Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering
Civil engineering is concerned with the design and construction of infrastructure, including structures, foundations, environmental and transportation systems, waterways, ports, irrigation, storm water and green infrastructure, and water supply and treatment. The civil engineer’s vital role is to plan, design, and supervise the construction of these facilities.
Program Description
The Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering degree begins by introducing students to the scientific foundations that are the basis of all engineering disciplines. Specialized biomedical-focused courses follow, providing depth in many related issues, including structural analysis, mechanics, water systems, and construction management. In addition to civil engineering courses, students can draw upon technical elective courses in other disciplines to develop the skills appropriate for their career objectives. In the senior year, students participate in an engineering design project, often working directly with industry partners to contribute to a current commercial application.
The Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Concentrations
Currently, no concentrations are offered for the Civil Engineering undergraduate program.
Minors
Program Objectives and Outcomes
The civil engineering program produces graduates who possess a broad foundation in engineering and liberal arts, combined with a depth of disciplinary knowledge. This knowledge is mandatory for success in a civil engineering career. Civil engineering is a wide field, and this program educates a new generation of civil engineers to be leaders in the profession, emphasizing technical competence, professional practice, civic contribution, and entrepreneurship.
The objectives of the civil engineering program are provided in terms of our expectations for our graduates. Within several years of graduation:
-
Our graduates will be known for tackling challenging civil engineering problems through visionary planning and innovative, resilient, equitable, and sustainable designs
-
Our graduates will be recognized for upholding the highest ethical principles in addressing complex professional and social problems that will face future civil engineers
-
Our graduates will practice teamwork and attain leadership positions and will broadly benefit society while advancing the civil engineering profession, its domain, and its impact.
Many of our graduates pursue advanced study in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, consulting, business, law, and many other fields.
Student Objectives and Outcomes
By the time of graduation, students majoring in civil engineering will have the ability to:
- Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social and environmental, and economic factors
- Communicate effectively with a rage of audiences, writing and presenting technical content
- Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgements, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgement to draw conclusions
- Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
- Understand the steps involved in taking a technology from conception to market, and can demonstrate these steps by an actual or hypothetical example
Civil Engineering Curriculum
Term I
| CAL 103 | Writing and Communications Colloquium | 3 |
| CH 115 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 117 | General Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| ENGR 111 | Introduction to Engineering Design & Systems Thinking | 4 |
| ENGR 116 | Intro to Programming & Algorithmic Thinking | 3 |
| MA 121 | Differential Calculus | 2 |
| MA 122 | Integral Calculus | 2 |
Term II
| | | |
| BIO 181 | Biology and Biotechnology | 3 |
| | Or | |
| EN 250 | Quantitative Biology | 3 |
| | Or | |
| CE 240 | Introduction to Geosciences | 3 |
| | | |
| CAL 105 | CAL Colloquium: Knowledge, Nature, Culture | 3 |
| ENGR 122 | Field Sustainable Systems with Sensors | 2 |
| MA 125 | Vectors and Matrices | 2 |
| MA 126 | Multivariable Calculus I | 2 |
| MGT 103 | Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinking | 2 |
| PEP 111 | Mechanics | 3 |
Term III
| CE 381 | Civil Engineering Measurements Lab | 3 |
| ENGR 211 | Statics and Introduction to Engineering Mechanics | 4 |
| ENGR 245 | Circuits and Systems | 3 |
| MA 221 | Differential Equations | 4 |
| PEP 112 | Electricity and Magnetism | 3 |
Term IV
Term V
| CE 342 | Fluid Mechanics | 4 |
| CE 373 | Structural Analysis | 3 |
| ENGR 241 | Probability and Statistics with Data Science Applications | 4 |
| MA 231 | Nonlinear Optimization | 2 |
| MA 225 | Infinite Series | 2 |
| HUM | Humanities | 3 |
Term VI
| CE 304 | Water Resources Engineering | 3 |
| CE 322 | Engineering Design VI | 2 |
| CE 365 | Numerical Modeling in Civil and Environmental Engineering | 3 |
| CE 399 | Civil Engineering Project Management | 2 |
| CE 483 | Geotechnical Engineering | 3 |
| G.E. | General Elective | 3 |
Term VII
| CE 423 | Engineering Design VII | 3 |
| CE 484 | Reinforced Concrete Design | 3 |
| CE 486 | Structural Steel Design | 3 |
| HUM | Humanities | 3 |
| IDE 401 | Senior Innovation II: Value Proposition | 1 |
| T.E. | Technical Elective | 3 |
Term VIII
| CE 424 | Engineering Design VIII | 3 |
| | | |
| CE 508 | Transportation Engineering | 3 |
| | Or | |
| CE 541 | Project Management for Construction | 3 |
| | | |
| IDE 402 | Senior Innovation III: Venture Planning and Pitch | 1 |
| G.E. | General Elective | 3 |
| HUM | Humanities | 3 |
| T.E. | Technical Elective | 3 |
Notes:
(1) Technical Electives can be selected from any 500 and 600-level course offered by the Civil, Environmental, Ocean, or Mechanical Engineering Departments. At least one of the Technical Electives should be chosen from CE 508 or CE 541.
(2) General Electives can be selected from available courses offered by programs in SES, SSE, SOB and HASS (including CE courses). Approval from the student’s advisor and the course instructor may be required.
(3) Humanities: Please see Humanities Requirements for specific requirements.