At the University of Washington, civil engineering students are preparing to take on the challenges presented by aging national infrastructure and the pressing needs of both urban and developing communities around the globe. Civil engineers design, build, operate and maintain urban environments to improve people’s lives. From transportation to water quality to earthquake preparedness, resilient systems play a crucial role in enabling livable, sustainable cities, healthy environments and strong economies.

Civil Engineering is a broad field, with specialty areas that include transportation, structural, geotechnical, water, construction and environmental engineering. Civil engineers typically work for contractors and consulting companies, as well as local government agencies and environmental organizations. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the field entails "the design and maintenance of public works such as roads, bridges, water and energy systems as well as public facilities like ports, railways and airports." Civil engineers are heavily involved in such projects from the start, working on designs, analysis, projected costs and overseeing construction.