2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]


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Civil Engineering (B.S.)



Program Coordinator/Contact

Nadim Wehbe, Department Head
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Crothers Engineering Hall 120
605-688-5427

Program Information

Civil Engineering includes design, construction, and operation and maintenance of highways, airports, buildings, bridges, dams, water supply and distribution systems, waste water collection systems and treatment plants, irrigation and drainage systems, river and harbor improvements and many other infrastructure facilities essential in modern life. Civil Engineers are custodians of the built environment and are responsible for all aspects of the world’s infrastructure.

To prepare students for these responsibilities, the program provides opportunities for them to solve engineering problems, promote original thought, illustrate the work expected of engineers and stimulate interest and enthusiasm for design. Seniors design teams work on comprehensive, open-ended projects involving scope and definition, evaluation of alternatives on the basis of economic, social, environmental, and other factors, concluding with the preparation of a functional design, plans, specifications and final cost estimates.

Student Learning Outcomes

The program’s mission and educational objectives are accomplished by providing undergraduate students with an educational program that will result in the following outcomes by the time of graduation:

  1. an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
  2. an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
  3. an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
  4. an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
  5. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
  6. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
  7. an ability to communicate effectively
  8. the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
  9. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong learning
  10. a knowledge of contemporary issues
  11. an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.    

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

The B.S. in Civil Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

The Fundamentals of Engineering examination is a national licensure examination that covers material taught in an ABET-accredited engineering program. This exam is a graduation requirement for the B.S. in Civil Engineering program and for any engineer who wishes to become licensed as a Professional Engineer.

Academic Requirements

The following requirements must be met to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering:

  • Combined average of “C” or better in the Civil Engineering courses;
  • Combined average of “C” or better in the mathematics courses;
  • Combined average of “C” or better in EM 214, EM 215, EM 321, and EM 331.
  • Minimum grade of “C” in MATH 123 and MATH 125. Students that fail to earn a “C” or better in any of these courses will be required to take them in subsequent semesters until the requirement is met.
  • Students must take the Fundamentals of Engineering examination prior to graduation.

Course Delivery Format

The Civil Engineering degree requires design coursework in five areas: structural, geotechnical, environmental, transportation, water resources and hydraulics engineering. These skills are applied in classroom, laboratory, and field-based settings.

Requirements for Civil Engineering Major: 130 Credits


 Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements


Major Requirements


Technical Electives


Complete a total of five technical elective courses with no more than three courses in any one of the five technical areas. Technical electives must be in at least two technical content areas. One technical elective must contain substantive design content (designated with an *). Technical electives require approval by the advisor or department head. Credits: 15

Technical Areas:

E – Environmental
G – Geotechnical
S – Structural
T – Transportation
W – Water Resources

Total Required Credits: 130


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements 33 Credit Hours
Major Requirements 82 Credit Hours
Technical Electives 15 Credit Hours
Electives** 0 Credit Hours

**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.