Chemical and Biological Engineering Department

Contact Information

Dr. Todd Menkhaus, Program Coordinator
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
(605) 394-2422 Dept: (605) 394-2421
E-mail: Todd.Menkhaus@sdsmt.edu
http://www.sdsmt.edu/CBE/

Advisory Council

Professors Dixon, Gilcrease, Menkhaus (CBE Graduate Program Coordinator), Sani, Salem, Shende, and Winter; Associate Professors Benjamin and Groven; Assistant Professors Brenza, Carreon, and Walker.

Faculty

Professors Dixon, Gilcrease, Menkhaus (CBE Graduate Program Coordinator), Salem, Sani and Winter; Associate Professors Benjamin, Groven and Shende; Assistant Professors Brenza, Carreon, and Walker.

Director and Emeritus Faculty

Professor and Composites and Polymer Engineering Laboratory Director Salem, Distinguished Emeritus Professor Puszynski and Emeritus Professors Bang, Bauer, and Munro.

MS in Chemical Engineering

The MS in Chemical Engineering offers two options, thesis and non-thesis degrees, the latter is offered face-to-face and on-line. The thesis option is specifically designed for students wishing to pursue an in-depth research project, along with advancing fundamental chemical engineering knowledge. The non-thesis degree provides students the opportunity to advance their technical knowledge of chemical engineering while also preparing them more specifically for roles in management and operations. Pathways toward both degrees are available for students entering the program without a BS in chemical engineering, and are encouraged.

PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering

The PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering provides a unique opportunity for students to pursue an advanced degree covering both traditional chemical engineering fundamentals as well as modern applications of these principles to biological fields. Building upon coursework from undergraduate studies, the PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering will prepare students for careers in advanced research and development, teaching, technology transfer and entrepreneurship, and to become leaders within industry, academia, and government. A pathway toward the PhD in CBE is available for students entering the program without a BS in chemical engineering, and is encouraged.

Research Areas

CBE faculty has active research programs in a broad range of chemical and biological engineering topics, including: Bio- and Renewable Energy and Fuels; Biomaterials; Biomedical Engineering; Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering; Catalysis and Reaction Engineering; Computer Simulation and Modeling; Environmental and Remediation; Complex Fluids and Soft Solids; Applied Molecular Biology and Biotechnology; Nanotechnology; Polymers and Polymer Engineering; Rheology; Separations and Thermodynamics. The current research interests of individual faculty can be found on the departmental website http://www.sdsmt.edu/CBE/research/.

The modern Chemical and Biological Engineering and Chemistry (CBEC) building houses the CBE research laboratories. The CBE Faculty maintain a vibrant research enterprise with over $9m of funded research from the Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, NASA, other state and federal agencies, and industry. The CBE PhD program is also a strong supporter of the State-focused research area in materials and advanced manufacturing, which include advanced materials, polymers, composites, and nanotechnology. The Composites and Polymer Engineering Laboratory (CAPE) is a key resource utilized by our students http://cape.sdsmt.edu/.

Degree Options

Degree options include: PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering, MS in Chemical Engineering as either thesis or non-thesis (including accelerated options). Pathways to all degrees are available for students entering without a BS in chemical engineering.

Accelerated MS option

An accelerated MS degree (thesis or non-thesis) is available for students completing a BS in chemical engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Up to 12 credits applied toward the BS program may be used to satisfy graduate credit requirements.

Additional policies concerning accelerated MS degrees can be found in the requirements and policies applied to all graduate degrees by the Council of Graduate Education.

Outcomes

Chemical Engineering MS Non-Thesis Degree

Demonstrate a mastery of engineering and science fundamentals appropriate for the discipline.
Demonstrate the ability to critically assess information in the discipline.
Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts both orally and in writing.
Demonstrate and act with an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities.

Chemical Engineering MS Degree & Chemical and Biological Engineering PhD Degree

Demonstrate a mastery of engineering and science fundamentals appropriate for the discipline.
Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of technical concepts and state-of-the art literature within the student’s chosen field of specialization.
Demonstrate the ability to identify, investigate, formulate and solve new problems through the application of original, independent discipline specific research.
Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts both orally and in writing.
Demonstrate and acts with an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities.

Financial support

A limited number of fellowships and assistantships are available to qualified students. All applicants are automatically considered for assistantships.

Background requirements

Students with a BS degree in chemical engineering, as well as students with a BS degree from chemistry, biology, biotechnology, math, physics and other engineering and science disciplines are strongly encouraged to apply. Student with BS degrees other than chemical engineering are encouraged to take CBE 501 and CBE 502 to prepare themselves to take graduate level CBE courses.

Admission requirements

Applicants are required to provide official transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation and other items noted within the application process. Successful applicants typically have GRE scores above the 50th percentile and BS GPA above 3.0. Consult with the Graduate Program Coordinator for specific questions and requirements.

Transfer credits

Policies for transferring credits from outside institutions can be found in the requirements and policies applied to all graduate degrees by the Council of Graduate Education. All transfers are subject to approval by the student’s advisor or advisory committee.