B.S. in Civil Engineering

Program overview

The Bachelor of Science in civil engineering degree prepares graduates to design, construct and preserve civil infrastructure systems. This can include roads and bridges, buildings, water-distribution systems, sanitation systems, energy systems, seaports and airports — all for improving the quality of human life through sustainable and resilient development while protecting the environment.

Program accreditation

Tracks of study

General
Students can pursue a degree in civil engineering with a broad perspective involving more than one area of concentration.
Construction
This track prepares graduates to plan, design and manage the construction process using new and emerging technologies.
Geotechnical
This track prepares graduates to design and construct foundations, slopes, tunnels and other systems made of or supported by soil or rock.
Environmental
The environmental track prepares graduates to prevent, control or remediate any hazards to the environment in the interest of public health.
Structural
The structural track prepares graduates to design and construct a variety of buildings and bridges, as well as other structural systems.
Transportation/Materials
This track prepares graduates to plan, design, construct, operate and maintain transportation systems of different scales.
Water resources
The water resources track prepares graduates to design infrastructure for management of water resources while protecting people and the environment.

Key academic areas

View civil engineering flowchart (pdf)

Why civil engineering?

 

Make an impact

Civil engineers play a key role in designing and building a better world by —

• providing infrastructure for communities in rapidly growing urban centers.
• supplying clean water for household and commercial use.
• minimizing human impact on the natural environment.
• managing water resources for agriculture, transportation and renewable hydropower.
• designing innovative transportation solutions for roads, bridges and rail.
• developing new construction techniques and tools.
• restoring critical infrastructure after natural and man-made disasters.

Career opportunities

Civil engineering graduates pursue careers as —

• transportation engineers
• structural engineers
• environmental engineers
• highway designers
• materials engineers
• forensic engineers
• geotechnical engineers
• water resources engineers

The civil engineering program encourages students to take and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam prior to graduation to have the option of pursuing professional licensure during their careers.

Internships

Internships allow civil engineering students to gain industry experience in the summers during their collegiate careers. Internships provide a competitive edge when graduates look for permanent positions.

K-State civil engineering alumni live in 49 states and 42 countries.

^{Career placement and salary data provided by the K-State Career Center. Career placement includes K-State College of Engineering graduates who are employed or enrolled in graduate or professional schools within six months of graduation.}