The Program

Civil engineers are professionals who have broad technical knowledge, possess strong problem-solving skills and enjoy working with people. Our work is directly related to public wellbeing and safety, and has a significant impact on decision making and planning processes. We design solutions for the infrastructure of society and the environment in which we live. Civil engineering projects may include designing structures such as buildings, bridges and sports stadiums; transportation infrastructure such as highways, railroads, pipelines, waterways, ports and airports; water infrastructure like pipes, dams and drainage; safe drinking water supply and waste systems; and averting damage from earthquakes, landslides and floods. The profession embraces new technologies such as nanotechnology, smart materials, sensors, robotics, etc. that are introduced into civil engineering projects to improve reliability, cost-effectiveness and quality of life.

NDSU civil engineering graduates apply their skills in all fields of the profession domestically and abroad. With a strong and balanced technical and general education curriculum, they are highly sought by companies from all over the country at competitive salaries. The civil engineering undergraduate degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. In addition, a new 4+1 accelerated Master degree in civil engineering started in Fall 2021, which provides a path for excellent undergraduate students to complete a B.S. degree in the department and a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering in 5 years.

The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Civil and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Program Criteria.

Program Educational Objectives (PEO)

The following program educational objectives are consistent with the university, college and department missions. Graduates of our B.S. in Civil Engineering program are expected within a few years of graduation to:

1. Engage successfully in the practice of engineering to solve current and emerging problems.
2. Conduct design in a manner that is ethical, includes diverse perspectives, and realizes the broader societal and sustainability implications of the design and decision-making process.
3. Ascend to leadership roles within the workplace via initiative and responsible stewardship
4. Advance their profession and communities through collaborative work, professional licensure, advanced degrees, lifelong learning, and engaged service.

Student Outcomes (SO)

1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Program Statistics 

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