Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
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Civil Engineering Degree Program Overview
Everywhere you go, look around and you’ll see the work of civil engineers. We design, build, and maintain the foundations and infrastructure for our world — from interstate highways, suspension bridges, high-rise buildings and energy systems to seaports, airports and community centers.
Purdue University Northwest’s Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree program is designed to prepare students for a career in a constantly changing field and provides a basis for lifelong learning.
Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering
As a Civil Engineering major, you’ll enjoy meaningful interactions with faculty in small classes as part of an ABET-accredited program. You have the option to earn both a baccalaureate and a master’s engineering degree within five years.
Civil Engineering Major Curriculum
As a Civil Engineering major, you’ll take a balance of general education courses, College of Engineering and Sciences core courses and civil engineering courses.
In addition to a 75-credit major core that includes advanced mathematics as well as courses in materials, mechanics, dynamics and a number of engineering disciplines, you’ll complete 12 credits of civil engineering electives, plus your choice of an additional humanities or social science class.
Your journey begins with courses in calculus and physics, as well as a first-year seminar for Civil Engineering majors.
Sample Courses
- MA 16300 – Integrated Calculus Analysis Geometry I
- MA 16400 – Integrated Calculus Analysis Geometry II
- PHYS 15200 – Mechanics
In your second year, you’ll expand your knowledge with courses in drawing for engineers, software tools and multivariate calculus.
Sample Courses
- ENGR 15100 – Software Tools for Engineers
- CE 11500 – Engineering Drawing I
- MA 26100 – Multivariate Calculus
Hone your skills as you explore topics like structural analysis, environmental engineering and hydrology.
Sample Courses
- CE 33400 – Structural Analysis I
- CE 35400 – Intro Environmental Engineering
- CE 34200 – Engineer Hydrology/Hydraulic
As you approach graduation, you’ll take an experiential learning course and complete elective requirements.
Sample Courses
- CE 42900 – Senior Engineering Design I
- CE 43900 – Senior Engineering Design II
Civil Engineering Degree Program Highlights
Rigorous curriculum, experiential learning and small classes are just the beginning. We also maintain robust connections with the industries in our region, which gives you an edge in the marketplace.
You’ll have the opportunity to enter design competitions and complete a senior project that tackles real-world problems.
Civil Engineering Degree Program Outcomes
The Civil Engineering program at PNW is built to provide:
- Engineering competence: Graduate as a competent and engaged professional in the field
- Continuous learning: Continue professional development long after graduation
- Professional skills: Learn teamwork and leadership skills that you need to succeed in a highly competitive environment
- Societal awareness: Recognize the societal, ethical and global impacts of your work
Civil Engineering Degree Program Career Paths
Civil engineers work in project management, field works, consulting, research and computer aided design. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for civil engineers was $89,940 in May 2022.
Civil Engineering Degree Program Beyond the Classroom
We know that learning happens everywhere, so we provide a number of ways to supplement your studies, including:
- American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
- Steel Bridge
- Concrete Canoe
Civil Engineering Degree Program Employers
Our alumni work with some of the most innovative organizations across the region and around the world, including:
- ArcelorMittal Steel
- Caterpillar
- INDOT
- NIPSCO
- Rieth-Riley
Civil Engineering Degree Program Scholarships
Funding opportunities available to Civil Engineering students include:
- BP Scholarship
- College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science Scholarship
- Hunter Family Engineering Scholarship
Civil Engineering Degree Program Accreditation
Purdue University Northwest’s Bachelor of Science program in Civil Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Civil and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Criteria.
Civil Engineering Degree Program Licensure
As an ABET-accredited engineering program, PNW’s program for the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the School of Engineering fulfills the educational requirements for PE licensure in Indiana and all states of the US.
I believe having smaller class sizes at PNW compared to other big engineering universities really has allowed me to gain more hands-on experience (especially in labs) that I would not have been able to have at other schools.
I currently work as a structural engineer for Burns and McDonnell. PNW prepared me for this work by building my technical background and offering the experiential learning opportunities that got me planning, scheduling, budgeting, designing, constructing, with adherence to codes and standards.
Meet the Faculty
Bruce W. Berdanier, Ph.D., PE, PS
Dean of the College of Engineering and Sciences | Acting Director of the School of Engineering
I am currently the Dean of the College of Engineering and Sciences at Purdue University Northwest.
Veera Gnaneswar Gude, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE, D.WRE, F.ASCE, F.EWRI
NiSource-Meyer Charitable Foundation Professor of Energy and the Environment | Director, PNW Water Institute
Veera Gnaneswar Gude is NiSource-Meyer Charitable Foundation Professor of Energy and the Environment and Director of Purdue University Northwest Water Institute (PWI). He is a professional engineer and a board-certified environmental engineer.
Subbarao Venkata Majety, Ph.D.
Lecturer and Director of Design Studio, School of Engineering
Subbarao Venkata Majety is a lecturer and director of Design Studio, School of Engineering at Purdue University Northwest.
Chair of Mathematics and Statistics | Interim Chair of Mechanical and Civil Engineering
Nicoleta Tarfulea is a Professor of Mathematics in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
Associate Professor of Civil Engineering
Wubeshet Woldemariam is an assistant professor of civil engineering in the mechanical and civil engineering department. His research and teaching focus on transportation and infrastructure planning.
Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering at PNW
Purdue University Northwest’s civil engineering degree program provides you with a broad education in the fundamentals of Civil Engineering.
To see how a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from PNW opens doors, from government agencies to construction firms, take the next step today!
