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.
The BS in Civil Engineering at Northern Arizona University is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Civil and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.
Society's demand for essentials such as clean water and sustainable infrastructure pose large-scale, practical problems. Civil engineers design and operate facilities such as bridges, highway systems, waterworks, dams/levees and foundations. Learn to be part of the solution to some of society's greatest challenges when you study civil engineering at NAU. Taught by faculty who are also registered professional engineers, you will have multiple opportunities for undergraduate research and hands-on experience, including coursework in our four-year Design4Practice program. This program leads to exciting careers in the public or private sectors where you can make a difference.
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 general studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 239 |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-S | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
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:
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
This major requires 101 - 102 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 101 - 102 units:
Mathematics and Science Courses (30 - 31 units)
Major Courses (39 units)
Technical Coursework (9 units)
*Prerequisites to Engineering coursework that must be completed with a Grade of 'C' or better.
ENG 105 must be completed with a Grade of 'C' or better.
You may not have more than one grade of 'D' in your required engineering, mathematics, and science courses.
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.
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan wherein a student may start a master's degree while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree.
Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and start the Master of Science in Civil Engineering at NAU.
A total of 12 units will be shared between the plans selected from:
Students accepted into the Accelerated Program should complete the following requirements:
This major requires 101 - 102 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 101 - 102 units:
Mathematics and Science courses (30 - 31 units)
Major Courses (39 units)
Technical Coursework (9 units)
*Prerequisites to Engineering coursework that must be completed with a Grade of 'C' or better.
ENG 105 must be completed with a Grade of 'C' or better.
You may not have more than one grade of 'D' in your required engineering, mathematics, and science courses.
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.
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or General Studies Requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.