Program Information
What is Civil and Construction Engineering?
Civil and Construction engineering are the broadest of the engineering professions and are the stem from which most other branches of engineering have developed.
Civil and Construction engineering involves the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of facilities and systems to control and improve the environment for modern civilizations. This includes projects of major importance such as bridges, transportation systems, buildings, ports and water distribution systems.
Civil and Construction Engineering at Western Michigan University
The undergraduate civil engineering program at Western Michigan University was founded in 2002. The program builds upon the construction engineering program that has been a part of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences for several years. The department also offers graduate course work leading to a Master of Science in Civil Engineering with specializations in the field of construction engineering and management, structural engineering, and transportation engineering. Student organizations include the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Collegiate Construction Association, which encompasses the Associated General Contractors student chapter, the Home Builders Association student chapter, and the student chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction.
The undergraduate degree program is designed to provide the student with a knowledge of basic science, engineering science and engineering design. Engineering design is emphasized throughout the curriculum including the Freshman year. Students will design individually and as part of a design team. The curriculum culminates in a multi-disciplinary capstone design. Upon graduation, students are prepared to work immediately in most areas of the profession. These include traffic and transportation engineering, structural and geotechnical engineering, construction engineering, water resources engineering and public works. Graduates are encouraged to become registered professional engineers and to continue their education throughout their professional careers.
