? Want online courses with just as much depth and instructor interaction as in-person classes? Consider the ACEJMC-accredited Master of Mass Communication.

Accessible 24/7 and affordable, our M.M.C. program provides personalized learning experiences and world-class instruction from award-winning faculty. Coursework and capstone projects enhance professional development, positioning our graduates for advancement and/or placement in journalism, advertising, public relations, marketing, business, higher education and other fields.

Recognized multiple times as SDSU’s outstanding online program, the M.M.C. also regularly appears in top rankings of online master’s degrees.

Mathematics can take the world almost anywhere!

The focus of the M.S. in mathematics program is the development of sophisticated mathematical models and their implementation on high performance computing platforms. The curriculum features a balance of application, computation and theory with particular emphasis in the areas of operations research, computational science and the development of probabilistic and deterministic models. Areas of faculty and graduate student research activity include computational biology, computational finance, molecular dynamics simulation, operations research, optimization and Ramsey theory. The program is particularly effective at preparing graduates to work in business, industry or government as well as preparing students to continue on to the CSS Ph.D. or other Ph.D. program.

Mathematics can take the world almost anywhere!

The focus of the M.S. in mathematics program is the development of sophisticated mathematical models and their implementation on high performance computing platforms. The curriculum features a balance of application, computation and theory with particular emphasis in the areas of operations research, computational science and the development of probabilistic and deterministic models. Areas of faculty and graduate student research activity include computational biology, computational finance, molecular dynamics simulation, operations research, optimization and Ramsey theory. The program is particularly effective at preparing graduates to work in business, industry or government as well as preparing students to continue on to the Ph.D. in computational science and statistics or other Ph.D. program.

The mechanics of the real world.

Preparing mechanical engineers to solve challenging technical problems using advanced knowledge in specialized applications of science and mathematics.

Students may choose concentrations in such areas as energy conversion, advanced modeling and simulation, solid mechanics and dynamics, advanced manufacturing, robotics and controls and biomedical applications.

The mechanics of the real world.

The Ph.D. in mechanical engineering is designed to develop the depth of knowledge that will allow students to investigate new concepts and new applications of technology to advance the state of the art in the discipline. It will also provide students with practical training and experience in the scientific methods needed to conduct reliable experiments and to apply and properly validate engineering models of physical systems. Critical thinking and communication skills developed in the program will prepare students for leadership roles. Overall, the knowledge and skills gained will prepare them for life-long careers in highly desirable research and development positions.

This program offers students an opportunity to undertake research and advanced study in emphasis areas such as:

Advanced manufacturing processes, including research and development of innovative automation and control strategies and techniques such as additive manufacturing/3D printing.Development of biomedical processes, equipment and systems in support of the growing high-impact regional medical industry.Engineering of systems used in production agriculture, including technology for precision agriculture.Biomaterials, renewable energy and bio-resource conversion technologies.Advanced materials and quality control technologies focused on composition, properties, and integrity of materials.Systems modeling using computational fluid dynamics and finite element methods leveraging high-performance computing technologies.

Working with and learning from tribal communities.

Changes in government policies, strengthening of tribal governments and entities, and increases in private funding have expanded opportunities in Native American communities. Working in these settings requires specific knowledge related to history, national policy toward indigenous nations, sovereignty and the economic and social factors that uniquely impact program delivery in Native American communities.

Programs in extension, education and social service agencies have recognized the unique challenges in indigenous communities and, therefore, have developed specific approaches for their programs to be successful in Native American communities, in the United States and in other countries, which has created a growing need for a workforce cognizant of these unique challenges.

This certificate is designed for those interested in expanding their skills and understanding of indigenous peoples and economic development, as well as those in working with Native and Indigenous communities. Today, students taking these courses often have careers or are seeking employment in Native-serving organizations, as well as agencies who have extended their programming to indigenous communities and neighborhoods.

Translating evidence to improve health.

The DNP program prepares Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to transform clinical practice as expert clinicians and leaders with a special focus on rural and underserved populations.

Graduates of the DNP program will learn skills needed to produce and implement valuable evidence to transform practice.  Graduates are prepared to work collaboratively with rural communities to reduce health disparities.

For more information please visit Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Care across the lifespan.

The DNP program prepares family nurse practitioners  to transform clinical practice as clinicians and leaders with a special focus on rural and underserved populations.

Graduates will deliver evidence-based direct patient care at an advanced practice level to individuals across the lifespan in primary care settings, and will  translate evidence based research and guidelines to  transform practice. Graduates are prepared to work collaboratively with rural communities to reduce health disparities.

For more information please visit Doctor of Nursing Practice. 

Aspire to make a difference.

The DNP program prepares Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to transform clinical practice as expert clinicians and leaders with a special focus on rural and underserved populations. In addition to delivering evidence-based direct patient care at an advanced practice level to individuals across the lifespan in primary care settings, graduates of the DNP program will learn skills needed to produce and implement valuable evidence to guide practice and are prepared to work collaboratively with rural communities in an effort to reduce health disparities.

The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specialization prepares graduates to provide high-quality mental health care in a variety of rural and urban settings. Graduates are eligible for ANCC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam.

For more information please visit Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Delivering excellent care.

The clinical nurse leader or CNL program prepares nurses to assume advanced roles as clinical nurse leaders (CNLs) to transform clinical practice as expert clinicians and leaders, focusing on rural and underserved populations. In addition to delivering evidence-based and outcomes-based care to individuals across the lifespan, the program prepares nurses to serve as experts within the microsystem to produce and implement outcomes-based practice and quality improvement strategies, while being prepared to work collaboratively with rural communities and providers to reduce health disparities.

The CNL is a clinical leader who focuses on:

Care coordinationOutcomes measurementTransitions of careInterprofessional communication and team leadershipRisk assessmentImplementation of best practices based on evidenceQuality improvement

Upon completion of the CNL specialization, graduates will be eligible for the clinical nurse leader certification.

For more information please visit Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Maintaining a culture of excellence.

SDSU helps nurses exceed current standards of healthcare excellence. With exemplary training and job placement for our graduates, the master’s in nursing offers several options for taking your nursing career to new, meaningful places.

The nurse administrator specialization prepares you for leadership positions that require critical skills in personnel management and budgetary resources.

For more information please visit Master of Science in Nursing.

Passing a standard of excellence.

SDSU helps nurses exceed current standards of healthcare excellence through innovative and exemplary graduate education. The master’s in nursing offers several options for taking your nursing career to new and meaningful settings where you will make a significant professional impact.

The nurse educator specialization prepares you to utilize theories of teaching and learning in a variety of settings with emphasis on nursing education. You will spend time developing your ability to plan, implement and evaluate nursing education programs. Upon graduation, you will be eligible for the NLN (National League of Nursing) CNE (Certified Nurse Educator) certification exam.

For more information please visit Master of Science in Nursing.

Elevate Your Career While Advancing Nursing Science

The Doctor of Philosophy in nursing prepares nurse scientists to assume roles as researchers, faculty, policy makers and administrators with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention in under-served and rural populations. For more information please visit Ph.D. in nursing.