2015-2016

Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Department of Civil Engineering, Construction Management, and Environmental Engineering

College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

This program provides a strong foundation in engineering and design, with emphasis in structural, geotechnical, water resources and transportation engineering. Students graduating from this program can design solutions to complex problems with society’s infrastructure systems, and are prepared to become registered professional engineers specializing in civil engineering in their future careers.

This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). (ABET / EAC).

This plan will not be available to new students after Summer 2018

  • To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.

    • All of Northern Arizona University's diversity, liberal studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
    • At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
    • At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
    • A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.

    The full policy can be viewed here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • At least 57 units of preprofessional requirements
  • At least 52 units of major courses

  • Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy Liberal Studies requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.

  • For this major the liberal studies prefix is CENE
  • Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 129 units

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 129
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 239
Additional Fees/Program Fees Required
University Honors Program Optional
Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan Optional
Progression Plan Link Not Available
Student Learning Outcomes

Society’s demand for essentials such as clean water, efficient transportation systems and sustainable infrastructure pose large-scale, practical problems.  Civil engineers design and operate facilities such as bridges, highway systems, waterworks (water supply, storm and sanitary sewer drainage and wastewater treatment), dams/levees and foundations.  Civil engineering is the oldest of the engineering disciplines.  This exciting engineering field requires a solid understanding of core concepts including mathematics, physics, statics, mechanics of materials, structural analysis, surveying, and fluid hydraulics.  These courses serve as a basis for advanced content in:

  • Transportation (traffic signal systems, highway design)
  • Structural (reinforced concrete, structural steel design)
  • Water resources (hydrology and flood control, open channel flow, municipal engineering). 
  • Geotechnical (soil mechanics and foundations)
In addition to this content, our civil engineering curriculum will provide you with a solid foundation in design, project management and preparation for professional licensure.

Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, or are simply interested in a minor, you will be able to enter or advance in the civil engineering profession confidently as a result of our rigorous curriculum.  By the time you graduate in our ABET-accredited undergraduate program, you will have achieved the following student learning outcomes:
  1. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
  2. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
  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, manufacturability, and sustainability.
  4. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
  5. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
  6. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
  7. An ability to communicate effectively.
  8. The 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, and an ability to, engage in life-long learning.
  10. A knowledge of contemporary issues.
  11. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Major Requirements

  • Take the following 110 - 112 units:

    Preprofessional Requirements (57-58 units)

  • *Prerequisities to Engineering coursework that must be completed with grades of "C" or better. In addition, ENG 105 must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

  • If you wish to enhance your education in the area of environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics, or construction management, you can easily pursue a minor in each discipline with the addition of a small number of courses and by consulting with the respective disciplinary advisors.

General Electives

  • Addditional coursework is required, if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 129 units of credit.  

    You may take these remaining courses from any academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you. (Please note that you may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.)

Additional Information
    • Our overarching learning goals are stated as our Program Objectives; within three to five years of obtaining a bachelor's degree, a graduate is expected to achieve the following:
      • Be employed in the engineering field or a professional field consistent with one’s career goals, or pursuing a graduate degree;
      • Participate in continuing education or professional development activities;
      • Be a registered professional engineer or be pursuing registration if consistent with one’s career goals;
      • Demonstrate a career path that shows development as a leader; and
      • Engage in activities that benefit society
    • You may not have more than one grade of "D" in your required engineering, mathematics, and science courses.

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.

  • Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program 

    This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan. Accelerated Programs provide the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates working on their bachelor’s degree to simultaneously begin work on a master’s degree, which may allow them to complete both degrees in an accelerated manner by applying 6 units toward both degrees. Students must apply to the accelerated program and the master’s program by the application deadline, and meet all requirements as listed on the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year. Be sure to speak with your advisor regarding your interest in Accelerated Programs.
     

  • PROGRAM FEE INFORMATION

  • Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee of $500 per year in students' Junior and Senior years has been approved for this program.