Civil and Environmental Engineering

Phillip Thompson, PhD, PE, Chair

Objectives

Civil engineering is the knowledge of mathematical and physical sciences to provide structures, improve and protect the environment, and provide facilities for community living, industry, and transportation for the use of mankind.

The mission of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department is to provide educational opportunities for students seeking to enter the civil engineering profession, so that they can achieve competence in the field while recognizing their social responsibilities. The program provides a strong foundation in the areas of mathematics, basic and engineering sciences, and the humanities and social sciences. It encourages further self development and life-long intellectual achievement. The program seeks to build student skills in written and oral communication, and a sense of poise and professionalism.

Analysis and design courses in the fields of environmental, geotechnical, hydraulic, structural, and water resources engineering are offered in addition to preparatory courses in sciences and basic mechanics. A broad base of theory is provided, along with its application to current practices of the profession.

The program objectives of the civil engineering program are to prepare graduates in the following areas:

• Technical Proficiency: Ability to apply a technical core of knowledge in mathematics, science, and civil engineering, which includes understanding the fundamentals of several recognized civil engineering areas (e.g., environmental, geotechnical, structural, and water resources engineering).
• Communications Skills: Ability to communicate effectively including writing, speaking, listening, and observing and to use graphics, the worldwide web, and other communication tools.
• Professional Skills: Ability to use the broad spectrum of skills needed in professional practice including teamwork, leadership, and project and business management, and an understanding of professional ethics, contemporary issues, safety, and economics.
• Personal Breadth: Understanding of non-technical aspects of engineering, including ethical considerations, concern for society and the environment, and multi-cultural perspectives, as commitment to life-long learning and service to the professional and civic communities.

Departmental Requirements

In addition to the prerequisites, departmental candidacy in one of the engineering departments is required for entry into 300- and 400-level courses. Candidacy is achieved by successfully completing all required 100- and 200-level engineering, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics courses with a combined grade point average of at least 2.50, as well as ENGL 110 . Only courses graded C (2.00) or higher may be transferred into the department to offset degree requirements.

For graduation, a minimum 2.50 cumulative grade point average is required, as well as a minimum 2.50 average in Seattle University classes in science, computer science, physics, mathematics, and engineering courses.

Taking the Washington state Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination is required for the degree. The civil engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET http://www.abet.org.