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 with a major in Civil Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Civil and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

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 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.

Combined Bachelor's/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.

Program Requirements

Students seeking to complete this major and degree program must meet the general requirements for bachelor's degrees and the Unified General Education Requirements. Students completing this program as a secondary major while completing another undergraduate degree program do not need to satisfy the school-specific requirements associated with this major.

After completing a set of core courses in general engineering and civil engineering, undergraduate students choose a concentration in one of the areas of civil engineering of particular interest: Structural, Geotechnical, Construction Management, Pre-Architecture, or Environmental.

Required Mathematics, Science and Engineering Courses:
MATH 121Calculus for Science and Engineering I4
MATH 122Calculus for Science and Engineering II4
or MATH 124 Calculus II
MATH 223Calculus for Science and Engineering III3
or MATH 227 Calculus III
MATH 224Elementary Differential Equations3
or MATH 228 Differential Equations
PHYS 121General Physics I - Mechanics4
or PHYS 123 Physics and Frontiers I - Mechanics
PHYS 122General Physics II - Electricity and Magnetism4
or PHYS 124 Physics and Frontiers II - Electricity and Magnetism
CHEM 111Principles of Chemistry for Engineers4
ENGR 130Foundations of Engineering and Programming3
ENGR 145Chemistry of Materials4
ENGR 200Statics and Strength of Materials3
ENGR 399Impact of Engineering on Society3
Total Credit Hours39
Required Courses:
ECIV 230Soil Mechanics4
ECIV 260Surveying and Computer Graphics3
ECIV 268Environmental Engineering3
ECIV 310Strength of Materials3
ECIV 311Civil Engineering Materials3
ECIV 340Construction Management3
ECIV 360Civil Engineering Systems3
ECIV 398Civil Engineering Senior Project3
MATH 201Introduction to Linear Algebra for Applications3
or MATH 307 Linear Algebra
Total Credit Hours28

Concentration Requirements

Structural

Required Courses:16
Introduction to Structural Engineering and Analysis
Reinforced Concrete Design
Structural Steel Design
Introduction to Circuits and Instrumentation
Dynamics
Technical Electives:15
Category 1 (choose two of the following)
Engineering Hydraulics and Hydrology
Timber and Masonry Design
Design of Earthquake Resistant Structures
Fracture Mechanics and Size Effect
Bridge Engineering
Foundation Engineering
Advanced Topics in Reinforced Concrete Design
Advanced Structural Steel Design
Structural Fire Engineering
Category 2 (choose three of the following)
Undergraduate Research a
Matrix Analysis of Structures
BIM and Computer Graphics
Data Analysis for Civil and Environmental Engineering
Intelligent Infrastructure Systems
Structural Dynamics
Damage and Deterioration of Structures
Finite Element Analysis
Probabilistic Modeling and Data Analytics in Engineering
Elasticity and Data-driven Mechanics
Community-engaged, Interdisciplinary Team-based Design Projects b
Any additional course from Category 1
One course selected in discussion with academic advisor (suggested topics include professional communication, engineering, art history, or organizational behavior)
Open Electives c6
Total Credit Hours37
a

When taken for 3 credit hours.

b

When taken three times for 3 credits total.

c

Open Electives allow any course and may be used to achieve minors or double majors.

Geotechnical

Required Courses:16
Engineering Hydraulics and Hydrology
Introduction to Circuits and Instrumentation
Dynamics
Required Programming/Geology Courses (choose two of the following)
Programming in Java
Computational Methods in Physics
Physical Geology
Environmental Geology
Geomorphology and Remote Sensing
Thermal and Fluid Sciences
Technical Electives:15
Category 1 (choose two of the following)
Pavement Analysis and Design
Water Resources Engineering
Solid and Hazardous Waste Management
Environmental Engineering Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Reinforced Concrete Design
Structural Steel Design
Design of Earthquake Resistant Structures
Fracture Mechanics and Size Effect
Foundation Engineering
BIM and Computer Graphics
Category 2 (choose three of the following)
Undergraduate Research a
Introduction to Structural Engineering and Analysis
Matrix Analysis of Structures
Data Analysis for Civil and Environmental Engineering
Intelligent Infrastructure Systems
Structural Dynamics
Finite Element Analysis
Elasticity and Data-driven Mechanics
Geospatial Data Science: Explore, Analyze and Model Spatial, Temporal & Spatiotemporal Data
Community-engaged, Interdisciplinary Team-based Design Projects b
Any additional course from Category 1
One course selected with academic advisor (suggested topics include professional communication, engineering, physics, or organizational behavior)
Open Electives c6
Total Credit Hours37
a

When taken for 3 credit hours.

b

When taken three times for 3 credits total.

c

Open Electives allow any course and may be used to achieve minors or double majors.

