The completion of a civil engineering project involves the solution of technical problems in which uncertainty of information and myriad non-technical factors often play a significant role. Some of the most common examples of civil engineering works include bridges, buildings, dams, airports, highways, tunnels, and water distribution systems. Civil engineers are concerned with flood control, landslides, air and water pollution, and the design of facilities to withstand earthquakes and other natural hazards, in addition to protecting our environment for a sustainable future.

The civil engineering program comprises seven main areas (construction engineering and management, construction materials engineering, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental hydrology and hydraulics, structural engineering, and transportation engineering) and three cross-cutting programs (sustainable and resilient infrastructure systems; energy, water, and environmental sustainability; and societal risk management). Although each area has its own special body of knowledge and engineering tools, they all rely on the same fundamental core principles. Civil engineering projects often draw expertise from many of these areas and programs.

CEE’s Program Education Objectives are to educate CEE students to:

• Successfully enter the civil and environmental engineering profession as practicing engineers and consultants with prominent companies and organizations in diverse areas that include structural, transportation, geotechnical, materials, environmental, and hydrologic engineering; construction management; or other related or emerging fields.

• Pursue graduate education and research at major research universities in civil and environmental engineering, and related fields.

• Pursue professional licensure.

• Advance to leadership positions in the profession.

• Engage in continued learning through professional development.

• Participate in and contribute to professional societies and community services.