Matriculating students should have strong aptitudes in mathematics and science along with imagination, spatial and graphic abilities, communication skills, and creativity. Students then follow a four-year program that conforms to the guidelines of, and is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology. ABET accreditation assures that programs meet standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies, and anticipating the welfare and safety needs of the public.
The first two years of the program provide the necessary technical knowledge in mathematics, chemistry, and physics, while introducing and developing problem-solving techniques in eight courses tailored to civil engineering students. The junior year provides courses in each of the civil engineering sub-disciplines, providing students with skills in each and allowing students to determine which they wish to pursue further. The senior year is flexible, allowing students to choose where to focus attention by selecting from more than forty elective courses in civil and environmental engineering.
The required curriculum includes seven writing-intensive courses, thereby not only satisfying, but exceeding, the University's writing requirement. (See University Academic Requirements.)
Additional opportunities exist for study abroad, cognates, minors, and dual majors, a three-year accelerated track, and early admission into two masters of science degree programs.
BSCIVE Program Student Outcomes[3]
(What students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation.)
- To have obtained a working knowledge[4] in the civil engineering areas of environmental, geotechnical, structural, sustainability, transportation, and water resources.
- To be able to locate, assess, and compile data,and to conduct experiments to gather data, and analyze and interpret data using engineering judgement to draw conclusions.
- To have an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge, techniques, skills, and software necessary for engineering practice.
- To be able to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, use project management skills to establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
- To be able to effectively communicate and support ideas in documents and presentations to a range of audiences.
- To be able to apply principles of mathematics, science, and engineering to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems.
- To have been prepared for the Fundamentals of Engineering examination and understand the importance of professional licensure.
- To have an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, social, economic, public policy, and environmental issues.
- To recognize the roles and responsibilities of public institutions, private organization, and businesses in project development, management, and regulatory compliance.
- To be able to apply engineering design to produce solutions [5] that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
[1] Approved by the Faculty on 29 Oct 2013, Feb 2015, 12 Dec 2016, 2 Oct 2018, May 2019; 3 Sept 2019.
[2] Approved by the Faculty on 10 Oct 2013, 24 Feb 2015, 22 May 2015, 12 Dec 2016, 2 Oct 2018, May 2019, 3 Sept 2019.
[3] Approved by the Faculty on 17 Oct 2013, 24 Feb 2015, 22 May 2015, 12 Dec 2016, 27 Mar 2017, May 2019. Updated 3 Sept 2019.
[4] A "working knowledge" is defined as understanding and being able to apply a sub-discipline in analysis and design as demonstrated by successful completion of two or more courses with a substantial focus in at least four sub-disciplines.
[5] "Solutions" consists of systems, components, or processes that may consider risk, uncertainty, sustainability, life-cycle principles, and environmental impacts.
