Civil Engineering

Why major in Civil Engineering?

If you want to change the world, consider this major, because civil engineers are doing just that every day! Civil Engineering is a profession which deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of our nation's infrastructure, including roads, bridges, buildings, airports, dams, tunnels, water, and waste treatment plants. Civil Engineering is perfect for students who are looking for a rewarding career that impacts people's everyday lives.

There are groups on campus, such as the Physics and Engineering Club, for students to get involved and learn more about the profession. This degree allows graduates to work in a variety of settings and roles. In addition to designing, managing projects, and analyzing data, civil engineers also have the option of pursuing leadership roles in administrative positions. SRU students have an abundance of internship opportunities in the state of Pennsylvania and beyond.

What Will You Learn?

Civil Engineering classes at SRU are focused on three areas of the field-structural, environmental, and transportation engineering. To be successful, students are trained in engineering design, problem-solving, decision-making, leadership, and communication skills (both verbal and written). A capstone design course in the senior year integrates all aspects of learning through team-based design projects assisted by professional engineers in the field.

Our program features small class sizes and opportunities for students to experience hands-on design work. SRU has state-of-the-art lab facilities for Civil Engineering majors to study and learn in. Courses include Engineering Computing Tools, Storm Water Management, and Structural Steel Design.

Careers In Civil Engineering

SRU Civil Engineering graduates are typically employed in:

• construction, energy, and mining industries
• engineering design companies
• engineering consulting firms
• public sectors from municipal to federal governments 

In 2017, Pennsylvania had the fifth highest employment of civil engineers in the country according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Civil engineering has the largest number of jobs in all engineering occupations. In addition, the BLS projects that jobs for civil engineers will increase by 11% in the next 10 years, indicating strong continued demand for civil engineering students. The 2017 median salary for civil engineers was $84,770.

Program Educational Objectives

Within three to five years of graduation, alumni of Civil Engineering program at Slippery Rock University are expected to:

• Further develop expertise as effective project managers or technical team leaders in practical application of theories, analysis, and constructable design.
• Provide leadership in developing comprehensive solutions to complex engineering problems from concept to completion within health, safety, compliance, economy, sustainability, and constructability criteria.
• Grow professionally and ethically throughout their careers through professional licensure, certifications, continuing professional education, and lifelong learning.
• Acquire the skills to communicate effectively complex engineering concepts and solutions to diverse stakeholders.

Student Outcomes

The student outcomes (SOs) of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering include:

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.

Total Enrollment and Graduation Data

Earn your Civil Engineering degree at Slippery Rock!

Slippery Rock University's Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program prepares graduates for careers working with transportation, water resources, the environment, and more. Interested in learning about the program? Request more information today!