Graduate Student Spotlight
Hannah Groth - M.S. agricultural education
- What led you to attending SDSU?
SDSU was an easy choice for me while in high school, feeling like home. I met so many wonderful friends and colleagues through my undergraduate time. When thinking about obtaining my masters, it was easy to come back to SDSU. The professors are exactly who I need in my corner and have taught me so much.
- What has been your experience as an online student?
Being an online student is a double-edged sword. I have enjoyed the flexibility of doing coursework online but miss facilitating with others that are like-minded. The professors I’ve had in my graduate program have been very accommodating and personable.
- What advice do you have for others considering graduate school?
Just do it! It’s been flexible and I have learned several things like leadership, writing proper research papers and how to be a better teacher. It might be intimidating but your advisor and professors will take great care of your education.
- What are your future plans?
I will continue to teach agriculture and be an FFA advisor and look forward to being a mother and wife in the future. Professionally, I plan to continue to advance my curriculum by attending professional development and take on leadership roles.
To each and every person who liked, shared, commented and donated on #OneDayforSTATE. Your generosity and support for our amazing #gradjacks was outstanding! Donations will be used to fund graduate student scholarships, awards and travel stipends for the upcoming academic year. Keep your eyes peeled for final donation numbers - coming soon!
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Online Teaching Certification for Graduate Students Program
Are you looking for online teaching instructor position or possibly teach online after graduation from SDSU? Instructional Design Services offers online teaching certification for grad students program as part of your professional development opportunity in the area of online instruction. This program focuses on the skills, knowledge, tips and best practices required in high quality online instruction. Participants will complete four weeks training modules and course work in D2L to get certified. You have the opportunity to participate in online learning activities and interact with other grade students across campus in a cohort. After satisfactory completion, you’ll get a certification.
The Online Teaching Certification for Grad Students Program offering date for Fall 2024 will be from Oct. 21 to Nov. 15. Please submit your application online. You will be notified of your class one week prior to class start.
Graduate Professionalism Academy (GPA)
The Graduate Professionalism Academy (GPA) is an optional, flexible, self-paced and hybrid opportunity for graduate students to complete a certificate. There are seven core competencies that make up the Graduate Professionalism Academy (GPA): career development, leadership, teaching, communication, research, diversity and advocacy, wellness and professional development.
How to enroll?
- On your D2L homepage, select Discover.
- Type the course name in the search bar - 'Graduate Student Professional Development Series.'
- Select Course, and click 'Enroll in Course.'
Awards and Scholarships
The SDSU Graduate School is soliciting nominations for the Distinguished Master's Thesis Award. The award is to recognize and reward distinguished scholarship and research at the master's level. SDSU is seeking nominations in the two broad categories of social sciences OR mathematics, physical sciences and engineering, which align with the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools Distinguished Thesis Awards. The effective date of degree award, or the completion of master’s degree requirements, must fall within the period of July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024. Degree completion must be confirmed by SDSU. Students who have already received a Ph.D. or comparable research degree in any discipline prior to their master’s degree program are not eligible. However, recipients of a first professional degree awarded prior to writing the thesis may be nominated. Deadline: Oct. 4, 2024.
The SDSU Graduate School has created two scholarships to assist graduate students who do not have funding support for tuition, including graduate assistantships, funding from home countries or other types of formal support. The goal is to help increase access to Graduate School for those who have demonstrated financial need.
Guidelines
- Two scholarships will be awarded to active graduate students: one for new students (starting Fall 2024) and one for current students.
- Members of the Graduate Council will select awardees.
- Each awardee will receive a monetary scholarship toward the cost of graduate tuition.
- To be considered for the scholarship, graduate students must submit a completed electronic application by Oct. 1, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
- Applications must include:
- Personal statement (one page limit) describing financial need, commitment to pursue and complete a graduate degree at SDSU and future contributions after degree completion.
- Letter of recommendation from adviser or faculty member.
Applications must be submitted electronically.
The Joseph F. Nelson Graduate Scholarship Award is open to graduate students at South Dakota State University who are in good standing (a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above) and meet the specified criteria for the award (see guidelines). This year, the Joseph F. Nelson Endowment Fund will provide for two graduate student scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each. Graduate student applicants must have successfully completed 15 semester credit hours of academic work toward a master’s or Ph.D. degree. Students must be completing, as part of their degree, original research; preferably in one of the following sciences: physics, chemistry, physical geography, biology, soil science, geology, mathematics or other physical sciences. Awards for M.S. students are restricted to students pursuing a thesis. These awards are to be made in addition to any graduate assistantship students may have, and may not be used to substitute for or partially replace an existing assistantship.
Applications must be submitted electronically. Deadline: Nov. 15, 2024.
Important Upcoming Dates
- Sept. 30, 2024 - Graduation Application Due
- Oct. 14, 2024 - Native American Day Holiday
- Nov. 22, 2024 - Final Oral Exam Completed