Civil Engineering

Build a better world—literally. UB's civil engineering program is for students who get excited about things like designing earthquake-resistant skyscrapers, creating climate-resilient water systems, and constructing bridges that bring communities together. As one of our students put it, "I didn't want to be doing the same thing every day." If you’ve ever marveled at the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Wall of China, the Hoover Dam or the efficiency of your local highway system, then this program may be your road to success.

What will I learn?

UB's civil engineering program is designed for students who want a world-class education in fundamental concepts, critical thinking, technical skills and ethical principles for engineering analysis and design. You'll begin with math and science, including classes and labs in earth science, physics, chemistry and calculus, as you build your problem-solving skills. In later years, you'll explore topics such as environmental, structural, geotechnical and transportation engineering, with the option to specialize in one or more areas of civil engineering for in-depth design experience.

What can I do outside of class?

Grab your safety helmet and get ready for a field visit! You’ll find many opportunities to learn, connect and have fun at UB.

  • Internships, co-ops and experiential learning. Gain hands-on experience at a consulting firm, construction company or government agency. (Many internships lead to job offers.) Opportunities on campus include the engineering intramurals and more.
  • Student groups. Join in one of the dozens of engineering student clubs to make friends and connect with professionals and potential employers. Our civil engineering groups let you have fun and compete on teams that have earned national honors for building concrete canoes and steel bridges.
  • Research. Undergraduates have opportunities to work with faculty in areas such as structural, geotechnical, transportation and water resources engineering.
  • Study abroad. If you’re looking for a life-changing experience and international perspective, consider going abroad; UB engineering students have traveled to Costa Rica and Europe during summer and winter breaks.
Hands On / Experiential Learning
Student Clubs
Research
Study Abroad

What can I do with a civil engineering degree?

While many students choose to get an advanced degree (either right away or after a few years), it’s also very common to have a successful career starting right after graduation.

UB civil engineering grads have worked at many different types of organizations, including:

  • Government agencies like the Federal Highway Administration and New York State Department of Transportation, among many others.
  • Private consulting firms. UB grads often serve as senior engineers, partners or even CEOs of private companies.
  • Construction companies. Many leading construction firms employ civil engineers to help design and supervise multi-million-dollar projects.
  • Research and development. Universities and other organizations rely on civil engineers to help advance the field.

Who will I learn from?

"What stands out to me about UB is the connections faculty have in the civil engineering industry and how helpful they are," said one student, recalling how a professor helped her get an internship that led to a full-time job.

At UB, our professors are excellent resources, mentors and, of course, teachers. They have been named as SUNY Distinguished Professors and have earned the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Our faculty are also widely recognized outside of the classroom as frequently cited authors, world-renowned researchers and experienced practitioners, contributing to major projects worldwide. They have been honored by leading organizations in the field, including the American Association for Wind Engineering, American Society of Civil Engineers, International Association of Bridge Earthquake Engineering and the National Science Foundation.

 

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