Civil engineering graduates pursue careers that engage them in the planning, design, construction and maintenance of bridges, buildings, foundations, dams, sanitary and solid waste disposal systems, highways, airport facilities, transportation systems, waterways, hydroelectric installations, pipelines, coal preparation and loading facilities, among others. Many of our graduates also go on to pursue graduate degrees.

Program Objectives

WVU Institute of Technology Civil Engineering program graduates will:

• Obtain employment in the civil engineering field and will hold positions having significant professional responsibility.
• Obtain professional registration.
• Be prepared academically so that those who choose to pursue advanced studies will be successful.
• Be equipped to learn new skills as they progress in their careers and, as a result, will possess the capabilities to move to positions having increased leadership, mentoring, and management responsibilities.

Student Learning Outcomes

The Civil Engineering Department measures the achievement of civil engineering program educational objectives through alumni, employer and graduating student surveys and questionnaires.

Program graduates will demonstrate:

• an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering.
• an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
• an ability to design civil engineering projects or components of projects to # meet desired needs within realistic economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability constraints.
• an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
• an ability to identify, formulate and solve civil engineering problems.
• an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
• an ability to communicate effectively.
• the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental and societal context.
• an ability to engage in life-long learning.
• a knowledge of contemporary issues.
• an ability to use the techniques, skills and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
• an ability to apply sound safety practices in laboratory and design work.
• an ability to develop and manage budgets and schedules.

These program outcomes are achieved through a solid grounding in mathematics, chemistry and physics along with a strong understanding of basic engineering principles. Students also receive broad exposure to the humanities and social sciences and an extensive development of the fundamentals of material science, environmental, geotechnical, hydrotechnical, structural and transportation engineering. Specialization in one or more branches of civil engineering is possible by a selection of civil engineering and technical electives during the junior and senior years.