Minors
Minor in Aerospace Engineering
Offered by: Department of Mechanical Engineering
If you are ready to advance the frontier of innovation and join other Mines graduates
who are in-demand leaders at places like NASA, SpaceX, Boeing, Airbus, Northrop Grumman,
Lockheed Martin, Collins Aerospace, or Blue Origin, a minor in aerospace engineering
at South Dakota Mines is for you. This minor gives our graduates a competitive edge
when seeking employment in the exciting and growing aerospace industry. Students from
any discipline at Mines are welcome to pursue a minor in aerospace engineering. This
highly sought-after skillset enables engineers to understand and build very complex
machines like spacecraft and passenger jets. Mechanical engineering students need
to take two courses (6 credits) in addition to their BS degree requirements in order
to earn this minor.
Catalog Information: Aerospace Engineering Minor
Minor in Avionics
Offered by: Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
There is a critical need for avionics expertise, so put yourself in the cockpit designing
and building cutting-edge avionics systems, robotic control systems, and wireless
communications. Use a fully-equipped flight simulator to mimic a wide range of military
and civilian aircraft. Students will have the opportunity to build components for
the flight simulator, such as collision avoidance software and flight control systems.
Give yourself a competitive edge in a broad cross-section of the aerospace industry
– think NASA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, and many more.
Catalog Information: Avionics Minor
Minor in Atmospheric Sciences
Offered by: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Weather and climate issues pose huge challenges to future generations, and those with
a minor in atmospheric sciences have the tools needed to thrive on the front lines
of many fields. South Dakota is well known for extreme weather and is a fantastic
place to study both weather and climate. A minor in atmospheric sciences adds great
value to a wide range of degrees at Mines and can be obtained with additional coursework
depending on the major.
Catalog Information: Atmospheric Sciences Minor
Minor in Biology
Offered by: Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Health Sciences
Biology underpins a huge array of scientific study – from the battle against cancer
to the effort to save endangered species and ecosystems, biologists have what it takes
to change the world. A biology minor at Mines gives a student from any field an advantage
that will make them in-demand leaders in today’s fastest-growing industries and a
leg up for graduate school, medical school, and other professional schools.
Catalog Information: Biology Minor
Minor in Biomaterials
Offered by: Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
The study of biomaterials at Mines is on the forefront of what is next – whether it’s
growing new organs on a synthetic matrix, developing a cutting-edge coating for a
titanium hip joint, or building new sustainable products made of plant derived fibers.
The broad field encompasses the interactions of natural and synthetic materials with
biological systems. Students who complete this minor are better prepared for a job
in the bio-industry, graduate school, or medical and other professional schools.
Catalog Information: Biomaterials Minor
Minor in Business Management in Technology
Offered by: Department of Mining Engineering and Management
Science and engineering industries are seeking leaders who not only have a solid understanding
of science, engineering, technology, and other STEM fields but who are also adept
in business and management. More than ever, businesses are looking to hire the unique
combination of manager, engineer, and scientist.
Catalog Information: Business Management in Technology Minor
Minor in Ceramic Engineering
Offered by: Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
Study the principles that underpin the engineering of nonmetallic, inorganic solids.
Topics covered in the first portion of the course include crystallography, glass structure,
and microstructural defects in ceramics. The second portion of the course explores
the mechanical, electrical, optical, magnetic, and thermal properties of glasses and
ceramics. Characteristic differences between ceramics and metals are emphasized throughout
the course. Connections to the related fields of mineralogy and geology are also developed.
Catalog Information: Ceramic Engineering Minor
Minor in Chemistry
Offered by: Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Health Sciences
A fundamental grasp of chemistry is essential for all STEM fields; those who understand
the building blocks of nature have the capacity to push the forefronts of science
and engineering to new heights. Students with a minor in chemistry from Mines will
be more competitive as applicants and see faster career advancement.
Catalog Information: Chemistry Minor
Minor in Computational Statistics
Offered by: Department of Mathematics
Top researchers and business leaders make data driven decisions, and they place high
value on team members who have the skills needed to delve information from massive
datasets. A minor in computational statistics at South Dakota Mines gives students
a competitive edge in any field of study.
