Explore Majors and Careers

What are the rights and obligations of a farmer? How do you pursue legal protection for land, produce and property? What does it look like to ensure the safety of others when it comes to agricultural practices?

Take your knowledge of the law and agricultural experience to the next level with SDSU’s 15-credit online certificate in agricultural and environmental law. Focus on legal issues that arise in rural communities and the food industry. Examine legal concerns surrounding water quality, land-use and other environmental issues. Develop a working understanding of the legislative regulation of food production, renewable energy and an expanding population. Learn to recognize and understand legal issues related to agricultural business contracts, tenancy, property, agency and employment issues. The goal of the program is to provide you with a firm grasp of the laws that may impact your career and personal activities. The agricultural and environmental law certificate provides a foundational understanding of core agricultural legal concepts while offering different areas of emphasis that appeal to your specific interests and experiences.

Developing Engaged Citizens

Contemporary issues of social, political, cultural and community importance require American citizens equipped for civic engagement. Civic engagement may be measured by behaviors including voter turnout, volunteerism, community engagement, citizen advocacy and holding an appointed or elected office. All American citizens have the right and responsibility to participate in the work of self-governance. Americans demonstrate civic engagement when they individually and collectively identify and address issues of public concern for the public good. The American civic traditions certificate will prepare you with the foundational knowledge to understand current debates through the lens of history, political structures and differing perspectives to cultivate an educated and engaged citizenry. This certificate is beneficial to all majors.

Bring your ideas to life.

Animation is one of the most powerful and expressive ways to tell your story and communicate ideas and information to your audience. Learn how to come up with ideas, design, experiment and bring your ideas to life through animation. Students in this program will work with a wide variety of media and tools and apply the foundations of animated filmmaking through project-based learning to a variety of applications and expressive uses. The certificate in animation is a stand-alone program and may be taken by any student regardless of major (and may be selected by Studio Art majors as part of their degree). This certificate prepares you for entry-level career opportunities working independently or for design and advertising agencies, television media outlets, online companies and a variety of in-house positions with small and large businesses.

Explore the history of art.

Learn to think critically and contextually. Gain a unique perspective on the various manifestations of humankind’s creative endeavors and the variety and complexity of human experience as learned through the study of artifacts. Learn to approach problems interdisciplinarily. The certificate in art history is a stand-alone program and may be taken by any students regardless of major or may be selected by studio art and design majors as part of their degree. Students from backgrounds as diverse as arts and design, history, the humanities, modern languages economics and law-related disciplines can benefit from this certificate. Students in this program will learn time-management skills by working on complex, semester-long projects; they will hone advanced reading, writing and speaking skills specific to a discipline supporting their studio and design practices; they will receive an education complementary to history, modern languages, economics, journalism, marketing and law degrees to open additional careers related to the fine arts. Art history is a discipline that bridges art and the humanities and prepares you to continue your education in graduate school.

Help Revitalize Native Language!

The basic Oceti Sakowin language certificate provides students a language certificate that marks their achievements in acquiring Oceti Sakowin language at the basic level, of which Dakota, Nakota and Lakota are types of dialects. The certificate includes elementary and intermediate language study, with a focus on developing all modes of language production: speaking, listening, writing and reading in an everyday context. The certificate may be completed as a stand-alone program and may be taken by any students regardless of major. The basic Oceti Sakowin language certificate will be a value-added credential to students majoring in several programs in which communication with modern non-English language populations can be vital. Areas of study may include majors/programs in agriculture, American Indian and Indigenous studies, business economics, communication, education, health sciences and social sciences.

Boost Your Résumé!

Learning Spanish will help you gain a competitive advantage at work or to travel with confidence. In today’s global economy, the ability to speak Spanish is an extremely valuable skill, both in the United States and abroad. Spanish is spoken in 28 countries by over 740 million people, and the U.S. is now the second largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. The basic Spanish language proficiency certificate provides students a language certificate that marks their achievements in acquiring the Spanish language at the basic level. The certificate includes elementary and intermediate language study, with a focus on developing all modes of language production: speaking, listening, writing and reading in an everyday context. The certificate may be completed as a stand-alone program and may be taken by any student regardless of major. The basic Spanish language proficiency certificate is a value-added credential to any major and is particularly relevant for majors in business, construction, engineering, agriculture, healthcare and education.

Cutting-edge science to feed and fuel the future.

Bioprocessing technologies are used in a variety of industries ranging from renewable fuels, food and drink products, pharma- and nutraceuticals and environmental remediation of wastes. The certificate in bioprocessing sciences will combine courses from several disciplines to enhance the student’s knowledge of these technologies and provide hands-on experiences with their applications. Students majoring in disciplines related to agriculture, engineering and other STEM areas are particularly encouraged to work towards a certificate in bioprocessing sciences to enhance their preparation and employability for a career related to bioprocessing.

Freedom of expression.

