After completing a broad Civil Engineering core program, undergraduate students choose an elective sequence in one of the areas of civil engineering of particular interest, such as structural, geotechnical, or environmental engineering; construction management or engineering mechanics.
In order to provide undergraduates with experience in the practice of Civil Engineering, the department attempts to arrange summer employment for students during the three summers between their semesters at Case Western Reserve University. 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 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.