Civil and Environmental Engineering

  What is Civil and Environmental Engineering?

Civil engineers are responsible for designing and building modern society’s complete infrastructure. The civil engineering program addresses the conception, design and construction of a variety of public and private projects. Bridges, highways, railways, tunnels, airports, dams, water treatment systems and buildings all require the expertise of civil engineers. In addition, environmental considerations such as water supply, pollution control and preservation of soil quality are an integral component of study. 

  Success Factors

Successful civil engineers have a strong foundation in math and science. Skills in calculus and physics are particularly important. Civil engineers are problem solvers and enjoy thinking outside of the box to develop creative solutions to problems. In addition, computer skills are increasingly necessary in civil engineering professions. 

  Career Possibilities

Graduates of this major pursue many different careers. A few examples include:

• Structural design
• Construction project management
• Environmental maintenance
  

  Majoring in Civil and Environmental Engineering

UC’s civil engineering program is a bachelor’s degree program designed to be completed in five years. Students are required to alternate quarters of practical work assignments with quarters of on-campus academic study during their second, third and fourth years. 

All freshmen in the UC College of Engineering and Applied Science have a similar program of study consisting of courses in chemistry and physics, mathematics, social sciences and humanities. The civil engineering curriculum offers courses in structural engineering, environmental engineering, hydraulic engineering, transportation engineering, geo-technical engineering, materials engineering and engineering construction. In addition, students are challenged to complete an integrated design sequence during their senior year. 

  Curriculum

This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this program. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.

If you are currently confirmed or enrolled, you can check your degree requirements online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school, use u.select to see how credits you have earned will transfer to UC. See course descriptions by college.

Please visit http://www.ceas.uc.edu/current_students/curriculum_information/civil_engineering.html for up to date curriculum information.

  UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

The civil engineering department maintains a distinguished record of high volume and high quality research.  Over $5 million of sponsored research is conducted each year. 

Department graduates are thoroughly prepared to continue their education in the most selective graduate programs in the country. Likewise, they are also prepared to begin work in industry. Hands-on experience is stressed in the program. Students gain professional industry experience through UC’s nationally ranked cooperative education program.  

  Admission Requirements

Admission criteria for this program vary based on the relative strength of test scores, class rank and GPA. Please see the Freshman Class Profile for this major in the Quick Facts sidebar on this page for the range of academic credentials typically accepted into this program. Test scores in the lower range may be acceptable with higher class rank and/or GPA. 

Freshmen applying to this program should also have completed the following college preparatory subjects:

• English (4 units)
• Mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and either pre-calculus or calculus (4 units)
• Chemistry (1 unit)
• Physics (1 unit)
• Social sciences (2 units)
• Fine arts (1 unit)
• Additional college-prep subjects (2 units)

  Transferring to UC Requirements

Transfer students in good standing from accredited colleges and universities will be considered for admission to the college at the first, second and third-year levels. The degree requirement of professional practice experience normally precludes acceptance beyond the third-year level. For further detailed information such as required grade point average, please refer to http://ceas.uc.edu/future_students/Admissions/transfer.html.

  Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Students changing majors from outside programs or colleges within UC will be considered based on the same criteria as outside transfers.

  International Student Requirements

International students must display proficiency in the English language through successful completion of the TOEFL.  The College of Engineering and Applied Science requires a minimum score of 550 (paper-based test), 213 (computer-based test) or 79 (internet-based test). 

International applicants who score a minimum of 480 on the critical reading portion of the SAT will not be required to take the TOEFL. 

  Application Deadlines

Freshmen must begin the program during fall quarter. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. High school students who wish to be considered for scholarships must apply by December 1 of their senior year. 

  Accreditation

The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The civil engineering program at the University of Cincinnati is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).