ABET 2000 Program Objectives

• Provide a solid foundation in analytical tools (mathematical and computational), basic sciences, and engineering sciences that can be applied to practical applications.
• Provide multidimensional educational experience to civil engineering graduates by using an integrative approach involving modern teaching technology, methodologies and hands-on experience.
• Provide future graduates the opportunity to engage in creative problem-solving activities through planning, design, and implementation of engineering projects within the context of continuously changing natural and global settings.
• Provide future graduates the opportunity to learn the basic skills of effective communication (both oral and written) and develop professional skills.

Undergraduate programs are offered in this department leading to a degree in Civil Engineering. (Only graduate students major in Environmental Engineering, but undergraduate students may select an environmental engineering concentration.) Major responsibilities of a civil and environmental engineer are to conceive, to design, and to supervise construction and operation of a wide variety of public and private works, many of great magnitude. The professional education of a civil and environmental engineer prepares the student for a career of creative achievement and for leadership in civic and industrial development through the solution of environmental problems of our complex civilization. In addition to being responsible for buildings, bridges, dams, tunnels, highways, airports, railways, air quality, water supply, and wastewater treatment plants, the civil engineer is also concerned with major structures of manufacturing and processing plants, power generating stations, and maintenance of the quality of air, water, and land. The undergraduate curriculum is founded on basic and engineering sciences and the humanities, which are studied by all engineering students.

Electives and senior projects provide a natural transition and planned preparation for postgraduate education. Graduate study is becoming more necessary in specialized branches of civil and environmental engineering. Master’s and doctoral degrees are offered in all major specialties.

During the senior year, students elect sequences of courses and a required senior capstone design project in one or more areas of interest. Well-equipped laboratories and design problems are used to develop practical understanding of technical problems and the creative problem-solving methods of professional engineers. Senior electives provide specialization and preparation for professional practice or graduate study in Environmental Engineering: Water Pollution and Air Pollution Control, Water Resources; Civil Engineering: Structural Design, Construction, Transportation Engineering, and Geotechnical Engineering.