Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Unlock a world of possibilities with our undergraduate programs leading to a Bachelor of Science, or you can specialize with a focus on Environmental Engineering.
Here, education is more than textbooks; it's a personal journey. You'll explore diverse fields, collaborate with experienced faculty, engage in hands-on research, and build a foundation for success. Our program is your ticket to growth and triumph, both in college and in your future career.
Degree Requirements
The Civil Engineering degree program is accomplished by fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree.
- Total Degree Requirements: 127 credit hours
- University Core Curriculum: 39 credit hours
- Major Requirements: 88 credit hours
Concentration
Our Civil Engineering program goes the extra mile. While all students receive a top-notch education in various civil engineering sub-branches, we also provide a concentration in environmental engineering.
This option focuses on addressing global environmental challenges and developing sustainable solutions. Our faculty boasts diverse expertise in this field, supported by related departments across campus. You can earn a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Environmental Engineering, gaining the skills to make a lasting impact on our planet.
Internship
Many of our students receive real-world opportunities that further their education while in school. Although an internship or a co-op is not a required component of our program, approximately 70% of our students generally do either an internship or a co-op. A number of the placements allow students to earn academic credit and sometimes stipends while gaining on-the-job experience with successful and growing companies. These placements range from one-week mini-internships to semester-long programs. Regardless of the length of a co-op or internship, these experiences are a vital compliment to the on-campus educational components of a degree in Civil 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.
Program Educational Objectives & Student Outcomes
Student Organizations
You can get involved, network, gain valuable experience, enhance your educational journey and acquire hands-on experience in designing and building through hundreds of registered student organizations (RSO) on campus. Some groups and design teams of particular interest to our civil engineering students, even during freshman year, are:
- ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers: Advisor Dr. Ajay Kalra
- Tau Beta Pi: (National Engineering Honor Society): Advisor Dr. Bruce DeVantier
- Society of Women Engineers: Advisor Dr. Sabrina Nilufar
- Society of Hispanic Engineers: Advisor Terrance Bishop
- National Society of Black Engineers: Advisor Terrance Bishop
- Engineering Student Council: Advisor Dr. Xiaoqing "Frank" Liu
See What Our Students Say
Curious about the Civil Engineering program? Hear from students and graduates who are designing infrastructure, solving challenges, and making an impact. Their experiences highlight hands-on learning, industry connections, and career opportunities.
Facilities
Our programs are supported by cutting-edge research projects conducted by nationally and internationally recognized engineering faculty members.
The college has well-equipped laboratories and computer facilities that are housed in a modern Engineering Complex. In mid-1997, a new 70,000-square-foot facility was dedicated.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s civil engineering students earned first place at a regional ASCE surveying competition, their first time competing, and will advance to the national finals in June.
Capstone Option
Our Capstone Design Project is challenging, real-world, fun, and a great learning experience. An advisory board of about 20 professionally licensed engineers came up with the challenge. Engineering teams, each with an advisory board member as a mentor, solve it and make a final presentation to the board with their plan in their last semester.
Careers
Civil engineers are in demand. Employment is growing at a faster-than-average rate, with civil engineering and environmental engineering listed as top choices for career potential.
Here are some career paths your major can take you:
- Construction site supervisor
- City engineer
- Public works director
- Urban planner
- Consulting engineer
- Design engineer
- Water resource engineer
- Department of Transportation engineer
- Hazardous waste management
- Land reclamation engineer
- Pollution control engineer