Math, Science, & Tech
The Department of Math, Science and Technology prepares students for a variety of careers in STEM fields.
Oglala Lakota College’s Department of Math, Science, and Technology offers a variety of degree programs that prepare students for careers and advanced degrees in STEM Fields upon graduation. Intertwining expert knowledge of related subject matter with the inspirational culture of the Lakota people, the Department of Math, Science, and Technology works diligently to provide hands-on learning opportunities and experiences that better the quality of life for those within our tribal communities.
Through OLC’s Math, Science, and Technology degree programs, students have the opportunity to grow throughout their tenure, alongside renowned faculty who are committed to ensuring the greater success of OLC’s students upon graduation. Whether you’re looking to develop the skills you need to dive head-first into a STEM-related field of work upon graduation, or are looking to build the platform you need to excel in a continued education setting, you’re sure to leave OLC with all the skills you need to succeed in your respective career field.
A.A.S. Information Technology
Our vision is to provide the Pine Ridge and surrounding areas quality InformationTechnology professionals with a background and foundation in operating systems and networking.
Information Technology Department graduates will demonstrate a technical networking mind to fulfill the Information Technology needs of the Oglala Lakota People.
The student learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and core competencies of Information Technology graduates of Oglala Lakota College. Our goal in Information Technology is tograduate students who demonstrate a technical networking mind as network managers to fulfill the Information Technology needs of the Oglala Lakota People.
The Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology is a two-year terminal degree that provides its recipients with knowledge and skills to become a successful IT technician.
B.S. Information Technology
Our vision is to provide the Pine Ridge and surrounding areas quality Information Technology professionals with a background with a foundation in operating systems and networking. Information Technology Department graduates will demonstrate a technical networking mind to fulfill the Information Technology needs of the Oglala Lakota People.
When an IT student accumulates 28-43 credit hours, the student must submit an application to the MST department for a BS IT Degree. When accepted, the student will join a cohort and be assigned an IT faculty member who will be the student's adviser.
A.A. Pre-Engineering
In collaboration with the South Dakota Board of Regents, Oglala Lakota College’s Associate of Arts in Pre-Engineering degree program prepares students to transfer into accredited engineering and science baccalaureate programs in the state of South Dakota. Whether you’re looking to pursue a major in civil, geological, mechanical, chemical, electrical, or computer engineering upon graduation, you’ll have the tools and skills you need to succeed, no matter where you transfer to. (2 year program)
Students pursuing an A.A. in Pre-Engineering have the opportunity to transfer course credits to ABET-accredited science and engineering programs at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSM&T), as well as South Dakota State University (SDSU).
B.S. Natural Science
By pursuing a B.S. in Natural Science from Oglala Lakota College, you’ll spend time expanding your knowledge on the disciplines of mathematics, physical, and biological sciences to collaboratively solve multi-faceted environmental issues in conservation biology, earth science, and natural resources. With a B.S. in Natural Science, you’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in careers related to natural science, as well as prepare yourself to pursue further educational paths related to the subject matter.
In addition to classroom learning, OLC students pursuing a degree in Natural Science have the opportunity to explore and learn from research-based experiences in the field or lab. Directly impacting our tribal communities, these research opportunities provide for the better well-being of the Lakota people and its sacred resources. (4 year program)
A.A. Life Science
Explore the important connections linking health-related issues and the environment as you prepare for a future career in Nursing or Secondary Education with an A.A. in Life Science at Oglala Lakota College. In this program, students have the opportunity to dive deep into the foundational principles and methodology spanning across subject matters including biology, chemistry, Lakota studies, and more. With a degree in Life Science you can expect to establish and enrich a greater knowledge of the various areas of life science, which form to provide the base necessary to transfer into accredited Nursing and Secondary Education baccalaureate programs at OLC and elsewhere. (2 year program)
Bachelor of Science in Natural Science
| Bachelor of Science in Natural Science Conservation Biology |
