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.
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.
Admissions process: Learn how our engineering admissions process works.
Deadlines: Review deadlines and important dates in the Office of Admissions.
How to apply? See step by step details on how to apply to The University of Akron.
What can I do with civil engineering?
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 grads with a B.S. in Civil Engineering make an average starting salary of $53,120. We have placed graduates at companies including AECOM, ExxonMobil, and Environmental Design Group.
Student spotlight
“Being a civil engineering major provides me with so many opportunities! My co-op gave me real life experience with the company of my dreams. As a member of the Concrete Canoe Team, I have traveled across the country to places like Colorado and California.”
—Micalah Yovanocich, Majoring in Civil Engineering
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 civil engineering undergraduate program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org, and has specific program educational objectives and student outcomes that prepare graduates to enter the professional practice of engineering.
For more information
Direct questions to:
Dr. Joan Carletta
Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies
330-972-6487
carlett@uakron.edu