College of Engineering

Lewis F. Brown, Dean
Richard A. Reid, Associate Dean
SCEH 201, 605-688-4161
Box 2219, Brookings, SD 57007-0096
E-mail: lewis.brown@sdstate.edu
richard.reid@sdstate.edu
http://www.sdstate.edu/engr/index.cfm

Introduction

Engineering programs have been a vital part of SDSU since 1881, and graduates of the College of Engineering programs have extended the bounds of science and improved our way of life in many ways. The College has a rich history and long tradition of providing outstanding graduates who are well prepared for exciting careers in engineering, science, and technology. The seven academic departments of the College of Engineering offer a broad range of major and minor programs, each with its unique features that ensure the student of both depth and breadth in their field of study.

Mission
The mission of the College of Engineering is to provide a rigorous, practical education for our students oriented toward problem solving; to conduct world-class research with a regional emphasis; and to provide technical assistance to existing and emerging business, industry, and government.

Facilities
The facilities of the College of Engineering are excellent and include numerous hands-on instructional laboratories that are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. The extensive laboratory learning experience reinforces the underlying theory taught in the lecture courses. The College of Engineering also provides computer laboratory facilities and areas for students to study and socialize.

Scholarships
The College of Engineering supports many of its students with academic scholarships. Students apply for these scholarships in the winter and awards are made for the following academic year. Individual departments within the College of Engineering also offer their own department-specific scholarships, which have their own application and review process. Information on the extensive scholarship opportunities for students can be found on the web sites for both the College of Engineering and the specific academic program of interest.

Academic Advising
Each student is assigned an academic adviser who provides valuable assistance with professional career and personal advice, course planning and scheduling. The adviser is a faculty member from the student’s major and is therefore familiar with the student’s field, as well as all curricular requirements for graduation. Students should meet with their adviser at least twice per semester for assistance with their progress and course planning. Students may request a change in their academic adviser by contacting their department office.

Importance of Humanities/Arts and Social Science Electives
The College of Engineering recognizes the importance of the general education component of undergraduate education, and the need for this component to complement the technical content of an education in engineering, mathematics, science and technology. This connection is important for producing well-rounded graduates who will continue to meet the present and future needs of society. SDSU’s General Education Requirement proficiencies, outlined in the General Education Requirements section of this catalog are of great professional importance to all graduates in the College of Engineering. By choosing their electives to meet the requirements of the goals of the System General Education Requirements, and the goals of the Institutional General Education Requirements, our students connect their general education component to their technical curriculum and thus strengthen their professional competence.

Cooperative Education
Students are encouraged to seek part-time (or full-time in the summer) employment opportunities that provide professional work experience in their chosen field of study. They can receive credit for this experience through Cooperative Education. Such experience serves to reinforce the student’s interest in his/her chosen field and also adds to his/her employment credentials upon graduation. A formal work plan must be submitted to, and approved by, the department head for the student’s declared major, prior to the work experience. The work plan must also be approved by the work-site supervisor. A formal policy describing the requirements and procedure for applying for Cooperative Education credit may be found in each academic department.

Student Opportunities
SDSU is located in the heart of the I-29 corridor and South Dakota’s principal manufacturing and high tech industries. Consequently, the faculty and programs of the College of Engineering enjoy a close professional relationship with many of the local and regional employers of its graduates. Besides permanent employment in the region, there are many other opportunities for students including part-time technical work, student internships, and student research assistant positions. There are also numerous student professional organizations and honor societies in the College of Engineering.

Departments/Units

Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (Software Engineering)
Engineering Technology and Management
(Electronics Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Manufacturing Engineering
Technology, Industrial Management)
Mathematics and Statistics
Mechanical Engineering
Physics (Engineering Physics)
Office of Engineering Research
Mountain Plains Consortium
Product Development Center
Water and Environmental Engineering Research Center

For further information on a specific department/degree, please refer to the sections entitled Department and Program Descriptions; Major and Minor Requirements; and Course Descriptions.

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Science
Master of Science*
Doctor of Philosophy*

* Graduate degrees are offered in collaboration with the Graduate School. For details, see the Graduate Catalog.

Accreditations

The programs in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering and Mechanical Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET). The College of Engineering has offered engineering programs accredited by EAC/ABET since they first began accrediting engineering programs in 1936.

The College has been actively engaged in complying with the newest EAC/ABET accreditation criteria known as Engineering Criteria 2000. Each of the EAC/ABET accredited engineering programs has developed Program Educational Objectives that meet the unique needs of its profession and constituents. These Program Educational Objectives are statements that describe the expected accomplishment of graduates during their first few years after graduation. In order to achieve these Program Educational Objectives, the EAC/ABET programs have also developed Program Outcomes. These are statements that describe what students are expected to know and are able to do by the time of graduation. By achieving these Program Outcomes, students are assured that they are equipped to achieve the Program Educational Objectives. Ongoing assessment is used to ensure that the programs achieve their objectives and outcomes and are continuously improved.

The programs in Electronics Engineering Technology and Manufacturing Engineering Technology are accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (TAC/ABET). The Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (CAC/ABET).

The Construction Management program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).

Programs

The College of Engineering offers the following degrees; Bachelor of Science in: Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering Technology, Engineering Physics, Industrial Management, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, and Software Engineering; Master of Science in: Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Statistics and Industrial Management; the Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering; the Doctor of Philosophy in Geospatial Science and Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy in Computational Science and Statistics.