Civil Engineering, BSE

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE)
Major: Civil Engineering

Program Overview

The faculty of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department believes very strongly that undergraduate education should prepare students to be productive professional engineers. For this reason, particular emphasis in undergraduate teaching is placed on the application of engineering, science, and mathematical principles to the solution of complex engineering problems with consideration of global, environmental, and economic factors. After completing a set of core courses in general engineering and civil engineering, undergraduate students choose a sequence in one of the areas of civil engineering of particular interest: Structural, Geotechnical, Construction Management, Pre-architecture, or Environmental.

In order to provide undergraduates with experience in the practice of civil and environmental engineering, the Department creates opportunities for students to network with professional engineers by hosting department career fairs and professional lunch seminars. These interactions often lead to summer internships or co-op employment for students. By working for organizations in areas of design and construction, students gain invaluable knowledge about how the profession functions. This experience helps students gain more from their education and helps them be more competitive when seeking future employment.

A cooperative education program is also available. This allows the student to spend time an extended period of time working full-time in an engineering capacity with a contractor, consulting engineer, architect, or materials supplier during the course of his or her education. This learning experience is designed to integrate classroom theory with practical experience and professional development.

The civil and environmental engineering curriculum has been designed so that students take a set of core civil engineering courses, a set of required courses in their chosen sequence, and a minimum of six approved elective courses. The sequence gives students the opportunity to pursue a particular area of practice in more depth. In addition, all civil engineering students participate in a team senior capstone design course which provides them experience with solving multidisciplinary problems.

Most classes in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department have an enrollment of fewer than 25 students to encourage the development of close professional relationships with the faculty. Students also have opportunities to gain practical experience as well as earn a supplemental income by assisting faculty members in consulting work or a funded research project.

The application of modern engineering tools is an integral part of the curriculum. Students apply skills in computer programming and numerical analysis to solutions of complex Civil Engineering problems. Popular software used in the professional engineering community is integrated into course curriculum for planning, analysis, design, and managerial tools.

All sequences are constructed to provide a balance of marketable skills and theoretical bases for further growth. With departmental approval, other sequences can be developed to meet students’ needs.

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree program in Civil Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Civil Engineering.

Program Educational Objectives

  1. Graduates of the program will enter the profession of Civil Engineering and advance to positions of greater responsibility and leadership, in line with ASCE Engineering Grade Descriptions, while upholding the ethical standards of the field.
  2. Graduates of the program will seek to contribute to the Civil Engineering’s body of knowledge and stay informed of emerging technologies and practices.
  3. Graduates of the program will advance the field through active engagement in professional organizations, as well as mentoring and volunteering opportunities within their communities.
  4. Graduates of the program will complete professional licensure, pursue advanced degree programs, and/or engage in other continuing education opportunities.

Learning Outcomes

As preparation for achieving the above educational objectives, the Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree program with a major in Civil Engineering is designed so that students attain:

  • an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  • an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  • an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  • an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  • an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  • an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  • an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Co-op and Internship Programs

Opportunities are available for students to alternate studies with work in industry or government as a co-op student, which involves paid full-time employment over seven months (one semester and one summer). Students may work in one or two co-ops, beginning in the third year of study. Co-ops provide students the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in their field by completing a significant engineering project while receiving professional mentoring. During a co-op placement, students do not pay tuition but maintain their full-time student status while earning a salary. Alternatively or additionally, students may obtain employment as summer interns.

Undergraduate Policies

For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Accelerated Master's Programs

Undergraduate students may participate in accelerated programs toward graduate or professional degrees. For more information and details of the policies and procedures related to accelerated studies, please visit the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.