Civil Engineering (B.S.)

Program Coordinator/Contact

Nadim Wehbe, Department Head
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Crothers Engineering Hall 310
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.