Civil engineers are involved in providing the physical infrastructure that supports civilization, including shelter, transportation, water supply and waste disposal and/or recycling. Constructed facilities, their planning, analysis, design, construction maintenance and operation, are the forte of civil engineering. Civil engineers use computational tools, engineered and natural materials and human creativity to design, construct and maintain the physical infrastructure, which supports the quality of life of the Earth's population.

For the individual who has a strong interest in innovative planning, design and construction, civil engineering offers far ranging opportunities for applying knowledge and creativity in making the world a better place to live. (The Department also offers an Environmental Engineering degree program for those interested in that area of specialization.)

Curriculum

Students in civil engineering study the two year common core curriculum in engineering, followed by core civil engineering courses in structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering and environmental engineering. These courses are supplemented by elective concentrations in any one of the sub-areas listed above, as well as in the area of construction engineering in cooperation with the School of Architecture.

Typical Senior Class Size:  40 students.

Faculty

There are 15 regular faculty in civil engineering, with doctorates from internationally recognized programs. Many of the faculty have extensive practical experience, and all are interested in preparing our students for the challenges of civil engineering careers.

Work And Research Opportunities:

There are numerous opportunities for summer employment in the design and construction industries, as well as in co-op assignments. Many of our students take the opportunity to participate in on-campus undergraduate research projects with our faculty.

Employment Opportunities

Opportunities for employment are found in both private companies and public, state and federal agencies. Many of our students work in engineering design firms and agencies and in the construction industry, one of the largest segments of our national economy.