Catalog Information: Computational Statistics Minor
Minor in Computer Science
Offered by: Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
The proliferation of artificial intelligence and machine learning into every aspect
of modern life means those with a basic understanding of computer systems, coding,
and human-machine interfaces will excel in the marketplace. In addition to any science
or engineering discipline, give yourself a competitive advantage with experience in
applied computer science.
Catalog Information: Computer Science Minor
Minor in Environmental Engineering
Offered by: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineers design systems and solve pressing problems in all areas related
to the environment and public health; sustainable design of drinking water treatment
and wastewater treatment and solid hazardous waste disposal systems; development of
air quality monitoring and pollution prevention programs; design of site remediation
and mining reclamation programs; and development of ecosystem protection and restoration
efforts, among others. A minor in environmental engineering is open to all students
at Mines and an asset for anyone who wants to help solve society’s most pressing problems.
Catalog Information: Environmental Engineering Minor
Minor in Environmental Science
Offered by: Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Health Sciences
Understanding and protecting the environment is key for all fields of study and as
asset to employers who want to reduce environmental lability. A minor in environmental
science at Mines gives students tools needed to detect and mitigate environmental
contamination and an overall academic preparation for a science or engineering career.
This minor is open to all students and is an asset for anyone who wants to help solve
society’s most pressing problems.
Catalog Information: Environmental Science Minor
Minor in Geology
Offered by: Department of Geology and Geological Engineering
A fundamental understanding of earth systems, earth’s history, and underlaying rock
types is essential for a wide range of science engineering fields – from building
bridges to understanding water quality – a background in geology gives job applicants
an edge and boosts career advancement in many fields.
Catalog Information: Geology Minor
Minor in Geospatial Technology
Offered by: Department of Geology and Geological Engineering
Geospatial technology is a rapidly expanding field that covers the management and
analysis of spatial data from many sources, such as satellites, airborne remote sensing,
geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), surveying,
and more. It has many applications in the sciences, engineering, business, planning,
and transportation. A minor in geospatial technology gives applicants in a range of
fields from environmental engineering to mining a major competitive advantage during
initial hiring and a set of tools that will drive career advancement in the years
to come.
Catalog Information: Geospatial Technology Minor
Minor in Global Engineering and Science
Offered by: Ivanhoe International Center
Business is global, especially in STEM fields. Employers value engineers and scientists
who operate as effectively in their own backyards as they do in remote areas of foreign
nations. An immersion experience in a different culture is the most effective way
to learn to meet cross-cultural challenges in the areas of communication, values,
beliefs, politics, language, and ethics. Students will gain this experience by creating
and completing an engineering, design, research or capstone project in a culture that
is significantly different than their own. The project will develop skills in verbal
and non-verbal communication and working on a multicultural team. Earning this minor
will provide evidence to employers of the ability to understand client expectations
and unspoken priorities and select appropriate and indigenous technology.
Catalog Information: Global Engineering and Science Minor
Minor in Materials Science - Metals
Offered by: Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
A fundamental grasp of materials science is vital for any scientific or engineering team that seeks to advance the frontier of innovation. Whether it be a new form of space propulsion technology deployed by NASA or a new sensor needed to determine the health of crops, materials scientists are on the cutting edge of technologic advancement. This minor is designed for students in engineering and science disciplines that desire the ability to predict and evaluate the performance of metals and alloys. This minor will make job applicants more comparative and serve career advancement for years to come.
Catalog Information: Materials Science - Metals Minor
Minor in Mathematics
Offered by: Department of Mathematics
Math is the language of the universe. A fundamental grasp of mathematics is vital
for all STEM fields. Graduates with a minor in math at Mines have a competitive advantage
and are highly sought after by employers who seek qualified problem solvers who will
quickly become in-demand leaders in today’s fastest growing industries.
Catalog Information: Mathematics Minor
Minor in Military Science
Offered by: Department of Military Science
Students who want to serve their country and gain the benefits ROTC has to offer will
find a minor in military sciences at Mines very rewarding. Participation in this minor
is contingent upon completion of ROTC basic courses or equivalent training. Employers
value the leadership training and problem-solving skills those with a military science
minor bring to the table.
