Civil Engineering, BS
Shippensburg University has the only civil engineering program in Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education and is one of only twelve in the state. This program allows you to specialize in transportation, structures, environmental, construction or advanced project modeling.
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What Will I Learn?
This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org. Our program is a careful balance between theory and hands-on experience. You'll be prepared to use the latest technology and be a practical engineer throughout your career, as you work in state-of-the-art engineering labs.
There is an interdisciplinary focus through the common engineering core that includes seminars, modeling and simulation and computer graphics. Statics, dynamics and fluid mechanics are also important point of emphasis.
Civil engineers focus on topics such as:
- Surveying
- Mechanics of materials
- Structural analysis
- Construction methods and materials
- Environmental engineering
- Concrete structures
- Highway engineering and design
- Transportation engineering
- Soil mechanics
- Foundation engineering
You will also take courses in steel design and construction project management as well as courses in physics, chemistry, mathematics and geoenvironmental science. A senior capstone experience challenges you to work as a professional to complete a specified project.
What are the requirements for this degree?
To gain admission to the program, you must meet the criteria for admission to Shippensburg University and you must be ready to start Calculus I as demonstrated through previous completion of advanced math courses, SAT scores or placement tests. Students who are not ready to start Calculus I are placed into the "Computer Science & Engineering General" category and are given courses that will prepare them to meet the challenges and rigors of an engineering program. When they meet the math requirement, they can declare the major.
This program requires a total of 134 credits.
This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.ABET accreditation means that the national accrediting organization has spent time on our campus making sure that our curriculum meets national standards, our faculty are well-supported and current in the discipline, and our infrastructure is up-to-date and well-supported. It is your assurance that, not only is our program strong today, but we have also laid the foundation so that it will continue to be strong in the future.
What Types of Careers Could I Get With This Degree?
Demand for civil engineers continues to grow. Graduates have the skills necessary to work as civil engineers or go on to earn the Professional Engineer license. Graduates will be prepared and encouraged to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination, the first step to earning a Professional Engineering certificate. Some of our graduates go on to earn master's and doctoral degrees in engineering, while others may choose a career track towards project management and work towards a Master of Business Administration.
What Kinds of Experiences Could I Have?
You can join the Civil Engineering Club and participate in a number of activities. This club and other organizations can help you develop relationships with your peers and build professional relationships.
Every student in this program is assigned a crew when they arrive at Shippensburg University. They earn points for their crew all year long by participating in extracurricular activities, helping faculty, doing work beyond course requirements and through crew competitions.