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 Undergraduate Program |
Bachelor of Science, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Our accredited Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering is designed to give graduates the breadth and depth of knowledge they need to work in the fields of civil and environmental engineering—and to continue learning throughout their careers. The curriculum offers the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of expertise or explore the field more broadly.
The Profession
Civil and environmental engineering is a people-serving profession. Civil and environmental engineers are concerned with the planning, design, construction and operation of large complex systems such as buildings and bridges, water purification and distribution systems, flood protection, highways, rapid transit and rail systems, ports and harbors, airports, tunnels and underground construction, dams, power-generating systems, and structural components of aircraft and ships. Civil and environmental engineering also includes city planning; remediating water, air, and land pollution; and disposal of hazardous wastes and chemicals. The design and construction of these systems are only part of the many challenges and opportunities for tomorrow’s civil and environmental engineers. Advances in computers, communications, and data management will continue to provide new resources that creative civil and environmental engineers can harness to meet society’s need for safe, economical, and functional facilities.
The Major
The B.S. degree requires A total of 122 credit hours (123 for the Environmental and Water Resources track) with emphasis in basic science (mathematics, chemistry, and physics), engineering science (mechanics of materials, statics, and dynamics), and basic civil and environmental engineering core courses (computations, materials, fluid mechanics, probability & statistics, and Geographic Information Systems). By the Junior year, each student chooses one of three tracks: Infrastructure Engineering, Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, or Transportation Systems and Project Management. Each track specifies junior- and senior-level requirements. All three tracks include technical electives that may be selected from a combination of the six Civil Engineering specialties and other approved courses (The six specialty areas are: Environmental, Geotechnical, Project Management, Structural, Transportation, and Water Resources). The curriculum provides a sensible blend of required courses and electives, permitting students to pursue their interests without the risk of overspecialization.
Advising
All Civil and Environmental Engineering majors are advised by Department faculty and staff members, who assist in course selection and scheduling. Students may consult the Department office to obtain their advisors’ names and contact information (1173 Glenn L. Martin Hall, 301-405-7768)
Program Learning Objectives
The faculty of the Department of Civil Engineering has established the following Program Educational Objectives:
- Prepare all of our BSCE graduates with competitive skills and a comprehensive training in civil engineering, including opportunities for specialized training in the major discipline areas of civil engineering. The program should be competitive with the top civil engineering programs in the nation with respect to degree requirements, educational facilities, and faculty expertise.
- The program should seek to attract and retain the best possible students, from a diverse population, including historically under-represented groups, including women.
- The program should be structured with a common engineering Freshman year, and a Sophomore year with relatively few specialized civil engineering courses. The focus in these first two years should be primarily on basic engineering and physical sciences and fundamentals, to accommodate undecided students in the Department and throughout the School of Engineering, and allow for the articulated entry of students from the State Community College System.
- The program should provide exposure to the broad spectrum of civil engineering practice in the Junior year to assist students in selecting an area of concentration within civil engineering that can provide focus and depth in the Senior year.
- Prepare all of our graduates for successful careers in industry, government service, and future private practice, while seeking to qualify as many of our students as possible for admission to advanced study in the nation's best graduate schools in either engineering, business, or other areas of study where a first class civil engineering education is an excellent source of preparation.
- The program should seek to instill in all students an appreciation and commitment to self-study, lifelong learning, and ensure that all students have an understanding of the context and ethical responsibilities within which the engineering profession is practiced. The program should also provide opportunities for students to work in teams, develop communication skills, and engage in a comprehensive multidisciplinary capstone design experience.
Decisions are to be based on assessments of the quality of our graduates and alumni, feedback from employers of our graduates, and self assessment of the faculty and program in meeting our objectives and learning outcomes goals.
Program Outcomes
In addition to ensuring technical competency of all graduates in the broad discipline areas of civil engineering, the Department must encourage the development of skills and abilities that will enhance the marketability of its graduates and provide them with the best possible opportunity for success in the work place. As a result, the faculty has agreed to develop the following abilities and skills within each graduate and has approved the following Program Outcomes:
- Technical competence in mathematics, physical science, and engineering science.
- Technical competence in basic civil engineering sciences.
- Technical competence in at least one major area of specialization within civil and environmental engineering.
- Ability to use computers, software, and experimentation as tools to solve engineering problems.
- Ability to communicate and defend ideas effectively, including oral, written, and technical reports writing skills.
- Ability to identify engineering problems and proposealternate solutions, including the step-by-step analysis and design of a system, component, or process.
- Teamwork skills as applied to interdisciplinary design projects.
- Understanding and appreciation of both the societal context of the civil engineering profession, and the ethical responsibilities of practicing engineers.
- Appreciation of the need to seek further specialization within civil engineering and commit to life-long learning.
- Awareness of the impact of technology and engineering on society, including life safety and environmental issues.
- Interest in contemporary issues, both nationally and internationally, and the awareness of the impact of engineering in these areas.
- Understanding of the importance of active participation in professional societies and the organizations in professional practice.
Technical competence is measured by the ability to apply knowledge and fundamental principles to the solution of problems in each area noted. The students' perceptions of their abilities and growth in the above areas, and their opinions of the effectiveness of the program in meeting the program objectives, will be surveyed each semester and compared to faculty assessments to provide a solid basis for determining the actions needed to enhance the program and improve the quality and abilities of all graduates.
For Students Graduating Under the Old Curriculum: Students enrolled in the program before Fall 2003 had the option of graduating under the Department’s old curriculum. The document below is a guide to the old-curriculum categories for all available ENCE technical electives.
Old Curriculum Categories Document
Special Programs
The Clark School of Engineering has several special programs that could be a beneficial addition to a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. These opportunities include study abroad and the Engineering Honors program. Follow this link to learn more about Special Programs.
Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE or EIT)
The Fundamentals of Engineering Exam should be taken in the student’s final undergraduate semester. Information on taking the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam can be found here.
