Civil engineering is about the planning, design, construction and operation of facilities essential to modern life, ranging from bridges to transit systems. Civil engineers are problem solvers, meeting the challenges of community planning, water supply, structures, traffic congestion, energy needs, pollution, and infrastructure improvements. Societal needs, economic conditions and public safety are paramount in the work accomplished by civil engineers. Modern tools such as computer aided design (CAD), geographical information systems (GIS) and computer modeling are a necessity in all areas of civil engineering. Civil engineers are sought by both private companies and public agencies for a variety of professional positions. Many work for engineering consulting firms or construction companies as design engineers, field engineers and project managers. They also join government agencies to oversee transportation, water supply, environmental protection, and resource management. Graduates are equally prepared to pursue MS and PhD degrees in allied fields, as well as business, management and law degrees. The curriculum is structured to provide a broad undergraduate education with students taking courses in each of the recognized areas of civil engineering. The first two years focus on mathematics and basic science courses to provide a solid foundation for the engineering science and design courses that are taken in the junior and senior years. The program culminates in a two-semester capstone design course sequence in the senior year. The curriculum is computer intensive and includes a number of laboratory courses that reinforce concepts and principles taught in the classroom.

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