Catalog Information: Military Science Minor
Minor in Mining Engineering
Offered by: Department of Mining Engineering and Management
If it can’t be grown, it must be mined, and society relies on engineers and scientists
who can extract the minerals and metals needed to maintain modern life. The rapidly
growing mining industry places high value on trained engineers who lead the way in
environmental protection and efficient resource extraction. This minor makes any graduate
highly sought after and readily employable in a wide range of high-paying industry
jobs.
Catalog Information: Mining Engineering Minor
Minor in Occupational Safety
Offered by: Department of Industrial Engineering
Every successful company puts safety first and values engineers and scientists who
can build a positive safety culture that prioritizes the safety and welfare of the
public. With the likelihood that most engineers and scientists will bear some responsibilities
for safety during their career, a minor in occupational safety is a value-added investment
for any degree at Mines.
Catalog Information: Occupational Safety Minor
Minor in Petroleum Systems
Offered by: Department of Geology and Geological Engineering
The petroleum industry employs a wide variety of engineers and scientists. This interdisciplinary
minor is available to any student on campus interested in expanding their portfolio
of coursework. Students with a minor in petroleum systems at Mines will stand out
in the hiring process for jobs in the energy sector.
Catalog Information: Petroleum Systems Minor
Minor in Physics
Offered by: Department of Physics
Physics is fundamental to all of STEM. A minor in physics gives Mines graduates understanding
of the basis of multiple fields. It can transform any engineer into an interdisciplinary
engineer and provide other scientists with the physics background needed to understand
their fields more deeply. It prepares engineers and scientists to use advanced technologies
based on quantum mechanics or nuclear and particle physics. It teaches computer scientists
how to program a realistic world and prepares computer engineers for the near future
when quantum computers will be commonplace.
Catalog Information: Physics Minor
Minor in Robotics
Offered by: Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
The field of robotics is permeating industry at every level – from robotic vacuums
standard in homes today to cutting-edge automated manufacturing. Establish a foundation
in robotics that will open up opportunities in almost any engineering field.
Catalog Information: Robotics Minor
Minor in Science, Technology, and Society
Offered by: Department of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
Visionary leaders in STEM fields are most often well-rounded individuals who recognize
value in multiple types of thought. A minor in science, technology, and society (STS)
at Mines empowers graduates to become in-demand leaders in today’s fastest-growing
industries. The STS minor supplements students’ major program with interdisciplinary
coursework in the humanities, arts, and social sciences. This pathway furthers Mines’
commitment to bring interdisciplinarity, collaboration, and respect for the human
dimensions of technological innovation to students as they prepare to address the
scientific and engineering challenges of the 21st century. Confronting issues from
climate change to biodiversity loss to sustainability, the STS minor provides an understanding
of the historical origins of current problems, emphasizes effective communication
across cultures and audiences, and examines the ethical implications of our choices.
By connecting scientific and engineering innovation to real-world problems and analyzing
the impact of those innovations on communities across the globe, the STS minor provides
essential training for STEM students. Students from any discipline at Mines may pursue
a minor in STS.
Catalog Information: Science, Technology, and Society Minor
Minor in Sustainable Engineering
Offered by: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Sustainable engineering describes a new approach to solve complex environmental, economic,
and social problems resulting from the rising competition for increasingly limited
resources, water, and land supplies. Sustainable engineering seeks to transform engineering
practices by designing or operating systems to use energy and resources sustainably. Sustainability
engineers are expected to take a lead role in delivering sustainable and low-energy
design projects, incorporating life cycle assessment and other innovative techniques
into engineering solutions that ensure environmentally benign routes of technology
developments. Students from any major at Mines may pursue a minor in sustainable engineering.
Catalog Information: Sustainable Engineering Minor
Minor in Systems Engineering
Offered by: Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Leaders must design across the full breadth, depth, and lifecycle of technical systems
to be at the forefront of what is next. If you have heard about "systems thinking,"
you can equip yourself with the design fundamentals necessary to solve complex, trans-disciplinary
technological problems.
Catalog Information: Systems Engineering Minor