Undergraduate
The undergraduate Civil Engineering program offers a broad-based education in civil and environmental engineering fundamentals, coupled with development of leadership, management and communications skills to establish a foundation for lifelong learning and flexible career development.
This goal requires going beyond technical competence in a balanced education to develop future leaders in the fields of consulting, industry, business, law, government and research. (Please see the Department's Objectives and Outcomes statement.)
The Vanderbilt School of Engineering offers a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering. Environmental Engineering is considered a sub-discipline within the Civil Engineering degree program.
Civil engineers must be able to face complex problems of modern society involving the development of physical facilities that serve the public while protecting the environment and preserving social values. Challenges facing civil and environmental engineers concern:
- Housing
- Transportation
- Pollution control
- Water resources development
- Industrial development
- Maintaining and advancing our nation's aging infrastructure
- Exploring space
Addressing these challenges with today's limited resources requires innovative and original ideas from highly skill engineers.
The bachelor of engineering program in civil engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.
Courses
Undergraduates majoring in civil engineering receive a strong background in mathematics, engineering, science and engineering design. The program also includes courses in economics, humanities, social sciences, resources management and public policy. Students participate in design teams and laboratory studies as well as classroom activities.
Organizations
Students also have the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities, engineering societies, clubs and organizations . Our award-winning ASCE Student Chapter is extremely active. More information on such activities in all engineering disciplines is available on the engineering school's Clubs & Organizations page, and specifically for those interested in Civil and Environmental Organizations, on the department's Organizations & Activities page.
Research Opportunities
The undergraduate program allows room for flexibility and custom-tailoring. Students planning for graduate studies and research may include individual topics and research courses. Students at all levels have the opportunity to work with faculty in the generation of new knowledge. Selected students may participate in the Engineering School Summer Research Program for Undergraduates. For a complete listing of more summer research opportunities, visit the Summer Opportunities page of this website.