Bachelor of Civil Engineering at The Ohio State University
Study Civil Engineering at The Ohio State University, a Bachelor degree offered on the Columbus campus in United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 4 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for August 24, 2027.
About Bachelor of Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering
Degree: BS
Campus: Columbus
College: Engineering
To be considered for this major, freshmen applying to the Columbus campus are strongly encouraged to submit their complete admission application by November 1.
Civil engineers plan, design and build the structures and systems essential to American civilization: buildings, bridges, tunnels and dams; harbors and airports; waterways, railways and highways; water treatment plants; irrigation and drainage systems; landfills; and wastewater treatment plants. This is one of the few areas of engineering in which the engineer deals directly with the public in every phase of the job.
Civil engineering at Ohio State offers the prospective student an exciting academic program enhanced by experiences in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. We offer a challenging environment designed to provide students with the resources and background necessary to pursue activities in the many different areas of civil engineering. The department’s professors are internationally recognized as leaders in their respective areas.
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The Pre-Major Program
All students entering the College of Engineering enroll in the pre-major program. As pre-majors, students will:
- complete foundational course work, including the Fundamentals of Engineering course sequence, calculus and, for most majors, physics or chemistry
- explore the college's 14 majors and learn how several engineering majors can lead to similar career outcomes
- select and apply to three majors, usually in their second semester (or during the semester in which eligibility courses are completed)
Admission to the major programs is based on an applicant's academic performance (cumulative GPA) and their responses to three essay questions. Learn more about the pre-major program at https://engineering.osu.edu/undergraduate/future-students-undergrad/program-overview.
Curriculum
All engineering students have a similar first-year plan of study, the college core, that provides fundamental courses in math, science and engineering.
Civil engineering students take courses in surveying, transportation engineering and analysis, construction management, geotechnical engineering, water resources engineering, structural design, fundamentals of environmental engineering, and economics and planning.
All engineering students also take additional select core courses and general education courses.
Study abroad
Engineering students have several opportunities for global education, including service learning, semester abroad, international internships, engineering-specific study abroad programs or the Global Option in Engineering program.
Whether it be installing solar panels on Haitian schools, researching biomedical optics in China, devising solutions for sustainable food production in Honduras, or setting speed records on the Isle of Man, Ohio State engineering students venture beyond classrooms and labs to find success in every corner of the globe.
Internship
Students work with Engineering Career Services to find both paid internships and co-op jobs across the United States and around the world. About 75% of engineering students participate in a co-op or internship before they graduate.
Honors and Scholars
Honors and Scholars offer students an opportunity to pursue academic rigor (Honors) or foster passion through community (Scholars). Engineering students can enhance their experience by getting involved with one of the following engineering-based programs.
Engineering Honors
The Fundamentals of Engineering for Honors (FEH) Program is an optional course sequence that is offered to University Honors-designated engineering students. This accelerated program is designed to challenge students and provide them with a foundation in engineering principles that are necessary for success throughout their academic careers.
Engineering Scholars
Engineering Scholars contemplate the adoption of socially responsible practices within engineering as a means to minimize health risks and environmental impact and maximize efficiency, feasibility and sustainability.
Humanitarian Engineering Scholars learn about and engage in engineering activities that impact underserved areas by addressing pressing problems.
Research
At Ohio State, engineering students conduct research alongside top faculty from across the university—doctors, physicists, designers, artists and experts in many other fields—to advance our knowledge and improve the world around us. Students enjoy multiple outlets to share their work, including Ohio State's annual Denman Undergraduate Research Forum each spring. Learn more about engineering research.
CIvil engineering research topics:
- smart bridges and structures
- quality control and risk analysis, construction safety
- airport and aviation system planning, design, operations, and management
- soil mechanics modeling
- beneficial use of coal fly ash
- traffic engineering, highway location and design
Student organizations
Civil engineering students choose from more than 80 engineering student organizations, including American Society of Civil Engineers, Chi Epsilon, Professional Land Surveyors of Ohio, Big Beam Team, Concrete Canoe and Ohio State Steel Bridge Team.
Possible careers
As environmental concerns mount, the technological revolution expands and we pioneer into space, the demand for civil engineers will rise. They will design, build and maintain the facilities essential to our civilization. This demand will be augmented by the effort to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure, including highways, bridges, water and wastewater treatment plants, and other public buildings.
Employment in various government agencies, the aerospace industry, consulting, engineering marketing or sales, and private industry provides career opportunities, which are many and varied depending upon the type of civil engineering pursued.
Some employers of civil engineering graduates include American Electric Power (AEP), Burgess & Niple, Corna Kokosing Construction Co., Grunley Construction, Kiewit Corp., Marathon Petroleum Corp., Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), Ohio EPA, Turner Construction Co., U.S. Navy, and Woda Group.
Many graduates work with Engineering Career Services to find their first job.
Salary estimates
Beginning annual salaries for recent civil engineering graduates average $57,276.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Civil Engineering at The Ohio State University
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Civil Engineering at The Ohio State University
How to Apply for Bachelor of Civil Engineering at The Ohio State University
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
United States of America, Columbus