A major role of civil engineers is to focus scientific and technological skills on the creation of physical facilities, the engineering and construction of which advance society toward such basic goals as economic development, environmental protection, and social well-being. Civil engineers may be involved in analysis, design, construction, and monitoring of: buildings, bridges, dams, and other structures; water resources for urban use, industry and land reclamation; systems for water transmission and river control; water quality control systems for purification and waste treatment; transportation systems including highways, mass transit, airports, railroads, pipelines, canals, and harbor facilities; solutions for environmental problems including air pollution, ground pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, ecological effects, land development, and urban and regional planning; and in subsurface foundation systems. Civil engineers must bring about a satisfactory blending of constructed facilities with the natural and social environments, creating an optimum relationship between humans and the environment while helping safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

Degree Programs

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (B.S.C.E.) degree, a Master of Science in Civil Engineering (M.S.C.E.) degree, a Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.) degree, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Infrastructure and Environmental Systems.  Students may select a concentration within the B.S.C.E. to achieve individual goals.  Concentrations within the B.S.C.E. include Energy Infrastructure, Environmental/Water Resources Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Land Development Engineering, Structures, and Transportation.  For information about the graduate programs, see the UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog.

Objectives

The civil engineering program educational objectives describe achievements to be attained by graduates during the first few years after graduation:

• Pursue careers in the civil and environmental engineering profession or another profession or emerging area;
• Apply mathematics and physical and social sciences, use engineering tools and accepted methods of practice, and employ effective communication and teamwork to analyze engineering problems, to formulate and interpret alternatives, and to design and produce effective solutions;
• Demonstrate ethical behavior and professionalism by obtaining professional licensure as appropriate for their chosen career and by participating in professional societies;
• Assume increasing responsibilities, including managing their engineering solutions from conception through implementation and advancing toward leadership roles in both their career and their profession;
• Maintain and expand professional competencies and master emerging technologies by engaging in lifelong learning that includes graduate studies and professional education; and
• Incorporate global, societal, economic, and environmental impacts in their work consistent with the principles of sustainable development.

Accreditation

The undergraduate program in Civil Engineering in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is accredited by: Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202, Telephone: (410) 347-7700.

Student Learning Outcomes

Our undergraduate programs require students to learn these knowledge and skills by the time of graduation:

1. An ability to solve problems in 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
4. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
5. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
6. An ability to analyze problems in a professional and ethically responsible manner
7. An ability to organize and deliver effective communicate
8. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context
9. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
10. A knowledge of contemporary issues and how they relate to engineering solutions
11. An ability to apply the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
12. An ability to explain key concepts and problem-solving processes used in management
13. An ability to explain key concepts and problem-solving processes used in business, public policy and public administration
14. An ability to explain the role of the leader and leadership principles practice

Continued Studies

Students may plan early in their undergraduate careers for continuation of their engineering studies beyond the first degree.  The large number of fields of graduate study that follow the curriculum offered by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering influence how each student plans his/her undergraduate program of study. 

Programs

• Civil Engineering, B.S.C.E.
• Civil Engineering, Energy Infrastructure Concentration, B.S.C.E.
• Civil Engineering, Environmental/Water Resources Engineering Concentration, B.S.C.E.
• Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering Concentration, B.S.C.E.
• Civil Engineering, Land Development Engineering Concentration, B.S.C.E.
• Civil Engineering, Structures Concentration, B.S.C.E.
• Civil Engineering, Transportation Concentration, B.S.C.E.

• Early Entry: M.S. in Civil Engineering