Civil engineering historically encompassed all engineering endeavors not associated with military activities. Because of its origin and history, civil engineering still embraces a wide variety of technological areas. These include environmental engineering, hydrotechnical engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering and structural engineering.
Civil engineers work with problems that directly impact the health and economic vitality of people and communities. These problems include waste disposal; environmental pollution; transportation systems analysis and design; water resource development; and the design, construction and rehabilitation of constructed facilities such as dams, bridges, buildings and highways. The challenges and opportunities for a civil engineer lie in combining technical competence with a human concern for the applications of technology. To help students understand their role in the community and to be effective in written and spoken communications, the curriculum attempts to give a meaningful educational experience in the humanities, social studies, English and economics.
The goal of the undergraduate curriculum in civil and environmental engineering is to prepare graduating civil engineers to meet the present and the future infrastructure and environmental needs of society. This requires an education based on scientific and engineering fundamentals as well as one that incorporates experience in engineering design using modern technology. Because the systems they design impact the public directly, civil engineers must be aware of the social and economic consequences of their designs. Graduates must be prepared to work and communicate with other professionals in a variety of associations and organizations. Ethics and life-long learning are essential components in the education of civil engineers. During the course of study, civil engineering students are given a solid grounding in mathematics, physics and chemistry. Added to this is extensive development of the fundamentals of materials science, environmental, soils, hydrotechnical, structural and transportation systems engineering. This broad base of knowledge is provided to insure that civil engineers are educated in all branches of the profession and to permit continuous learning throughout a professional lifetime. Throughout the program, each student works with an academic advisor in the selection of electives. Specialization in one or more of the branches of civil engineering is possible by selection of a sequence of technical electives during the junior and senior years.
Programs and Mentoring
Programs Offered
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Civil engineering embraces a wide variety of technological areas. These include environmental engineering, hydrotechnical engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, and structural engineering.
The bachelor of science degree in civil engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering
Environmental Engineering is a fast-growing discipline covering all major spheres of the natural environment and human society. Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. This four-year degree program prepares students for a careers in engineering firms, government (local, state, and federal), academia, research and development and nonprofit organizations.
Dual Civil and Mining Engineering Degrees
Students can simultaneously pursue B.S. degrees in civil engineering and mining engineering by completing additional courses. The dual degrees offer students an opportunity to become prepared for entry in both the infrastructure and energy markets. The dual degree program requires satisfactory completion of 158 credit hours.
Fields of Study
Construction Engineering
In this field, students will learn about construction operations, construction safety and health, infrastructure management, decision-making support systems and construction project control.
Environmental and Water Resources Engineering
Students will learn how to protect society from the damaging effects of environmental contaminants, erosion and floods. This study area includes solid and hazardous waste management, environmental impact statements, hydraulics, flood control systems, coastal harbors, irrigation systems and management of facilities that provide water for our communities.
Geotechnical Engineering
In this field, students will learn about the classification of soils, the design of shallow and deep foundations for structures, the design of stable earth slopes and earth retraining structures, permeability of geologic materials and seepage of water through soils and rocks, shear strength of geological materials, soil compaction and consolidation and effective stresses.
Structural Engineering
In this field, students will learn how to design, construct, maintain and rehabilitate society's many structures, including buildings, harbors and bridges, using construction materials such as concrete, steel, wood and composites.
Transportation Engineering
Students in this field will focus on the design, construction and management of all aspects of transportation systems. These include highway construction, traffic control, airports, mass transit systems, railroads, inland waterways and urban rapid transit systems.
Curriculum
Faculty Mentors
Students joining the Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) program is advised on course scheduling, academic difficulties, transfer credit evaluation, and University resources by staff in the Statler College Advising Center. More information about the Advising Center can be found at: https://www.statler.wvu.edu/advising-center.
Career and professional advising is handled by faculty members within the CEE Department. We are happy to meet with our students to discuss research opportunities, career options, or academics. The following faculty members are good initial contacts for information about the career questions, extracurricular opportunities, and specific curriculum questions.
Karl Barth (Structures, Faculty Advisor for AISC)
karl.barth@mail.wvu.edu
ESB 617
304.293.9921
Huang-Liang Roger Chen (Faculty Advisor for Chi Epsilon)
roger.chen@mail.wvu.edu
ESB 651B
304.293.9925
Fei Dai (Construction)
fei.dai@mail.wvu.edu
ESB 535
304.293.9940
Emily Garner (Environmental)
emily.garner@mail.wvu.edu
ESB 621
304.293.9922
Leslie Hopkinson (Water Resources)
Leslie.Hopkinson@mail.wvu.edu
ESB 649
304.293.9932
Vladislav Kecojevic (Interim Department Chair)
Vlad.Kecojevic@mail.wvu.edu
ESB 625
304.293.9953
Lian-Shin Lin (Faculty Advisor for EWB)
Lianshin.Lin@mail.wvu.edu
ESB 541A
304.293.9935
David Martinelli (Transportation)
david.martinelli@mail.wvu.edu
ESB 547
304.293.9936
John Quaranta (Geotechnical)
John.Quaranta@mail.wvu.edu
ESB 611C
304.293.9942
Yoojung Yoon (Faculty Advisor for ASCE)
yoojung.yoon@mail.wvu.edu
ESB 529
304.293.9937
Admission Requirements
View admission requirements here