2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]


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Civil Engineering (B.S.)



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Program Coordinator/Contact

Nadim Wehbe, Department Head
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Crothers Engineering Hall 120
605-688-5427

Program Information

Civil Engineering includes design, construction, and operation and maintenance of highways, airports, buildings, bridges, dams, water supply and distribution systems, waste water collection systems and treatment plants, irrigation and drainage systems, river and harbor improvements and many other infrastructure facilities essential in modern life. Civil Engineers are custodians of the built environment and are responsible for all aspects of the world’s infrastructure.

To prepare students for these responsibilities, the program provides opportunities for them to solve engineering problems, promote original thought, illustrate the work expected of engineers and stimulate interest and enthusiasm for design. Seniors design teams work on comprehensive, open-ended projects involving scope and definition, evaluation of alternatives on the basis of economic, social, environmental, and other factors, concluding with the preparation of a functional design, plans, specifications and final cost estimates.

Program Educational Objectives

The civil engineering program at South Dakota State University is committed to preparing students to achieve the following educational objectives within five years beyond the baccalaureate degree.

  1. Graduates will have obtained professional licensure or specialized certification.
  2. Graduates will have engaged in professional development and life-long learning through earning advanced degrees, attending continuing education forums, or active participation in professional organizations.
  3. Graduates will have become actively involved in their profession, communities, and global society with a trajectory towards leadership positions.

Student Outcomes

The program’s mission and educational objectives are accomplished by providing undergraduate students with an educational program that will result in the following outcomes by the time of graduation:

  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

The Civil Engineering (B.S.) program at SDSU is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.

The Fundamentals of Engineering examination is a national licensure examination that covers material taught in an ABET-accredited engineering program. This exam is a graduation requirement for the B.S. in Civil Engineering program and for any engineer who wishes to become licensed as a Professional Engineer.

Academic Requirements

The following requirements must be met to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering:

  • Combined average of “C” or better in the Civil Engineering courses;
  • Combined average of “C” or better in the mathematics courses;
  • Combined average of “C” or better in EM 214 , EM 215 , EM 321 , and EM 331 .
  • Minimum grade of “C” in MATH 123  and MATH 125 . Students that fail to earn a “C” or better in any of these courses will be required to take them in subsequent semesters until the requirement is met.
  • Students must take the Fundamentals of Engineering examination prior to graduation.

Course Delivery Format

The Civil Engineering degree requires design coursework in five areas: structural, geotechnical, environmental, transportation, water resources and hydraulics engineering. These skills are applied in classroom, laboratory, and field-based settings.

Requirements for Civil Engineering Major: 130 Credits


 Bachelor of Science

Major Requirements


Technical Electives


Complete a total of five technical elective courses with no more than three courses in any one of the five technical areas. Technical electives must be in at least two technical content areas. One technical elective must contain substantive design content (designated with an *). Technical electives require approval by the advisor or department head. Credits: 15

Technical Areas:

E – Environmental
G – Geotechnical
S – Structural
T – Transportation
W – Water Resources

Total Required Credits: 130


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements 33 Credit Hours
Major Requirements 82 Credit Hours
Technical Electives 15 Credit Hours
Electives** 0 Credit Hours

**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.

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