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School of Engineering

About Us What is Civil Engineering

As you go through your day, stop and notice the bridges and roads that you drive on; the airports, sea ports, and railroads that you rely on for your food and consumer goods; the water you drink and the quality of the air that you breath.

The design and stewardship for all of these lies within the realm of Civil Engineering. At the School of Engineering's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, we focus on infrastructure and the environment. This includes the design of housing and transportation systems as well as water resources management and ensuring a quality environment. It also involves planning and managing of the construction activities related to buildings, bridges, dams, transit structures, water, wastewater, and all forms of solid and hazardous waste treatment facilities.

Have more questions?

Please view the Civil Department's Open House presentation (31MB).


Careers in Civil Engineering

CEE graduates from the School of Engineering find a wealth of career opportunities in industry. Some of our graduates become consultants with firms that specialize in design and construction. Some work with federal and state agencies in the public works, transportation or environmental fields. Some of our talented graduates gain a global perspective, by working and traveling for firms with offices around the world.

Civil Engineers have great flexibility. A civil engineer can work for a municipality in which he or she chooses to reside, or a civil engineer can put his or her entrepreneurial skills to work by starting a consulting firm.

Employment After Graduation

Local companies and organizations that hire our graduates include:

  • Alcoa
  • American Bridge
  • Chester Engineers
  • Dick Corporation
  • Epic Metals
  • Michael Baker
  • HDR Engineering
  • Gannett Fleming
  • ICF Kaiser, International Technology
  • Turner Construction
  • PennDOT
  • Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
  • US Army Corps of Engineers

The American Society of Civil Engineers offers a more in-depth look at careers in civil engineering for the interested student at their website Civil Engineering Careers.

Civil Engineering

The Department of Civil Engineering is one of the oldest in the nation.

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