Contact Information
Dr. Molly M. Gribb
Head and Professor
Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering, Civil/Mechanical 122
(605) 394-1697
E-mail: Molly.Gribb@sdsmt.edu
Faculty
Professors Amos, Bang, Fontaine, Gribb, Hansen and Kenner; Associate Professors Christopher, Stone and Surovek; Assistant Professors Arneson-Meyer, Benning, Cetin, Fick, Nam and Robinson; Adjunct Assistant Professor Roberts; Distinguished Professor Emeritus Ramakrishnan; Professors Emeritus Hovey, Iyer and Preber; Associate Professor Emeritus Klasi.
Environmental Engineering
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 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 civil and environmental engineering, construction management or other professional degrees such as medicine or law.
Curriculum
The environmental engineering emphasis curriculum 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 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. A minor in environmental engineering is also available.
Graduate programs in civil and environmental 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. 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 the CEE Graduate Coordinator Dr. Scott Amos, Scott.Amos@sdsmt.edu
Department Approved Electives
The BSCE with environmental engineering emphasis curriculum includes 15 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 Scott Amos (Scott.Amos@sdsmt.edu).
Department Approved Electives include the following and a list can also be found at the following URL: cee.sdsmt.edu/docs/203193.pdf
- At least 6 credits of CEE 300 or 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 9 credit hours of 300 or 400 level courses in engineering, science, math or computer science not applied to another CEE graduation requirement.
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