Curriculum in Civil Engineering

Civil engineers plan, design, supervise the construction of and maintain many of the facilities and systems that are essential to modern life in both the public and private sectors. The civil engineering profession is one of the most stable and most diverse of the engineering disciplines. Civil engineers are employed by small companies, public agencies and large corporations. Their workplaces range from the construction site to the design office. They are in the forefront of the application of applying the newest high technology innovations in engineering and construction.

Civil engineers plan, design, construct, operate, maintain, inspect and manage both private and public owned facilities. These facilities include bridges, buildings, offshore structures, airports, seaports, harbors, railroads, highways, waterways, dams, water collection systems, water distribution systems, and water and wastewater treatment plants.

Civil engineers work to reduce air, water and soil pollution. They help develop alternative energy sources, and they work to reduce congestion in transportation systems. They also work to prevent or minimize damage due to natural disasters.

Civil engineering differs from other engineering disciplines in several important ways. First, every civil engineering project is unique in that it receives individual planning, analysis, design and performance monitoring. Second, every civil engineering project brings together technical, governmental, legal, financial and social elements. The primary objective of these projects is to provide the best service for the users while minimizing costs and other undesirable effects.

While many undergraduates pursue a broad based education in civil engineering, the Department of Civil Engineering offers seven areas of specialization at the undergraduate level. These include Coastal and Ocean Engineering, Construction Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering and Water Resources Engineering.

The first two years of the Civil Engineering curriculum build a solid foundation in mathematics, science and engineering science. The third year provides an introduction to the various civil engineering disciplines and engineering principles, methods of analysis and design. The fourth year provides an opportunity to pursue either a broad program or one that concentrates on one of the seven specialty areas.

The Civil Engineering curriculum prepares students for entry into the civil engineering profession or graduate study. A bachelor's degree provides opportunities in private industry, consulting firms and governmental agencies. Graduate study allows further specialization and offers even greater employment opportunities.

The mission of the Department of Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University is to prepare our graduates to become professional engineers and leaders in the Civil Engineering profession. We expect our graduates to be technically prepared for life-long learning experiences that will strengthen their abilities to lead the developmental activities necessary to successfully and effectively solve complex civil engineering problems facing society.

The civil engineering faculty strives to ensure that our ever-evolving educational programs accomplish several objectives. First, we prepare our students to:

1. address the current and future civil engineering needs of the people of the state of Texas;

2. recognize important geopolitical and public policy needs; and

3. solve technical problems.

In addition, we provide a curriculum that integrates scientific and technical knowledge together with an appreciation for social, economic and political concerns. The curriculum is developed to:

1. build leadership skills;

2. address issues of professionalism and ethical responsibility; and

3. recognize the need to engage in life-long learning.

Finally, we promote the highest academic excellence, quality and competitiveness in the undergraduate program that will provide local, state, national and international leadership to a profession that strives to solve the civil engineering problems facing an increasingly complex society.

The undergraduate program within the Department of Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University produces graduates:

1. who have a basic understanding of engineering fundamentals;

2. who are proficient in at least four of the following civil engineering areas:

   coastal/ocean
   construction engineering and management
   environmental
   geotechnical
   materials
   surveying
   structures
   transportation
   water resources

3. who have good communications skills, good teaming skills, and understanding of ethical issues in engineering, and continue to develop their professional skills and knowledge;

4. who perform in engineering practice, accept increasing responsibility over time, and become registered professional engineers; and

5. some of whom will pursue graduate studies.