||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | ||||||
| Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | Summer | Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring |
| Engl 103 | LSoc 103 | 100-level Science Elective | Bio 143 | LSci 203 | Bio 223 | Bio 303 | Math 163 | Humanities Elective | Biol 453 | Conservation Biology Elective |
| SpCm 103 | Range 103 | Math 123 | Math 154 | Chem 231 | Chem 241 | NSci 253 | GIS 313 | Biol 463 | Bio 463 | |
| Lak 103 | Eng 113 | Bio 153 | Bio 161 | Chem 233 | Chem 243 | Conservation Biology Elective | Literature Elective | Conservation Biology Elective | Conservation Biology Elective | |
| MIS 113 | Physics 113 | Bio 151 | Bio 163 | Lak 233 | Sci 273 | NSci 393 | Bio 413 | Conservation Biology Elective | NSci 493 | |
| Lakota Elective | Social Science Elective | |||||||||
| 12 cr. | 12 cr. | 13 cr. | 11 cr. | 13 cr. | 10 cr. | 3 cr. | 12 cr. | 12 cr. | 12 cr. | 12 cr. |
| Bachelor of Science in Natural Science Earth Science |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-College Courses | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | ||||
| Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | Fall | |
| Math 083/093 | Engl 103 | Lak 233 |
Geol 153 |
LSci 203 |
Physics 113 |
GIS 213 |
GIS 313 |
NSci Watershed Assessment Techniques |
Nsci 463 |
| Math 103 | Lak 103 |
Engl 113 |
Bio 153 |
NSci 253 |
Sci 273 |
Geol 213 |
NSci 363 | Chem 323 |
NSci 493 |
| RW 083/093 | Math 134 |
Math 154 |
Bio 151 | Bio 223 |
Chem 243 |
Earth Science Elective |
Nsci 393 |
Earth Science Elective |
Earth Science Elective |
| MIS 113 | Geol 143 |
Math 163 |
Chem 233 |
Chem 241 |
LSoc 103 |
Earth Science Elective |
Humanities Elective |
Humanities | |
| 100-level Science Elective | SpCm 103 |
Chem 231 |
Math 123 |
Literature Elective |
Lakota Elective |
||||
| Earth Science Elective |
Earth Science Elective |
||||||||
| 13 cr. | 16 cr. | 13 cr. | 16 cr. | 13 cr. | 15 cr. | 15 cr. | 12 cr. | 12 cr. | |
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
| Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-College Courses | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | |||||
| Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | ||
| Math 083a | RW 083b |
MIS 113 |
Psy 103 |
Sci 113 |
IT 273 |
IT 383 |
SoSc 313 |
IT 493a |
IT 493b |
| Math 083b |
RW 083b | Engl 103 |
Engl 113 |
IT 153 |
IT 133 |
IT 323 |
IT 363 |
Free | IT 423 |
| Math 093 |
RW 093 |
Sci Elective |
Hum Elective |
IT 203 |
Free |
IT 313 |
IT 373 |
IT 413 |
IT 443 |
| Math 103 |
Math 134 |
Lit Elective |
Math 154 |
Math 263 |
IT 243 |
IT 303 |
Lak Elec |
IT 403 |
IT 473 |
| SpCm 103 |
Lak 103 |
Lak 233 |
LSoc 103 |
Lak Elec |
IT 333 |
Free |
IT 453 |
||
Associate of Arts in Pre-Engineering
| Associate of Arts in Pre-Engineering |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-College Courses | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | ||
| Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | Fall | |
| RW 083/093 | MIS 113 |
Engl 113 |
SpCm 103 |
Humanities Elective |
Social Science Elective |
| Math 083/093 | Math 154 |
Lak 103 |
Lsoc 103 or LHist 203/213 |
Approved Professional Elective | Lakota Elective |
| Math 103 | Engl 103 |
Math 163 |
Chem 243 |
Math 214 |
Math 224 |
| Phys 113 |
Math 123 |
Chem 233 |
Chem 241 |
Physics 214 |
Phys 223/1 |
| Engr 101 |
Chem 231 |
Math 194 |
Approved Professional Elective | Approved Professional Elective | |
| Engr 111 |
Approved Professional Elective |
||||
| 15 cr. | 16 cr. | 17 cr. | 17 cr. | 16 cr. | |
Associate of Arts in Life Science
| Associate of Arts in Life Science |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-College Courses |
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |||
| Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | Fall | ||
| Math 093 |
RW 093 |
Lak 103 |
Math 154 |
Lakota Elective |
Bio 204 |
Bio 234 |
| Math 103 |
Engl 103 |
Engl 113 |
Bio 153 |
Bio 224 |
MIS 113 |
|
| Math 134 | SpCm 103 |
Psy 103 |
Bio 151 |
Bio 163 |
Science Elective |
|
| 100 Science |
LSoc 103 |
Chem 233 |
Bio 161 |
Science Elective Lab |
||
| Chem 231 |
Lak Elective |
|||||
| Humanities Elective |
||||||
| 12 cr. | 13 cr. | 14 cr. | 12 cr. | 11 cr. | ||
2022-2023
A.A. Life Sciences A.A. Pre-Engineering B.S. Information Technology B.S. Natural Science2021-2022
A.A. Life Sciences A.A. Pre-Engineering B.S. Information Technology B.S. Natural Science2020-2021
A.A. Life Sciences A.A. Pre-Engineering A.A.S. Information Technology B.S. Information Technology B.S. Natural Science2019-2020
A.A. Life Sciences A.A. Pre-Engineering A.A.S. Information Technology B.S. Information Technology B.S. Natural Science2018-2019
A.A. Life Sciences A.A. Pre-Engineering A.A. Science, Engineering, & Math A.A.S. Information Technology B.S. Information Technology B.S. Natural Science2017-2018
A.A. Life Sciences A.A. Pre-Engineering A.A. Science, Engineering, & Math A.A.S. Information Technology B.S. Information Technology B.S. Natural Science2016-2017
A.A. Life Sciences A.A. Pre-Engineering A.A. Science, Engineering, & Math A.A.S. Information Technology B.S. Information Technology B.S. Natural Science2015-2016
