Civil engineering is a creative, practical and satisfying profession in high demand worldwide. Civil engineers plan, design, construct and manage buildings, bridges, highways, airports, dams, tunnels, ports, off shore structures, water supply systems, power plants; space structures and  wastewater collection and treatment facilities.

These engineers use technology's most recent advances including computer-aided design, terrestrial photogrammetry and laser-generated maps. They work with architects, contractors, government officials and planning commissions, helping to make communities better places to live.

A variety of career opportunities are available for Saint Martin's University Engineering graduates. Among them are positions with major U.S. and international industrial corporations, construction and consulting engineering firms, public utilities, city, county and state public works departments, military service, and federal agencies.

Civil engineering program -- educational objectives

1.  Prepare civil engineering students for successful careers in professional practice.

2.  Provide students with the skills sought by regional civil engineering employers, and foster interaction with the local professional engineering community.

3.  Prepare students to be proficient in geotechnical, structural, transportation, and water resources engineering, while allowing additional specialization in one or more of these areas.

4.  Prepare students to enter graduate school.

5.  Prepare students for professional registration.

Requirements

Freshmen are expected to be ready for calculus and should have completed two years of high school algebra, plane geometry, and plane trigonometry. A grade of at least a 'C' is required for transfer of credit. Courses taken in engineering technology programs generally are not acceptable for transfer.

Students working toward a civil engineering degree are required to take the Common Engineering Program during their freshman and sophomore years.

Civil engineering students may apply for admission to the Master of Civil Engineering degree during their senior year. If accepted, up to 6-hours of approved courses may be applied toward both degrees.

Program features

• Program accreditation by Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Inc. (ABET).

• Emphasis on strong fundamentals in engineering science.

• Practical training in the creative aspects of engineering design.

• Hands-on laboratory experience in structures, soils, transportation, hydraulics and environmental engineering.

• Many project-oriented courses, in which students share insights gained through individual and group projects.

• A faculty with extensive experience as educators and as professional engineers.

• Small classes, allowing students to receive individual attention from faculty.

• A strong liberal arts component that broadens career options and the possibility of professional advancement.

• State-of-the-art computer facilities including AutoCAD, color printing and plotting.

• Internships through private companies and public agencies.

• Career Center assistance for graduates in finding employment.

Program outcomes

Program outcomes are defined by ABET/EAC as the composite of knowledge and skill that a newly graduated civil engineer has in hand when awarded the Bachelor's of Science degree. Our curriculum has been designed to equip all Saint Martin’s University civil engineering student graduates with the following attributes:

1. The ability to apply mathematics, science and engineering to solve civil engineering problems, and to enter graduate school.
2. The ability to design, conduct, analyze and interpret the laboratory tests used to determine the mechanical properties of civil engineering materials.
3. The ability to design basic elements in the geotechnical, structural, transportation, and water resources specialties within realistic constraints.
4. The ability to work productively on multi-disciplinary design teams.
5. The ability to identify, formulate, and solve problems in mechanics and fluids.
6. An understanding of professional and ethical issues in civil engineering practice.
7. The ability to communicate effectively in oral, written and graphical form.
8. A broad liberal education that develops an understanding of the vast cultural and spiritual dimensions of human activity.
9. Understanding of the need for life-long learning in civil engineering.
10. Recognition of contemporary issues related to civil engineering practice.
11. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.