Civil and Environmental Engineering

Civil and Environmental Engineering is the broadest of all engineering disciplines, extending across many technical specialties that are synergistic and interrelated. These technical specialties include structures, geotechnical, environmental, transportation, surveying, hydraulics, water resources, materials and construction. Our curriculum combines a broad based education with a focused technical training, and draws on various fields such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, ecology, microbiology, hydrology, economics, and communications to enhance our students' preparedness for the engineering profession.

Civil engineers plan, design, and supervise the construction of facilities essential to modern life in both the public and private sectors; facilities that vary widely in nature, size, and scope such as bridges, buildings, tunnels, highways, transit systems, and airports, etc. Environmental Engineers plan, design, and supervise the construction of irrigation projects, facilities for water, collection and treatment facilities for wastewater, as well as control air, water and noise pollution, manage municipal solid waste and hazardous waste sites, and prepare environmental assessments.

Our mission is to promote learning and the creation, dissemination, and application of knowledge in Civil and Environmental Engineering through integration of teaching, scholarship, and service.

Our goal is to prepare students for engineering practice, advanced study, and life-long learning in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Our graduates are expected to be proficient in the fundamentals of engineering analysis and design, and to understand the importance and methods of effective communication. Our students are encouraged to use the extensive educational resources of Syracuse University and the Syracuse University community to broaden and enhance the quality of their university education.

 

The Civil Engineering curriculum is designed to train students to be well versed in the fundamentals necessary for professional practice and graduate study. The first-year curriculum emphasizes physical and mathematical sciences and includes computer application to civil engineering problems. Additional courses in mathematics and sciences as well as introductory courses in engineering science and civil engineering measurement are taken during the second year. The last two years of the program focus on the analysis, design, planning, and management aspects of civil engineering. The curriculum provides flexibility to allow students to customize their academic programs and take advantage of the diversity of strength across both the College of Engineering and Computer Science and all of Syracuse University. The four-year program includes coursework in writing, social sciences and humanities necessary for a well-rounded academic background.

By selecting electives carefully, students may specialize in any one of the following areas: structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, and environmental engineering as well as minor in a number of areas such as construction management, economics, architecture, engineering management, mathematics, etc.

There are various opportunities available to students to enhance their educational experience. These include co-op/internship, undergraduate teaching assistantship, undergraduate research assistantship, junior year aboard, etc. For more information about this program, the faculty and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, please refer to the Undergraduate Student Handbook.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering at Syracuse University is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.