B.S. in Chemical Engineering

Program Overview

The B.S. in Chemical Engineering is a comprehensive undergraduate program focused on the design and development of processes that combine engineering principles of heat and fluid flow with chemical reactions and molecular separations to produce high-value products. Students gain a fundamental understanding of molecular sciences through multiple courses in chemistry and biology, alongside physics, math, and computer courses that provide the analytical tools necessary for process design. The core curriculum delves into thermodynamics, heat and mass transport, fluid dynamics, chemical reaction kinetics and reactor design, molecular separations, and process design and control. The program emphasizes creating engineers who can contribute to solutions for global challenges such as energy demands, pollution reduction, and the development of new materials.

STEM-designated: Yes, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemical Engineering program at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is a STEM-designated degree. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students on an F-1 visa, as it qualifies them for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This allows for an additional 24 months of post-completion work authorization in the U.S. beyond the initial 12 months, providing a total of up to three years of valuable practical experience in their specialized field.

ABET-accredited: Yes, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemical Engineering program at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). ABET accreditation is a globally recognized hallmark of quality for engineering programs, ensuring that the curriculum meets the highest professional standards. This accreditation is crucial for graduates seeking professional licensure and is highly valued by employers worldwide, signifying that graduates are prepared for entry into the global engineering workforce.

Curriculum: The B.S. in Chemical Engineering curriculum at SDSMT is robust, interdisciplinary, and designed to provide both foundational knowledge and practical application. Freshman and sophomore years establish a strong base in General Chemistry, Biology (Fundamentals of Biology I), Calculus I, II, and III, University Physics I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II, and Differential Equations. Core Chemical Engineering courses then build upon this foundation, including Material and Energy Balances, Fluid Mechanics, Chemical Engineering Process Thermodynamics, Heat and Mass Transfer, Chemical Kinetics and Reactor Design, Equilibrium Separations, Process Control, Process Design and Economics, and Chemical Process Safety. A six-week intensive unit operations laboratory sequence is a key feature, providing hands-on experience. Students also have significant flexibility with elective courses, allowing specialization in areas such as Advanced Materials, Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Business, Energy Technology, Environmental Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Polymer Technology, which can be noted on their transcripts. A Capstone Design project concludes the program.

Research Focus: South Dakota School of Mines & Technology places a strong emphasis on undergraduate research within its Chemical Engineering program, encouraging students to engage in hands-on, real-world research projects. The Chemical and Biological Engineering Department boasts a wide variety of state-of-the-art instruments and laboratories, including analytical labs (FT-IR, Laser-Raman, GC), bioseparations labs (FPLC, UPLC, filtration units), and mechanical/thermal testing labs. Faculty research areas often include complex fluids and soft solids, computer simulation and modeling (e.g., molecular modeling, finite element modeling of transport phenomena), environmental and remediation engineering, and molecular biology and biotechnology (e.g., bioenergy, biofuels, biopharmaceuticals). This robust research environment allows students to make discoveries alongside faculty and contribute to cutting-edge advancements.

Industry Engagement: SDSMT actively prepares its Chemical Engineering graduates for successful careers through strong industry engagement. The program's curriculum is tailored to meet the demands of various industries that rely on chemical processes, from traditional chemical and energy sectors to emerging fields like biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. The university highlights a high placement rate (97% in STEM fields for the 2023 graduating class) and excellent starting salaries, indicative of strong industry demand. Graduates are highly sought after by companies such as Cargill, POET, Tate & Lyle, Freeport McMoRan, and government entities like the Naval Surface Warfare Center. The emphasis on practical, industrially relevant education, including design and controls, and the opportunity for internships and co-ops, ensures graduates are well-equipped for immediate contributions.

Global Perspective: The B.S. in Chemical Engineering at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing universal challenges such as energy demands, pollution reduction, and the creation of essential products. The curriculum covers principles of chemical processes that are applied globally in industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to environmental engineering and energy. Courses like "Global and Contemporary Issues in Chemical Engineering" explicitly broaden students' understanding of worldwide challenges and ethical considerations in their field. Furthermore, the ABET accreditation signifies a globally recognized standard of engineering education, preparing graduates for international collaboration and careers in multinational corporations that operate across diverse global markets.