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Civil Engineering

SIU Civil Engineering Student works on homework

Looking to Advance Civilization? Civil Engineers are responsible for everything from the Pyramids to Modern Skyscrapers.

Civil and Environmental Engineering is a profession that is responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of the public. It is the oldest and the broadest field of engineering. Civil Engineers take pride in serving the public while also enjoying a good-paying career.

Whether it is building a small bridge, a road, a tall building, a low-cost housing unit, a water distribution system, a wastewater treatment plant, a dam, or even an international space station, Civil and Environmental Engineers have their hand in all these projects. Many Civil and Environmental Engineers adopt careers in the aerospace industry, IT industry, or even business, law, or medicine because engineering prepares them for critical thinking.

Bachelor's Program

Our program offers a comprehensive education in civil engineering fundamentals and specialized knowledge in environmental engineering. Throughout the program, students learn critical thinking skills, enabling them to break down complex problems into manageable components. They delve into fundamental engineering principles covering environmental, geotechnical, hydraulics, water resources, structural, and transportation engineering, alongside surveying techniques.

Students also gain expertise in designing structural elements, contamination remediation, wastewater treatment, water distribution systems, materials testing (asphalt, concrete, wood, steel), and foundation design. Additionally, they explore building codes, construction costs, and potential hazards, and utilize CADD (Computer-Aided Design and Drawing) to prepare for a well-rounded career in civil and environmental engineering.

Master's Program

Our Master of Science (MS) in Civil Engineering and Master of Engineering (ME) in Civil Engineering programs offer an extensive and specialized graduate education in the field. With four diverse concentrations to choose from – Environmental, Water Resources, Geotechnical, and Structural – students can tailor their studies to match their career aspirations.

Whether enrolled as working professionals seeking career advancement or full-time students eager to delve into the subject, our program provides the essential skills and knowledge required in the civil engineering industry. The opportunity for hands-on field and lab-based research, coupled with instruction from distinguished faculty experts, ensures a well-rounded education.

Doctoral Program

Our Ph.D. program offers a rigorous, research-focused doctoral experience designed to prepare you for leadership roles in academia, industry, and government. You work closely with faculty mentors to build expertise in your chosen concentration while conducting original research that advances the field. Through advanced coursework, comprehensive exams, and the completion of a significant dissertation, you gain the knowledge and skills needed to address complex challenges in infrastructure, sustainability, environmental systems, geotechnical, structural, and water resources engineering.


Accreditation

Our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Civil Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Civil and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.