Civil Engineering (B.S.)

The mission of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department is to provide high-quality, state-of-the-art educational and research programs. The Department strives for excellence in its academic programs, its research endeavors, and its university, community and professional service activities. The program is designed to prepare graduates for success in their immediate, as well as long-term, professional careers as practitioners, for obtaining a professional license, and for pursuing advanced studies and lifelong learning.

Program Educational Objectives

The graduates of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Program, in their early careers, will be expected to:

1. apply their knowledge and skills as effective, productive civil engineers within private corporations, engineering consulting firms, as well as local, state and federal government agencies in the design of contemporary civil engineering systems and processes
2. work and communicate effectively with others on multidisciplinary teams to develop practical, technically sound, cost-effective solutions to complex and diverse civil engineering problems
3. build upon the fundamental knowledge gained in the undergraduate program of study, allowing analysis and design in alternative and innovative conditions
4. engage in the profession in an ethical and responsible manner
5. exhibit leadership skills
6. become and remain active members within professional and technical societies

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department will demonstrate the following skills and attributes when they receive their B.S. degrees:

    a)    apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering to solve civil engineering problems

    b)    design and conduct experiments; collect and interpret data

    c)    design a civil engineering system, component or process to meet specific needs

    d)    collaborate and communicate on multi-disciplinary teams

e)    identify, formulate and solve civil engineering problems

f)     demonstrate understanding of ethical and professional responsibility of a civil engineer

g)    communicate effectively in oral and written form

h)    demonstrate understanding of global and societal issues as they pertain to civil engineering

i)      explain the importance of life-long learning and continuing education

j)      demonstrate knowledge of contemporary issues

k)     demonstrate proficiency in using modern engineering tools in the practice of civil engineering

l)      explain the aspects of professional practice issues relevant to the civil engineering profession (include principles of sustainability in design; explain basic concepts in project management, business, public policy, and leadership; analyze issues in professional ethics; and explain the importance of professional licensure)

The civil engineering curriculum has been designed to provide a broad education in the basic sciences, mathematics, and engineering sciences, civil engineering analysis and design, and their application to civil engineering practice. The courses in civil engineering may be considered as an array of groups, each representing an area of concern to contemporary society and industry. Technical electives may be selected from one of these major areas according to the student’s particular interest or may be chosen from several areas in order to broaden one’s knowledge. A student who contemplates continuing study at the graduate level should seek the advice of his/her faculty counselor in the selection of elective courses. Realizing the social implications of the practice of civil engineering, the program provides for the development of a background in economics, the social sciences, humanities, communication skills, ethics, and related non-technical areas.

Admission Requirements

Admission is contingent upon satisfaction of the general undergraduate admission requirements of the University and the bachelor of science programs in the College of Engineering.

Candidates for the Bachelor of Science degree must complete 123-124 credits of coursework, including the General Education requirements. All course work must be completed in accordance with the academic procedures of the University and the College of Engineering governing undergraduate scholarship and degrees. Non-engineering entries, cited below by subject rather than individual course number, indicate courses to be selected in fulfillment of the University General Education Requirements. The degree requirements shown in the curriculum below are in effect as of the publication date of this bulletin. Students should consult their advisors for verification of current requirements.

Core structural engineering courses (CE 4400, CE 4410 and CE 4420) must be taken at Wayne State University. Transfer credit for these courses will not be accepted towards the B.S. in Civil Engineering degree.

Technical Electives: Civil Engineering students are required to complete at least six credits in technical electives. Applicable courses include CE 3010, CE 3070, any CE course at the 5000 or 6000 level, or other courses approved by the undergraduate program coordinator.

The combination of BE 1050 (1 credit) and BE 3510 (2 credits) may be counted as technical elective credit. BE 1050 must be completed first in the sequence. A maximum of two credits of BE 3510 can be taken as technical elective credits. No more than 1 credit per semester of BE 3510.

Design Electives: Students are required to complete two courses from: