Civil Engineering (B.E.)
Civil engineers use mathematics, physical sciences, matter, economics, and human relations to design and construct works that are essential to the continued, innovative improvement of society.
Our program provides a thorough education in the principles and methods fundamental to the civil engineering profession. You can customize your education by concentrating your studies in environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, or water resources engineering.
Our well-equipped, high-tech laboratories include facilities for experimental stress analysis, hydraulics, materials testing, surveying and transportation, as well as a state-of-the-art design studio. In the comprehensive capstone design class, you will conduct real-world civil infrastructure design while collaborating with practitioners, industry and government agencies, and other engineering majors. Our program is also one of only a handful offering real-life surveying experience.
As a civil engineering major, you can gain hands-on experience well before graduation by participating in the cooperative education program. There are currently more co-op positions than we have students, allowing you to select a professional experience that will be most meaningful to you.
Over the past few years, civil engineering students have achieved a passage rate between 95 and 100 percent on the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. UD's success rate is significantly higher than the state (95 percent) and national (85 percent) averages, and many graduates achieve top scores in the state on the Professional Engineers exam.
It's important to be well-prepared to being your studies in civil engineering. At a minimum, you should take algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, in addition to one year of both physics and chemistry. We also recommend calculus and computer science courses, as well as four years of English since your future career will depend on your ability to communicate effectively.
The civil engineering program at the University of Dayton is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: 410-347-7700.
Career Opportunities
Civil engineers are in demand and have excellent employment opportunities with good starting salaries. Traditional career fields include construction, environmental engineering, geotechnics, highway design and traffic control, hydraulics, structural engineering, and water treatment and distribution. Our graduates are also found in aerospace and automotive structures, business, engineering management, law and materials engineering.
Prospective employers include the aerospace industry, automotive companies, the construction industry, consulting engineering firms, municipalities, and state and federal agencies. In addition, civil engineering offers opportunities for self-employment as engineering consultants.