What is Civil Engineering?
Civil Engineering involves the sustainable design and construction of systems essential
for modern society to function. This field includes numerous specialty areas that
design and construct large, often unique, structures or facilities like bridges, buildings,
tunnels, highways, dams, airports, flood-control systems, coastal and harbor protection
systems, drinking water systems, and waste treatment plants. Civil Engineers find
challenging opportunities in private consulting firms, large companies, or governmental
agencies.
Awareness
First Year
- Develop attention to detail, time management skills, and the ability to meet deadlines.
- Develop good teamwork and communication skills.
- Familiarize yourself with the curriculum, including foundational courses
- MA 125 Calculus I
- MA 126 Calculus II
- CH 131 Chemistry
- PH 201 Physics.
Middle Years
- Take the core courses, such as
- MA 227 Calculus III
- EG 283 Statics
- EG 315 Mechanics of Materials
- For details on specific courses review the curriculum flow chart.
- Understand the importance of maintaining a C-grade or higher in "PCS" (prerequisite requires C or better) courses.
- Pursue research experience with a Civil Engineering faculty member or opportunities with the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Last Year
- Be aware of the requirement to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination on the last examination date prior to anticipated graduation.
- Apply to graduate.
- Apply for jobs.
- Apply for graduate school (optional).
- Apply for scholarships and/or assistantships for graduate school.
Exploration
First Year
- Explore student organizations and leadership opportunities through Involve South.
- Explore the UTeach South Program and find out if it is a good fit for you.
Middle Years
- Join professional associations such as:
- American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
- Apply for honor societies and explore their scholarship offerings.
- Explore Study Abroad opportunities.
Last Year
- Explore specific design-oriented technical electives to align with career interests,
such as:
- CE 443 Foundation Engineering
- CE 466 Coastal & Port Engineering
- Research graduate programs
- Research potential career paths within private consulting firms, large companies, or governmental agencies.
Preparation
First Year
- Log into Accelerate South and build profile strength to 75%+.
- Contact Career Development. Meet with a career consultant to discuss career goals and research fields of specialization.
Middle Years
- Prepare to apply for internships, Co-op, summer jobs, or volunteer positions.
- Attend career fairs and networking events to become knowledgeable of career opportunities available.
Last Year
- Prepare for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination.
- Decide between job search or graduate school before final semester.
- Meet with Career Development to finalize resume and job search or graduate school planning.
What can I do with this major?
- Civil Engineer
- Construction Project Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Transportation Engineer
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Coastal Engineer
What skills will I learn?
- Sustainable design and construction principles
- Design and analysis of structures (bridges, buildings, tunnels, highways, dams)
- Flood control system design
- Coastal and harbor protection systems design
- Drinking water systems design and management
- Waste treatment plant design
- Wastewater management
- Stormwater management
- Air pollution control
- Foundation design and soil/rock interaction
- Traffic management and transportation system design
- Application of advanced mathematics (Calculus,
- Differential Equations) and physics)
- Statics and Dynamics analysis
- Mechanics of Materials
- Fluid Mechanics
- Surveying
- Communication Skills
- Decision-making Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Problem-Solving Skills
