Civil Engineering, B.S. - Environmental Engineering Emphasis

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

Faculty

Professors Bang, Fontaine, Gribb, Hansen and Kenner; Associate Professor Stone; Assistant Professors Arneson-Meyer, Benning, Cetin, Gadhamshetty, Nam, Robinson, and Shearer.

Environmental Engineering Emphasis, BS Civil Engineering at School of Mines

Environmental engineering is an important emphasis area in the broad field of civil engineering.  Environmental engineers design systems and solve pressing global problems in all areas related to the environment and public health:  sustainable design of drinking water treatment and distribution, wastewater treatment, and solid and hazardous waste disposal systems; development of air quality monitoring and pollution prevention programs; design of site remediation and mining reclamation programs; and development of ecosystem protection and restoration efforts, among others.

Students interested in a career in environmental engineering at the School of Mines follow a curriculum with an emphasis in environmental engineering that culminates in a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering that is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.

The mission of the CEE Department is to provide our students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required to address the needs of society through design, research and construction, and to instill them with the desire for professionalism, leadership, and lifelong learning.

The goal of the BSCE program with regard to undergraduate education is to produce graduates, who, within a few years of graduation, will demonstrate the following Civil Engineering Program Objectives:

1. Engage in the professional practice of civil engineering through work in the public or private sector,
2. Actively participate in professional and/or civic organizations,
3. Pursue opportunities to assume leadership roles in their professional and/or service activities, and
4. Seek to continue their educations through advanced studies in civil or environmental engineering or a related professional discipline, continuing education and/or professional development activities.

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 preparation for graduate study in any of the specialized branches of environmental or civilengineering, construction management or other professional degrees such as medicine or law.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the BSCE with environmental engineering emphasis includes courses in the liberal arts, higher mathematics, basic sciences, engineering sciences, and engineering design. Civil and environmental engineers often work on interdisciplinary teams to solve complex system design problems, so a broad background in engineering fundamentals and the natural sciences is essential.  Students will take courses in environmental, geotechnical, water resources, construction, and sustainable engineering, as well as related chemical engineering courses, to prepare them for a career and/or additional studies.

In the senior year, a 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.  Minors in environmental engineering  and sustainable engineering  are also available.

At the time of graduation, students completing the BSCE program will be able to demonstrate the following Civil Engineering Program Outcomes:

1. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
2. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
3. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability;
4. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams;
5. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
6. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
7. An ability to communicate effectively;
8. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context;
9. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning;
10. A knowledge of contemporary issues; and
11. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Graduate programs in civil and environmental engineering or construction engineering and 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.  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 and Environmental Engineering M.S. section of the catalog or contact the CENE Graduate Coordinator Dr. Sangchul Bang, Sangchul.Bang@sdsmt.edu.

Department Approved Electives

The curriculum for the BSCE with environmental engineering emphasis includes 15 credit hours of Department Approved Electives that students may use to gain knowledge and skills 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. Soonkie Nam (Soonkie.Nam@sdsmt.edu).

Department Approved Electives include the following and a list can also be found on the departmental web page:  cee.sdsmt.edu

• At least 9 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 then 3 credits may be CEE 491 or CP 497.
• Up to 3 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.