Construction Management

Required Courses:13
Introduction to Structural Engineering and Analysis
Reinforced Concrete Design
Structural Steel Design
Construction Scheduling and Estimating
Introduction to Circuits and Instrumentation
Technical Electives:15
Category 1 (choose two of the following)
Pavement Analysis and Design
Engineering Hydraulics and Hydrology
Environmental Engineering Biotechnology
Water Resources Engineering
Solid and Hazardous Waste Management
Environmental Engineering Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Timber and Masonry Design
Reinforced Concrete Design a
Structural Steel Design
Bridge Engineering
Foundation Engineering
Category 2 (choose three of the following)
BIM and Computer Graphics
BIM Data Management & Remote Sensing
Intelligent Infrastructure Systems
Damage and Deterioration of Structures
Engineering Optimization
Operations and Systems Design
Community-engaged, Interdisciplinary Team-based Design Projects b
Any additional course from Category 1
One course selected with academic advisor (suggested topics include professional communication, engineering, or art history)
Open Electives c9
Total Credit Hours37
a

Whichever was not picked as a Required Course.

b

When taken three times for 3 credits total.

c

Open Electives allow any course and may be used to achieve minors or double majors.

Pre-Architecture

Required Courses:13
Introduction to Structural Engineering and Analysis
Reinforced Concrete Design
Structural Steel Design
Architecture and City Design I
Architecture and City Design II
Introduction to Circuits and Instrumentation
Technical Electives:15
Category 1 (choose two of the following)
Engineering Hydraulics and Hydrology
Environmental Engineering Biotechnology
Water Resources Engineering
Solid and Hazardous Waste Management
Environmental Engineering Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Timber and Masonry Design
Reinforced Concrete Design 2
Structural Steel Design
Design of Earthquake Resistant Structures
Fracture Mechanics and Size Effect
Bridge Engineering
Foundation Engineering
Advanced Topics in Reinforced Concrete Design
Advanced Structural Steel Design
Structural Fire Engineering
Category 2 (choose three of the following)
Intelligent Infrastructure Systems
Design and Color II
Creative Drawing II
Creative Drawing II
Architecture and City Design I a
Architecture and City Design II
Architecture and City Design III
Jewish Art and Architecture
Ancient Roman Art and Architecture: Power, Politics, and Diversity
Art and Architecture of Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia
Issues in the History of Industrial Design
Community-engaged, Interdisciplinary Team-based Design Projects b
The Modern European City
Any additional course from Category 1
One course selected with academic advisor (suggested topics include professional communication, engineering, public policy, or sustainability)
Open Electives c9
Total Credit Hours37
a

Whichever was not picked as a Required Course.

b

When taken three times for 3 credits total.

c

Open Electives allow any course and may be used to achieve minors or double majors.

Environmental

Required Courses:16
Engineering Hydraulics and Hydrology
Thermal and Fluid Sciences
Required Math/Science Courses (choose three of the following)
Global Environmental Problems
Introduction to Climate Change: Physics, Forecasts, and Strategies
Our Knowledge of Climate Change: What do we know and how do we know it?
Any BIOL course, including BIOL 200-TR
Any CHEM or CDSD 200+ course
Any MATH, STAT, SYBB, DSCI, or PHYS 300+ course
Any EEPS course (excluding EEPS 205, EEPS 303)
Technical Electives:15
Category 1 (choose two of the following)
Water Resources Engineering
Environmental Engineering Biotechnology
Solid and Hazardous Waste Management
Environmental Engineering Green Stormwater Infrastructure
One other ECIV design course selected in discussion with academic advisor
Category 2 (choose three of the following)
Undergraduate Research a
Data Analysis for Civil and Environmental Engineering
Intelligent Infrastructure Systems
Probabilistic Modeling and Data Analytics in Engineering
Environmental Organic Chemistry
Environmental Engineering Chemistry
Dynamics of Biological Systems: A Quantitative Introduction to Biology
Role of Materials in Energy and Sustainability
Sustainable Manufacturing
Introduction to Chemical Systems
Principles of Ecology
Geospatial Data Science: Explore, Analyze and Model Spatial, Temporal & Spatiotemporal Data
Biogeochemistry
An Introduction to GIS for Health and Social Sciences
Community-engaged, Interdisciplinary Team-based Design Projects b
Any additional course from Category 1
One course selected with academic advisor (suggested topics include professional communication, engineering, or environmental science)
Open Electives c6
Total Credit Hours37
a

When taken for 3 credit hours.

b

When taken three times for 3 credits total.

c

Open Electives allow any course and may be used to achieve minors or double majors.

