B.S. in Electrical Engineering

Program Overview

The B.S. in Electrical Engineering at South Dakota Mines provides students with a solid engineering foundation across various core electrical engineering disciplines. These include circuits, electronics, electromagnetics, control systems, signals, materials science, communications, and power systems. The program's core aim is to develop engineers proficient in designing, building, and testing electrical products and systems. Through hands-on and immersive experiences, students are prepared to tackle challenges in developing communication and power generation systems, electric motors, medical devices, and more. The curriculum also encourages participation in co-curricular activities like designing formula race cars or lunar robots, enhancing practical skill development.

STEM-designated: Yes, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Electrical Engineering program at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is a STEM-designated degree. This designation is highly advantageous, 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 Electrical 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 mark 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 Electrical Engineering curriculum at SDSMT is comprehensive and builds a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and computer science. Early coursework includes Calculus I & II, General Chemistry, University Physics I, and foundational electrical engineering courses like "Explore Electrical and Electronics Engineering" and "Foundations of Electrical and Electronics Engineering." As students progress, they delve into Circuits I & II (with labs), Differential Equations, Electronic Sensors and Actuators, Signals and Systems, Electronics I & II (with labs), Energy Systems, Electric and Magnetic Fields, Control Systems, and Applied Electromagnetics. The senior year culminates in a two-semester Senior Design Project. Students also have professional and technical electives, allowing for specialization in areas such as robotics, mobile computing, communications systems, electromagnetism, antennas, alternative energy, smart grids, and manufacturing automation.

Research Focus: South Dakota School of Mines & Technology strongly emphasizes undergraduate research within its Electrical Engineering program. Students have the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking projects and work alongside faculty in various research labs and centers. Key research areas within the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department include the Smart Grid and Energy Research Lab, the Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems Lab, the Antennas and Microwave Sensing Lab (equipped with an anechoic chamber), and the Cyber-Physical Systems Lab. Faculty research interests span topics such as swarm intelligence, control and autonomy, flexible antennas, renewable energies, power electronics, and microwave sensing. Current research is often funded by agencies like the Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, and NASA, providing students with exposure to cutting-edge, real-world problems.

Industry Engagement: SDSMT places a high priority on industry engagement for its Electrical Engineering graduates. The program's hands-on and project-based learning approach, combined with its emphasis on designing, building, and testing, directly aligns with industry needs. The university boasts a high placement rate (97% in STEM fields for the 2023 graduating class) and excellent starting salaries, indicative of strong industry demand. SDSMT maintains robust connections with a variety of industry partners, who consistently hire students for internships and full-time positions. Potential employers span diverse sectors including alternative energy production and control, manufacturing automation, supercomputing, IoT device management, and avionics, with companies such as Collins Aerospace, Daktronics, Digi-Key Electronics, Echostar, Emerson, and Garmin noted as key partners.

Global Perspective: The B.S. in Electrical Engineering program at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing universal technological challenges and innovations that impact the world. Electrical engineers design systems and solutions, from communication networks to power grids and medical devices, that are used globally. The ABET accreditation ensures that the education meets internationally recognized standards, preparing graduates for careers in multinational corporations or for contributing to global technological advancements. The curriculum's focus on areas like renewable energies and smart grids also naturally incorporates discussions of global energy demands and sustainable solutions, preparing graduates to address interconnected challenges in a globalized world.