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Civil engineering student working in environmental engineering at The University of Akron

Civil Engineering Undergraduate Program

Civil engineers plan, design, build, and operate the infrastructure of modern society. Civil engineering involves almost anything needed as the basis of modern life, including the environment. UA offers five specializations each with a foundation of the basic understanding of engineering principles.

Program Highlights

  • Co-op program provides paid, flexible, industry experience and is a great way to earn money while getting experience.
  • Nationally recognized design teams, like Concrete Canoe and Steel Bridge, to apply what you learn in the classroom while you make friends, travel, and build your resume.
  • Many scholarships are available to significantly decrease the cost of going to school, from major specific scholarships to some you’re automatically considered for when you apply.
  • Tutoring and academic support that the College provides at no additional cost to undergraduate students majoring in any field of engineering and engineering technology.

Admission requirements

All students who meet the minimum requirements for admittance into The University of Akron and intend to major in engineering are accepted into the College.

If you are coming directly from high school, your high school records determine which first semester classes are right for you.

 ACCELERATED OPTION: You can earn this degree and a master's in five years and at a significant savings. Learn more about the: Accelerated degree option.

Please note: This excludes co-op.

Career Opportunities

Civil engineers have careers with government departments, utilities, architectural firms, builders, engineering firms, and consulting, or go on to post-baccalaureate study in engineering or law. Civil engineering is far from your average desk job. Engineers are often on the move, working outdoors at construction sites, sometimes in offices, and sometimes in research labs.

Recent UA graduates with a B.S. in Civil Engineering go on to work at companies including AECOM, Arcadis, Chemstress, City of Akron, GPD Group, Kenmore, ODOT, or pursue graduate studies.

Earn more in your career with a UA degree.

Student spotlight

Jesse Pennington
Jesse Pennington

"Through countless hours of collaboration and hands-on work, I've not only honed my engineering skills, but also forged bonds with like-minded individuals who share my passion for innovation and teamwork. Whether it was the exhilarating trip to Vancouver, Canada, for Geo-Congress, or the scenic drives to Athens, OH, for regional competitions, each journey was not just about the destination, but about the camaraderie and shared determination to succeed that made every moment truly unforgettable."

— Jesse Pennington
B.S. in Civil Engineering ’24
Minor in Geology
Hometown: Canton, Ohio

Civil engineering areas of study

  • Structural engineering
    Analyze the forces that a structure must resist (its own weight, wind, earthquake, and loads placed upon the structure, etc.). You will learn planning and design of all types of buildings, bridges, power plants, equipment supports, offshore structures, transmission towers, and even space stations.

  • Geotechnical engineering 
    Design and build earth and rock dams, tunnels, retaining walls, deep excavations, and embankments. Also study the effects of earthquakes and other earth forces on man-made structures. This type of engineering has assumed an increasing importance in the cleanup of hazardous wastes.

  • Environmental engineering
    Concerned with protecting humans and the environment, you will design and supervise systems to provide safe drinking water and to collect and treat waste water. Work to prevent and control water and air pollution, manage solid wastes, and mitigate the effects of existing pollution.
  • Transportation engineering
    Focus on planning, designing, and maintaining transportation facilities, including highways, streets, mass transit systems of all types, railroads, airports, and ports. Work closely with urban planners in the planning and management aspects of transportation engineering.

Curriculum guides & courses

Accreditation

The BS in Civil Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and Program Criteria for Civil and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. The program has specific educational objectives and student outcomes that prepare graduates to enter the professional practice of engineering.