Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Our students learn how to solve open-ended problems, develop global awareness and learn from undergraduate research opportunities. Students also enjoy a high degree of faculty interactions, both inside and outside the classroom.

Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of the buildings and infrastructure that make up the built environment, including roads, bridges, tunnels, skyscrapers, transit systems, water treatment facilities and offshore structures. They are problem-solvers meeting the challenges of pollution, clean drinking water, climate change, energy and transportation needs, urban development, and community planning.

  • Identify and solve complex engineering problems 
  • Learn to apply engineering design to meet society’s needs 
  • Use your education to make a difference in the world

Top 20 public university for undergraduate civil engineering

(U.S. News & World Report, 2020)

From opportunities to work with Engineers Without Borders USA or the Global Engineering program, our students can apply their education to real-world situations and make a difference

Home to the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering, a center devoted to educating globally responsible engineering students and professionals to address the problems faced by developing communities worldwide

Be successful.

Be prepared to meet the needs of our 21st century society by understanding and applying your knowledge to the civil engineering industry.

 
$79,600

Median salary of CU Boulder civil engineering students 1–5 years after graduation

 

M. A. Mortenson, Merrick & Company and MWH Global are common employers of our graduates

 

Civil engineer, project engineer and field engineer are common job titles of our graduates

Academic Plan & Requirements

The BS degree in civil engineering emphasizes open-ended problems, global awareness and undergraduate research.

Students can choose from five specialty areas:

  • Construction Engineering and Management
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Structural Engineering and Structural Mechanics
  • Water Resources Engineering

For undergraduates who want additional preparation for graduate study and careers in research and development within civil engineering, a theory-based engineering science track is also available.

And an additional degree option for civil engineering students: 

  • Bachelor’s-accelerated master’s: A combined bachelor's (BS) and master's (MS) degree is offered for highly motivated undergraduate students. The BAM program allows students to take advanced courses at an accelerated pace, engage in an independent research project and obtain both degrees in five years.

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.