Sample Plans of Study

The following are suggested plans of study. Current students should always consult their advisors and their individual graduation requirement plans.

First and Second Year

All concentrations follow the same plan of study during the first and second years:

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredit Hours
CHEM 111 Principles of Chemistry for Engineers 4
ENGR 130 Foundations of Engineering and Programming 3
MATH 121 Calculus for Science and Engineering I 4
PHYS 121 General Physics I - Mechanics 4
Academic Inquiry Seminar, Breadth, or Elective course a 3
 Credit Hours18
Spring
ENGR 145 Chemistry of Materials 4
MATH 122 Calculus for Science and Engineering II 4
PHYS 122 General Physics II - Electricity and Magnetism 4
Breadth, or Elective course a 3
 Credit Hours15
Second Year
Fall
ECIV 260 Surveying and Computer Graphics 3
ENGR 200 Statics and Strength of Materials 3
MATH 223 Calculus for Science and Engineering III 3
MATH 201
Introduction to Linear Algebra for Applications
or Linear Algebra
3
Breadth, or Elective course a 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
ECIV 230 Soil Mechanics 4
ECIV 268 Environmental Engineering 3
ECIV 310 Strength of Materials 3
MATH 224 Elementary Differential Equations 3
Breadth, or Elective course a 3
 Credit Hours16
Third Year
Fall
See Plan of Study for Chosen Concentration 15-16
 Credit Hours15
Spring
See Plan of Study for Chosen Concentration 15-16
 Credit Hours16
Fourth Year
Fall
See Plan of Study for Chosen Concentration 15
 Credit Hours15
Spring
See Plan of Study for Chosen Concentration 18
 Credit Hours18
 Total Credit Hours128
a

Unified General Education Requirement.

Third and Fourth Year

Third and fourth year plans of study vary by concentration:

Third and Fourth Year (Structural)

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredit Hours
See Plan of Study for All Concentrations 18
 Credit Hours18
Spring
See Plan of Study for All Concentrations 15
 Credit Hours15
Second Year
Fall
See Plan of Study for All Concentrations 15
 Credit Hours15
Spring
See Plan of Study for All Concentrations 16
 Credit Hours16
Third Year
Fall
ECIV 311 Civil Engineering Materials 3
ECIV 315 Introduction to Structural Engineering and Analysis 3
ECIV 340 Construction Management 3
Breadth, or Elective course a 3
Natural Science Elective b 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
ECIV 373 Reinforced Concrete Design 3
ENGR 210 Introduction to Circuits and Instrumentation 4
ENGR 399 Impact of Engineering on Society 3
Technical Elective 3
Technical Elective 3
 Credit Hours16
Fourth Year
Fall
EMAE 181 Dynamics 3
ECIV 374 Structural Steel Design 3
Breadth, or Elective course a 3
Technical Elective 3
Open Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
ECIV 360 Civil Engineering Systems 3
ECIV 398 Civil Engineering Senior Project c 3
Breadth, or Elective course a 3
Technical Elective 3
Technical Elective 3
Open Elective 3
 Credit Hours18
 Total Credit Hours128
a

Unified General Education Requirement.

b

A basic science elective other than Chemistry or Physics (such as Biology, Astronomy or Geology). Must be approved by academic advisor.

c

ECIV 398 may be taken in the Fall or Spring semester of Year 4.

Third and Fourth Year (Construction Management)

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredit Hours
See Plan of Study for All Concentrations 18
 Credit Hours18
Spring
See Plan of Study for All Concentrations 15
 Credit Hours15
Second Year
Fall
See Plan of Study for All Concentrations 15
 Credit Hours15
Spring
See Plan of Study for All Concentrations 16
 Credit Hours16
Third Year
Fall
ECIV 311 Civil Engineering Materials 3
ECIV 315 Introduction to Structural Engineering and Analysis 3
ECIV 340 Construction Management 3
Breadth, or Elective course a 3
Natural Science Elective b 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
ECIV 373 Reinforced Concrete Design d 3
ECIV 341 Construction Scheduling and Estimating 3
ENGR 210 Introduction to Circuits and Instrumentation 4
ENGR 399 Impact of Engineering on Society 3
Technical Elective 3
 Credit Hours16
Fourth Year
Fall
ECIV 398 Civil Engineering Senior Project c 3
Breadth, or Elective course a 3
Technical Elective 3
Technical Elective 3
Open Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
ECIV 360 Civil Engineering Systems 3
Breadth, or Elective course a 3
Technical Elective 3
Technical Elective 3
Open Elective 3
Open Elective 3
 Credit Hours18
 Total Credit Hours128
a

Unified General Education Requirement.

b

A basic science elective other than Chemistry or Physics (such as Biology, Astronomy, or Geology). Must be approved by academic advisor.

c

ECIV 398 may be taken in the Fall or Spring semester of Year 4.

d

ECIV 374, a Fall course, may be taken in lieu of ECIV 373.

