Civil Engineering

Why Choose This Major?

Civil Engineering students at UD have some flexibility in designing a curriculum to meet their needs and interests. After laying a strong foundation in math, science, and engineering through required courses, students may begin taking technical electives in one of the main focus areas–structural, geotechnical, environmental, water resources, transportation, railroad, or coastal/ocean engineering. Minors in civil engineering, environmental engineering, sustainable infrastructure, and environmental sustainability are also offered.

Active research ensures that the content of the undergraduate program is constantly renewed and maintained at a challenging technical level and integrates discovery learning into the program. Opportunities abound for civil engineering undergraduates to work with faculty and graduate students as research assistants, either for pay or independent study credit. Research in the department covers a broad range of topics with particular strengths in bridge design, construction, evaluation, and rehabilitation; applications of composite materials to concrete, steel, and earth structures; computer modeling of wave/shoreline interactions; intelligent transportation systems; management and operation of civil infrastructure systems; remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater; and biodegradation of wastes.

Areas of Study

Career Options

Coastal/Ocean Engineering

Civil Engineering

Geotechnical Engineering

Railroad Engineering

Structural Engineering

Transportation

Water Resources

Airport/ Railway Engineer

County/City Engineer

Director of Public Works

Engineering Management

Engineering Mechanics

Geotechnical Engineer

Project Engineer

Public Policy & Administration

Transportation Engineer

Areas of Study

Coastal/Ocean Engineering

Civil Engineering

Geotechnical Engineering

Railroad Engineering

Structural Engineering

Transportation

Water Resources

Career Options

Airport/ Railway Engineer

County/City Engineer

Director of Public Works

Engineering Management

Engineering Mechanics

Geotechnical Engineer

Project Engineer

Public Policy & Administration

Transportation Engineer

Experiential Learning

Students have the option to participate in a 26-week co-op program, which provides valuable experience working in the profession. All degree requirements, including the co-op program, are designed to be completed within four years.

Well-qualified Civil Engineering majors may apply to the 4+1 program to earn a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a Master of Civil EngineeringMasters of Business Administration, or Masters of Materials Science and Engineering degree within 5 years. The program is limited to University of Delaware undergraduates in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering with a minimum GPA of 3.25 at the time of application.

Students can look into study abroad options for during the semester or a winter/summer session.

Curriculum

Civil Engineering involves the design, planning, construction, maintenance, repair and reuse of constructed facilities. This includes dams, bridges, roads, waterways, railroads and tunnels. Mass transit systems, water resource exploration and management, environmental protection, coastal management and off-shore structures are also part of civil engineering. The Civil Engineering curriculum includes specialization options in structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering and water resources, coastal engineering, railroad engineering, transportation and infrastructure systems as shown by the technical electives. Technical electives are chosen in consultation with a faculty adviser to pursue individual interests. Students are encouraged to meet with their faculty advisers regularly to discuss their progress and work out any curriculum problems or concerns.

Course Checksheet

Course Flowchart

For program & course information click the year matriculation started: Fall 2023Fall 2022 | Fall 2021Fall 2020