At-a-Glance
Minimum hours required for degree: 127 (this does not include hours earned in the Engineering Cooperative Education Program Career Orientation classes)
Admission to major: Admission to the Fenn College of Engineering
Hours required for minor: There is no authorized minor in the Civil Engineering degree program.
Evening Program: There is no Civil Engineering evening program; however, many courses required for the degree are offered evenings.
Advising: Each student is assigned a personal adviser who is a faculty member of the department.
The civil engineering profession deals with the design and construction of facilities necessary for the quality of life.
From the pyramids to the space station, Hoover Dam to the Golden Gate Bridge, civil engineers leave their mark on the world. They are responsible for skyscrapers, sports arenas, housing facilities, roads, highways, bridges, dams, lakes, tunnels, airport terminals and runways, rocket-launching support structures, and space stations. Without these projects, as well as air- and water-pollution control systems, solid and hazardous waste disposal facilities, water and waste treatment facilities, sewer and water supply networks, drainage and irrigation systems and land reclamation from the sea, all civil engineering projects, what would our civilization be like?
The Civil and Environmental Engineering Department prepares our students to meet the challenges of the projects mentioned above. Students in the program develop a clear and deep understanding in the areas of structural, environmental, water resources, transportation and geotechnical engineering. They also study planning, surveying, and construction.
Students develop insights into the physical, economical, sociological, and political constraints which must be considered in engineering analysis and design. Upon completion of the program our engineers are able to make a smooth transition to civil engineering practice and research.
Program Objectives
The objectives of the Civil Engineering program are consistent with the mission statements and guiding principles of the college and the university. The objectives are to produce graduates who within two to five years after graduation:
- communicate verbally and in writing effectively
- demonstrate progressive technical competency
- acquire and maintain professional registration(s)
- participate and/or lead as an engineering team member
- meet realistic project schedule deadlines and budget constraints consistently
- continue professional growth through activities such as continuing education, graduate school, activities in professional societies and community involvement
- make decisions that include ethical and societal considerations
- demonstrate critical thinking skills
The objectives listed above are consonant with our accrediting agency, i.e., the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Special Notes
3-C Policy: Civil Engineering students must earn a grade of C or better in ESC 201 , ESC 211 and CVE 360 before registering for any higher-level course for which any of these three courses are a prerequisite.
2-D Rule in CVE courses: Students are limited to two grades of D in Civil Engineering courses and Civil Engineering technical electives to be eligible for graduation.
Required Civil Engineering Technical Electives: The two required Civil Engineering technical electives must be selected from the available 400-level civil engineering courses. (Note that CVE 450 is for non-engineers in the Environmental Science and Environmental Master’s degree program, and should not be taken by Civil Engineering students. It cannot be used as a Civil Engineering technical elective. CVE 451 through CVE 454 are part of the Surveying Certificate Program, and cannot be used as Civil Engineering technical electives.)
ESC 100 New Student Orientation is not required for transfer students.
CSC 121 Career Orientation is required for students in the Co-Op program.
When used as a course prerequisite, Senior Standing means that all required Engineering College and Civil Engineering courses through the junior year must be completed.