Third and Fourth Year (Pre-Architecture)

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredit Hours
See Plan of Study for All Concentrations 18
 Credit Hours18
Spring
See Plan of Study for All Concentrations 15
 Credit Hours15
Second Year
Fall
See Plan of Study for All Concentrations 15
 Credit Hours15
Spring
See Plan of Study for All Concentrations 16
 Credit Hours16
Third Year
Fall
ENGR 210
Introduction to Circuits and Instrumentation
or Thermal and Fluid Sciences
4
ECIV 311 Civil Engineering Materials 3
ECIV 315 Introduction to Structural Engineering and Analysis 3
ECIV 340 Construction Management 3
Open Elective a 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
ECIV 373 Reinforced Concrete Design d 3
ENGR 399 Impact of Engineering on Society 3
ARTS 303 Architecture and City Design II e 3
Breadth, or Elective course 3
Technical Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
ECIV 398 Civil Engineering Senior Project c 3
Natural Science Elective b 3
Technical Elective 3
Technical Elective 3
Open Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
ECIV 360 Civil Engineering Systems 3
Breadth, or Elective course a 3
Technical Elective 3
Technical Elective 3
Open Elective 3
Open Elective 3
 Credit Hours18
 Total Credit Hours128
a

Unified General Education Requirement.

b

A basic science elective other than Chemistry or Physics (such as Biology, Astronomy, or Geology). Must be approved by academic advisor.

c

ECIV 398 may be taken in the Fall or Spring semester of Year 4.

d

ECIV 374, a Fall course, may be taken in lieu of ECIV 373.

e

ARTS 302, a Fall course, may be taken in lieu of ARTS 303.

Third and Fourth Year (Environmental)

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredit Hours
See Plan of Study for All Concentrations 18
 Credit Hours18
Spring
See Plan of Study for All Concentrations 15
 Credit Hours15
Second Year
Fall
See Plan of Study for All Concentrations 15
 Credit Hours15
Spring
See Plan of Study for All Concentrations 16
 Credit Hours16
Third Year
Fall
ECHE 225 Thermal and Fluid Sciences 4
ECIV 311 Civil Engineering Materials 3
ECIV 340 Construction Management 3
Required Math/Science Class 1 of 3 3
Technical Elective 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
ECIV 351 Engineering Hydraulics and Hydrology 3
ENGR 399 Impact of Engineering on Society 3
Required Math/Science Class 2 of 3 3
Required Math/Science Class 3 of 3 3
Technical Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
Natural Science Elective b 3
Breadth, or Elective course 3
Technical Elective 3
Technical Elective 3
Open Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
ECIV 360 Civil Engineering Systems 3
ECIV 398 Civil Engineering Senior Project c 3
Breadth, or Elective course a 3
Technical Elective 3
Technical Elective 3
Open Elective 3
 Credit Hours18
 Total Credit Hours128
a

Unified General Education Requirement.

b

A basic science elective other than Chemistry or Physics (such as Biology, Astronomy or Geology). Must be approved by academic advisor.

c

ECIV 398 may be taken in the Fall or Spring semester of Year 4.

Third and Fourth Year (Geotechnical)

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredit Hours
See Plan of Study for All Concentrations 18
 Credit Hours18
Spring
See Plan of Study for All Concentrations 15
 Credit Hours15
Second Year
Fall
See Plan of Study for All Concentrations 15
 Credit Hours15
Spring
See Plan of Study for All Concentrations 16
 Credit Hours16
Third Year
Fall
ENGR 210 Introduction to Circuits and Instrumentation 4
ECIV 311 Civil Engineering Materials 3
ECIV 340 Construction Management 3
Breadth, or Elective course 3
Required Programming/Geology Class 1 of 2 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
ECIV 351 Engineering Hydraulics and Hydrology 3
EMAE 181 Dynamics 3
ENGR 399 Impact of Engineering on Society 3
Required Programming/Geology Class 2 of 2 3
Technical Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
Natural Science Elective b 3
Breadth, or Elective course 3
Technical Elective 3
Technical Elective 3
Open Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
ECIV 360 Civil Engineering Systems 3
ECIV 398 Civil Engineering Senior Project c 3
Breadth, or Elective course a 3
Technical Elective 3
Technical Elective 3
Open Elective 3
 Credit Hours18
 Total Credit Hours128
a

Unified General Education Requirement.

b

A basic science elective other than Chemistry or Physics (such as Biology, Astronomy or Geology). Must be approved by academic advisor.

c

May be taken in the Fall or Spring semester of Year 4.