This curriculum is designed to provide students a wide range of traditional and non-traditional ceramic approaches. Concentrated studio work engages students in contemporary practices, and advanced technical proficiencies that enhance idea-based constructional methods while developing a personal identity through utilitarian, sculptural and design applications. As students advance through the program they take an active role in studio operations, including materials research, glaze calculation and kiln/firing technology. The immediacy of working with clay offers opportunities for model making in design build professions. Ceramics processes also offer opportunities to bridge technology in agronomy, design, engineering and medical fields. The certificate in ceramics is a stand-alone program and may be taken by any student regardless of major or may be selected by studio art majors as part of their degree. This certificate prepares you for entry-level positions as a studio technician, production potter or dealing with ceramics education, gallery or retail settings.

Turn your mechanical designs into reality.

The certificate in engineering graphics will provide a credential to individuals who demonstrate competency in engineering drawing creation, layout, dimensioning and projections. The certificate will combine traditional drawing layout skills with advanced CAD and modeling applications. The materials science course provides knowledge of materials used in industry and their mechanical properties.

Certified for success.

The undergraduate certificate in geographic information sciences academically trains you to meet the challenges of today’s society by utilizing your knowledge of geography and various technologies to help solve geographical problems. The program offers you the ability to develop your knowledge in either GIS or remotes sensing/cartography to help you get a more specific knowledge base. In addition, the certificate enables you to gain a deeper knowledge of geospatial techniques without having to get a bachelor’s degree.

Geographic information sciences is a 12-credit undergraduate certificate built to teach students to effectively present geographical ideas using various geospatial tools. The certificate enables students to better engage in their field and laboratory experiences by offering content knowledge that benefits the student in one’s career. The skills gained through the coursework integrate students’ knowledge to effectively collect information about the environment, people, and places to be able to analyze, research and synthesize the information for the government and other uses.

The difference is design.

Graphic design is all around us through visual communication and advertising. Graphic design is a profession that evolves with advances in digital technology and online mediums. Designers learn how to think creatively, communicate visually and enable positive user experiences through problem-solving. Students work with industry standard graphic design tools and apply them in all graphic design studio projects. The certificate in graphic design is a stand-alone program and may be taken by any student regardless of major, or may be selected by a variety of majors as part of their degree. The Graphic design certificate teaches students the basics of design principles and technical skills. This certificate prepares students for entry-level career opportunities in the graphic design studios, advertising agencies, interaction design agencies and in-house designer positions from various businesses. Depending on the employer, location, education level and experience, graphic designers can earn favorable salaries.

Selecting the Best. 

Evaluation and judging consists of carefully analyzing animals or products and judging them against a standard that is commonly accepted as ideal. Trained evaluators find rewarding careers in livestock and meats industries positions, including cattle buyer, swine procurement manager, beef carcass sales manager and others. Furthermore, there is high demand for qualified judges at all levels of livestock shows from small, local shows to the national level. Recipients of this certificate will participate in evaluation of many species, including cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, and dairy animals, as well as animal products including carcasses, meat products and dairy products, while likely receiving more in-depth evaluation skills on one or more species or products.

Facilitating results for industry, business and professions

The lobbying and government advocacy certificate provides students the knowledge and skills needed to effectively communicate with government to influence legislative policymaking, executive branch rulemaking and judicial decisions at the state and federal levels on a variety of issues important within their chosen fields within business, industry and professions: for example, nursing, engineering, education, business and agriculture. Students will be equipped to lobby government on behalf of their employer, trade and professional organizations or as a professional lobbyist. This certificate is beneficial to all majors.

Turn ideas into action.

Explore the essential skills needed to take innovative and entrepreneurial ideas to the marketplace. Participate in creative thought processes, learn how to identify and pursue new business opportunities, apply entrepreneurial thinking to your own abilities and interests. 

Freedom of expression.

Develop a basic understanding of traditional and contemporary approaches to painting. Students will learn a variety of painting techniques and concepts. Projects explore everything from observational and representational painting to abstraction with acrylic, oil and watercolor paint while stressing the development of individual creative expression. The certificate in painting is a stand-alone program and may be taken by any student regardless of major, or may be selected by studio art majors as part of their degree. It is beneficial for education or design majors wanting a deeper understanding of painting or to explore an active and direct process of creative discovery. This certificate prepares you for entry-level positions dealing with creative and artistic production or instruction.

Want a step ahead in a career that involves medication prescribing?

The pharmacology certificate explores fundamental concepts in pharmacology, which is the study of how chemical agents, including drugs, affect biological systems. A basic understanding of pharmacology concepts prepares students for further education and careers in medical/health science professions.

Prepare to fill a critical role in health care.

The certificate in phlebotomy prepares students to enter the health care field as phlebotomists. Phlebotomists work in variety of settings including clinical laboratories, hospitals and community health centers, where they collect blood for donation and analysis. This role is critical in health care as the blood tests are used to diagnose illness, evaluate effectiveness of medications, and determine whether a patient is receiving proper nutrition. Following completion of the certificate, the student would be eligible for certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

Build a better future in construction.

Our 12-credit certificate in pre-construction planning will give you the skills to read plans and schematics, prepare bid estimates and track construction projects. You will learn about types and uses of construction materials, building methods, how to estimate material and labor and building subsystems. This certificate open the door to positions with design-build firms, lumberyards, general contractors and specialty trade contractors.

