Civil engineering is a discipline that deals with the design, construction and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment.  It includes works such as bridges, roads, canals, dams and buildings. It is one of the oldest engineering disciplines. It is traditionally broken into several sub-disciplines including environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, municipal or urban engineering, water resources engineering, materials engineering, coastal engineering, surveying, and construction engineering. Civil engineering takes place on all levels: in the public sector from municipal to federal levels, and in the private sector from individual homeowners to international companies. 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.

A variety of career opportunities are available for Saint Martin's University Engineering graduates. These include both the private and public sector.  Private sector opportunities include major U.S. and international industrial corporations in construction and consulting engineering firms.  Public sector opportunities include public utilities, and federal, state, county and  city public works departments.

Civil engineering program-educational objectives

A. Be successful as practicing Civil Engineering professionals in diverse career paths or in graduate school.
B. Distinguish themselves in breath of perspective and the ability to solve complex problems.
C. Be effective communicators and team members, with many assuming leadership roles.
D. Be active in their profession and participate in continuing education opportunities to foster personal and organizational growth.
E. Demonstrate a concern for justice, ethical behavior, and societal improvement consistent with the Benedictine tradition, through participation in professional and civic organizations.

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 engineering elective 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, ALGOR, PIPE-FLO, RISA, and SOLIDWORKS.

• 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 
2. The ability to design, and conduct experiments as well as to analyze and interpret data.
3. The ability to design a system to meet basic needs.
4. The ability to function on multi-disciplinary design teams.
5. The ability to identify, formulate, and solve problems.
6. The ability to understand professional and ethical responsibilities. 
7. The ability to communicate effectively. 
8. The ability to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context. 
9. The ability to recognize the need for life-long learning in civil engineering. 
10. The ability to understand contemporary engineering issues. 
11. The ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.