Civil engineering is one of the oldest disciplines of engineering. It deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like bridges, roads, canals, dams, and buildings. It is traditionally broken into several sub-disciplines including structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, materials engineering, transportation engineering, municipal and urban engineering, coastal engineering, water resources engineering, and construction engineering.
The major in Civil Engineering at the University of Georgia is designed to: (1) emphasize geotechnical, hydraulic, structural systems, infrastructure, and urban planning while excluding programs in transportation engineering; (2) provide a well-rounded engineering education experience to students by offering rigorous technical training balanced within a world-class liberal arts environment; (3) supplement/complement other existing UGA engineering programs; (4) provide the skills, knowledge, and attitude to economically utilize the forces of nature for the well-being of humanity while addressing global and environmental concerns, and material scarcity for an ever expanding population; (5) serve the needs of local, regional, and national employers; and (6) expose students to real-world scenarios and problems that practicing engineering professionals face in their careers.
Students receive an education in engineering sciences, basic sciences, liberal arts, and engineering design that prepares them to integrate knowledge for developing new technological solutions for the increasingly complex built environment and infrastructure problems; pursue successful careers as practicing engineers; or enter a graduate program.
Graduates have career opportunities in structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, sustainable infrastructure design, architectural systems, water resources engineering, solid waste management, and urban systems.