A.A. Life Sciences A.A. Pre-Engineering A.A. Science, Engineering, & Math A.A.S. Information Technology B.S. Information Technology B.S. Natural ScienceAssociate of Life science offers a basis for many careers leading in several directions. Some of the paths include professions where you are expected to take further education and growth. Career paths include laboratory technician, veterinary technician, medical assistant, medical and clinical lab technician, pharmaceutical and medical sales, agricultural and food science technician, biological technician, dietetic technician, embalmers, forest and conservation technician, research assistant (available here at OLC!), and plant science technician. The life science degree is a stepping stone to a bachelor’s and possibly graduate level education for further study in nursing, health sciences (medical, chiropractic, veterinary, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, etc), public health, and biology.
Software and IT jobs are on the rise daily, this is why an Associate in Information is a career that is on the increase. There is a great need for people with knowledge of computers, networks, etc to set up these technologies and use them effectively. High-growth jobs that require an associates in IT include Web Developers, Computer Programmers, Computer Network Specialists, Computer Support Specialists, Computer System Analysts, help desk technician, Network and Computer System Administrators, Network Engineers, Operations or IT managers, Business & Information Technicians, Management Information Systems (MIS) specialists, Information Technology Managers, Information Technologists, Computer Information Systems Specialists, Computer Scientist, Geographic Information Systems Specialist, Health Information Manager and Technologist. This degree would provide a stepping stone for bachelors and potentially graduate degrees in information technology, cyber security, data science, etc.
An associate’s degree in pre-engineering will cover the basics of engineering required to continue to pursue a higher degree. While you can work in the engineering field as a research assistant, technical writer, electronic technician, mechanical technician, industrial technician, and machinist, there are limitations in the type of work you can do with a pre-engineering degree. With this its highly recommended that one pursues, a bachelor’s degree at a minimum in engineering. OLC has an agreement with the SD Mines for students to continue from the AS in Engineering to a bachelor’s degree in an engineering field. Further degrees such as a master’s and doctoral degrees are also encouraged.
A bachelor’s degree in Natural Science offers a broad range of career opportunities in environmental science, biology, geology, ecology, and physical/earth sciences. Professionals in this field are very vital to study the impact of humans on the environment. Jobs that require a BS in Natural Science includes biological technicians, natural science managers, biological scientists, agriculture and food scientists, microbiologists, zoologists, wildlife biologists, forensic science technicians, environmental scientists, environmental science and protection technicians, agricultural and food science technicians, forest and conservation technicians, conservation biologists, physical scientists, chemical technicians, geoscientist, hydrologist, geological technician, high school teachers, career and technical education teachers, higher education teachers, researchers, environmental consultant, environmental health, and safety managers, civil engineers, geospatial analysts, natural resource conservationists, environmental engineering, atmospheric scientists, botanist, ecologist, climate change analyst, environmental restoration planners, industrial ecologist, environmental chemist, natural resource managers, biologist, conservation scientist, forester, geographer, geological and hydrologic technician, geoscientist, agricultural engineers, bioinformatics scientists, data scientists, range managers, and soil and water conservationists. Many careers require postsecondary education in the form of master’s or doctoral degrees.
With IT careers on the rise, a Bachelor’s degree in Information technology can lead to multiple career opportunities. In addition to the careers listed under an associate’s degree in IT, the following careers opportunities could be pursued computer and information research scientist, computer network architect, computer programmer, computer support specialist, computer systems analyst, database administrator and architect, information security analysts, network and computer systems administrator, software developer, quality assurance analyst, web developers, digital designers, data scientist, robotics specialist, computer hardware engineer, electrical engineer, computer and information systems managers, network engineers, computer user support analyst, help desk technicians, IT project managers, security engineer, spatial analyst, geographic information systems specialist, information technologist, and information systems manager. The BS IT degree is a stepping stone into future careers and educational opportunities.