Mar 28, 2024  
2013-2014 SDSM&T Academic Catalog 
    
2013-2014 SDSM&T Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Civil Engineering, B.S.


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Contact Information

Dr. Molly M. Gribb, P.E.
Head and Professor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Civil/Mechanical 122
(605) 394-1697
E-mail: Molly.Gribb@sdsmt.edu

Lois Arneson- Meyer
Freshmen/ Sophomore Advisor, Assistant Professor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Civil/Mechanical 121
(605) 394-2446
E-mail: Lois.Arneson-Meyer@sdsmt.edu

Faculty

Professors Amos, Bang, Fontaine, Gribb, and Kenner; Associate Professors Christopher, Stone and Surovek; Assistant Professors Arneson-Meyer, Benning, Cetin, Fick, Nam and Robinson.

Civil and Environmental Engineering     

Civil and environmental engineers are problem solvers, meeting the needs for environmental stewardship, renewable energy, sustainable design solutions, and community planning for a better tomorrow. Civil and environmental engineers serve the public by designing a wide variety of infrastructure systems such as dams and waterways, harbors, bridges, buildings, water supply and wastewater systems, highways and airports, tunnels and pipelines, and renewable energy facilities.

Students interested in a career in civil or environmental engineering follow a curriculum that culminates in a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering that is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

The undergraduate curriculum provides a comprehensive education for students who wish to pursue a professional career directly after graduation. The B.S. program in civil engineering also serves as a preparation for graduate study in any of the specialized branches of civil and environmental engineering, construction management or other professional degrees such as medicine or law.

Curriculum

The civil and environmental engineering curriculum begins with students gaining fundamental understanding of humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and basic sciences.  Courses in the engineering sciences begin the transition from theory to creative application.  Students complete required courses in environmental, geotechnical, structural, water resources, sustainable and construction engineering.  Students interested in environmental engineering  may follow a curriculum specifically tailored to this important subdisciplinary area, and may also pursue a minor in environmental engineering or sustainable engineering. In the senior year, a two-semester capstone design course allows students to work in multi-disciplinary teams to develop alternative solutions, incorporate sustainable design principles, perform feasibility and economic analyses, and create detailed designs. The capstone design experience culminates with a formal final written report and a presentation to the faculty and the students’ peers. 

Graduate programs in civil engineering or construction management afford opportunities for motivated students to pursue advanced studies.  An accelerated Master of Science (BS/MS) degree program is available for qualified seniors enrolled in  engineering B.S. programs at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. The accelerated master’s degree program allows B.S. engineering students to take up to nine (9) graduate-level credits to simultaneously meet undergraduate and graduate degree program requirements. For more information about the accelerated master’s degree program, see the Civil Engineering M.S. section of the catalog or contact CEE Graduate Coordinator Dr. Scott Amos (Scott.Amos@sdsmt.edu).

Department Approved Electives

The undergraduate curriculum includes 12 credit hours of Department Approved Electives that students may use to gain knowledge and skills in a specialized area to meet their individual career goals. Students may participate in undergraduate research or scholarship, which may include  international design projects, design activities associated with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) steel bridge or concrete canoe competitions, or cooperative education. Students must apply for the cooperative education program prior to starting work. For more information about the cooperative education program, contact Dr. Scott Amos (Scott.Amos@sdsmt.edu).

 Department Approved Electives include the following which are described in more detail on the department web page:  cee.sdsmt.edu

  • At least 6 credits of CEE 400 level coursework not applied to another CEE graduation requirement.
  • Up to 6 credit hours of CEE 498 (Undergraduate Research/Scholarship), CEE 491 (Independent Study) or CP 497 (Cooperative Education); not more than 3 credits may be CEE 491 or CP 497.
  • Up to 6 credit hours of 300 or 400 level courses in engineering, science, math or computer science not applied to another CEE graduation requirement. 

 Professionalism

Students are encouraged to participate in the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Engineers and Scientists Abroad (ESA), the Center of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing and Production (CAMP) that involves designing, building, testing, and competing in a variety of engineering challenges), or any other of the many student organizations on campus. During the senior year, students are strongly encouraged to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (F.E.) examination.  Passing the F.E. examination is the first step toward registration as a Professional Engineer (P.E.).  The second and final step in the registration process is the successful completion of the Professional Engineering examination, which is normally taken after working under the supervision of a P.E. for at least four years.

 

Civil Engineering Curriculum/Checklist


Students pursuing a traditional civil engineering education will follow the curriculum below.  The BSCE curriculum for the environmental engineering emphasis is shown separately. 

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Students are responsible for checking with their advisors for any program modifications that may occur after the publication of this catalog.  Curriculum flowcharts and other advising information are available on the departmental web page: cee.sdsmt.edu.

Freshman Year


First Semester


Total: 16

Second Semester


Total: 18

Sophomore Year


First Semester


Total: 16

Second Semester


Total: 18

Junior Year


Total: 15

Second Semester


Three of the following four courses

Total: 15

Senior Year


First Semester


Total: 16

Second Semester


Total: 16

130 credits required for graduation


Curriculum Notes


1 Consult the section of the catalog addressing graduation requirements for a description of the combinations of lower level (1xx/2xx) social sciences and humanities courses meeting the SDBOR General Education Goals #3 and #4. Students must complete at least 3 credits at an advanced level (300 or above).

2 Students must earn a “C” or better in the following courses to advance in the program: MATH 123 , EM 214 , EM 321 , EM 331 , CEE 326 , CEE 336/336L , CEE 346/346L , CEE 353 .

3 Science electives may be chosen from physics, chemistry, biology, geology, or atmospheric science with at least 3 credit hours BIO, GEOL, ATM, or GEOE 221/221L .  See department webpage for list.

4 Mathematics/science elective may be chosen from physics, chemistry, biology, geology, mathematics, or atmospheric science. MATH 381  is recommended. See departmental webpage for list.

5 Prerequisites for CEE 464 are: CEE 326 , CEE 336/336L , and CEE 346/346L  all with a “C” or better.

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