Is a career in chemical engineering in your future? If so, South Dakota is home to one school that can help you reach your goals: South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. The average cost of tuition at this school is $9,700 per year. You can pursue an Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or doctoral degree here.
No matter what your eventual career goals are, you’ll likely need to start with a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemical Engineering. This four-year degree allows you to complete 120 credits, both in general education courses and engineering classes like Process Simulation & Design, Chemical Process Control, and Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics.
If you plan on pursuing a career in research or management, you may need a Master’s degree or PhD! After completing a Bachelor’s degree in this field, you can earn a Master’s degree in two years or a PhD in about seven years. To earn a Master’s degree, you may be required to take courses like Polymer Processing, Chemical Reactor Design, and Unit Operations.
Hands-on experience is a core part of this field, so you can plan on putting your knowledge to work in the engineering lab. You’ll learn how to work with chemicals, how to create chemical reactions, and how to use different engineering techniques.
A school’s tuition rate is often one of the most important factors in school choices. Together, tuition and financial aid determine what your out-of-pocket costs are. At South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, residents pay $8,240 per year. Minnesota residents pay $9,180 per year and non-residents pay $11,170 per year.
This school also has many engineering scholarships that can help you save money. Some of the scholarships that are available include the AACE Scholarship, the Google Anita Borg Scholarship, and the SACNAS Scholarship.
To get your Professional Engineering license, you must apply for licensure through the South Dakota Board of Technical Professions. You may receive your license after passing the required NCEES exam.
As a new PE, consider joining the South Dakota Engineering Society. This group offers professional and educational support services. You may get to attend continuing education events, find new job postings, and attend networking events in your community.