Freedom of expression.

Printmakers, as artists of the 21st century, have extensive possibilities to contribute to a wide range of professions related to the discipline. Design, fibers, painting, photography, film, sculpture and more are closely linked to this tradition. The printmaking area offers traditional and experimental intaglio, relief, letterpress, screenprint, monoprint and monotype experiences. Students explore a wide variety of technical and conceptual approaches to these mediums, developing personal vocabularies and content through the completion of limited editions, broadsides, portfolio exchanges, serial projects and installations. The certificate in printmaking is a stand-alone program and may be taken by any student regardless of major or may be selected by studio art majors as part of their degree. It is ideal for education and design majors wishing to deepen their understanding of the medium, hone typographic skills and explore a wide range of materials. Printmaking processes also offer opportunities to bridge technology in design, and develop sensitivities and awareness in all fields of study. This certificate prepares you for entry-level positions dealing with the production of art, fine art prints, typography and illustration.

Learn the science behind the art of brewing, wine making

The production and service of wine, beer and spirits certificate will provide you with the general knowledge and techniques needed for fermented beverage production. Although each of the beverages is fermented, they each have a technique that is specific to the beverage to produce the specific taste, color, odor and alcohol content. Learn sanitary measures required of fermented products, development of the specific types of products, and type and quality of ingredients to produce a product with specific taste and alcohol content that is acceptable to consumers. Gain knowledge of the raw ingredients needed to produce each fermented beverage and the specific qualities of the raw ingredients. The certificate will also provide the knowledge of how to market and manage the sales of alcoholic beverages.

Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders for Public Stewardship

The challenges facing societies today cannot be solved by a single government, nonprofit, or corporation. Problems such as stewardship of resources, poverty, sustainability or access to education are complex, interconnected and subject to real world constraints when it comes to finding solutions and mitigating their negative consequences. The future success of communities in South Dakota is predicated upon engaged yet pragmatic citizens who know how to work toward the greater public good across diverse constituencies and sectors.

The undergraduate certificate in public service will create a corps of passionate leaders through academic excellence, civic engagement and ethical stewardship devoted to advancing the overall public good through public service. Unlike government advocacy that serves the defined interests of business, industry or interest groups, the aim of the public service certificate is to educate the next generation of public servants, equipping them with the leadership skills and experiential learning opportunities needed to solve today’s complex challenges. Students will study their chosen major, develop 21st century leadership skills such as intercultural competency and professional ethics and complete an internship that tackles real-world challenges in the public, private or nonprofit sector.

The public service certificate partly serves as the curriculum portion of the Mike Huether Public Service Academy, housed within the School of American and Global Studies. However, the certificate is a value-added credential that is open to all majors. It may be of particular interest to existing majors seeking preparation in fields as varied as education, ethics, languages and cultural competence, health care, infrastructure, military, politics, public policy or social planning. Completion of this certificate is a stand-out credential for students applying for employment in public service professions (e.g., police officers, firefighters, judges, public health workers, city engineers, urban planners, economists, bank examiners, housing agency administrators, homeless shelter directors and other nonprofit management positions) or when running for public office.

Freedom of expression.

Students enrolled in sculpture courses are introduced to the materials and processes commonly applied to three-dimensional art making and are encouraged to explore individual directions through the development and production of sculpture. The sculpture studio facilitates practice in mold making, wood, metal fabrication and stone. The certificate in sculpture is a stand-alone program and may be taken by any student regardless of major. It is ideal for a studio art major with an emphasis in painting, printmaking or ceramics who wishes to explore a wider range of materials and processes, allowing them to become more interdisciplinary in their approach to art making. It is also ideal for education and design majors wishing to further their creative and expressive experiences using three-dimensional media. This certificate prepares you for entry-level positions as a studio technician, assistant to an artist, community arts educator or gallery staff member.

Certified for Success.

The swine science certificate academically trains you to enter the pork industry in such areas as sales and communications, construction, production management and pharmaceuticals. The 12-credit program blends scientific principles with managerial skills, connects you with potential career opportunities and addresses the impact of modern social and industrial issues on the production of safe pork for consumption. Maybe you are working towards a degree in animal science, veterinary medicine or another ag-related degree. Or maybe you intend to manage your family’s swine operation. Whatever your path, this program will enhance your skills with swine and increase your opportunities within the industry.

SDSU offers the only online certificate program in the nation dedicated to study in swine science. Upon completion, you will be eligible to apply certification through the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence.

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

The sky is the limit.

Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) or drones are revolutionizing how things get done. UAS is a technology with many applications, some of which include remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), precision agriculture, construction, resource management, engineering, cinematography and emergency services. The uncrewed aircraft systems certificate will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to apply this technology to a field of study or field of work. Graduate from the program with knowledge of uncrewed aircraft system designs, laws and ethical considerations, how to gather and process information and identify uses and limitations of the aircraft. This certificate will also provide the knowledge necessary to attain the FAA Part 107 small UAS license.