Civil Engineering Educational Mission and Goals

Educational Mission of the Civil Engineering Program

The educational mission of the Civil Engineering undergraduate program is to provide students with an multidisciplinary curriculum that is fundamental, yet broad and flexible, to produce graduates who are well-grounded in mathematical, scientific, and technical knowledge; have the ability to analyze, evaluate, and design civil engineering systems; have the ability to communicate effectively; have had meaningful opportunities for undergraduate research; and who have acquired an understanding and appreciation for global and societal issues and are thus prepared for a career path toward leadership in industry, government, and academia.

Undergraduate Major in Civil Engineering

Program Educational Objectives: Graduates of the Civil Engineering program will (1) establish a Civil Engineering career in industry, government, or academia and achieve professional licensure as appropriate; (2) demonstrate excellence and innovation in engineering problem solving and design in a global and societal context; (3) commit to lifelong learning and professional development to stay current in technology and contemporary issues; and (4) take on increasing levels of responsibility and leadership in technical and/or managerial roles. (Program educational objectives are those aspects of engineering that help shape the curriculum; achievement of these objectives is a shared responsibility between the student and UCI.)

Program Outcomes for undergraduate students in Civil Engineering:

  1. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics through differential equations; probability and statistics; calculus-based physics; general chemistry; and engineering science in the context of civil engineering applications.
  2. An ability to design and conduct laboratory experiments, as well as to critically analyze and interpret data, in two or more recognized major civil engineering areas, such as structures, transportation, water resources, and environmental.
  3. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, constructability, and sustainability.
  4. An ability to function in multidisciplinary teams.
  5. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve civil engineering problems in a minimum of four recognized major civil engineering areas.
  6. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities of civil engineers in relation to public and private institutions and in the context of civil engineering infrastructure systems.
  7. An ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
  8. A broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
  9. A recognition of the need for professional licensure and life-long learning.
  10. Knowledge of contemporary issues.
  11. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for civil engineering practice, and an understanding of professional practice issues such as project management and interactions between the development, design, and construction professions.