Civil Engineering

Why Study Civil Engineering?

The civil engineering profession is one of the oldest branches of engineering which deals with planning, designing, construction, operation and management of facilities/infrastructure ranging from roads, bridges, dams, irrigation systems, transportation systems, water supply and treatment systems to solid and hazardous waste management, urban redevelopment and community planning. The responsibilities of a civil engineer directly impact the health, safety and welfare of the public and as such civil engineers have a responsibility to adhere to the strictest ethical values.

With the passage of time, the civil engineering profession has diversified into six to seven major branches of study: structural engineering, environmental engineering, transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, water resources engineering, construction engineering and hydraulic engineering.

The demand for civil engineers is high and steady as compared to other engineering disciplines that can be seasonal. Employment of civil engineers is expected to grow 20 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job openings for civil engineers are expected to be numerous through 2022*. According to the most recent U.S. salary survey, median annual wage of civil engineers was $79,340 in 2012*.

Why Study Civil Engineering at UTC?

Our faculty are committed to undergraduate education, teaching the early-level courses and labs that are frequently taught by graduate students at other institutions. The class sizes of our junior and senior level classes are usually moderate enough to allow for a one-on-one interaction with the faculty before, during and after class.

The broad-based undergraduate curriculum exposes students to multiple aspects of civil engineering, including structural and foundation design, transportation planning and facilities, and pavement design. Multiple laboratories, all with state-of-the-art equipment, assure that our graduates are well versed in the practice of civil engineering, as well as the theory. Our seniors participate in a two-semester interdisciplinary project where real world design problems are stressed.

The majority of our full-time faculty possess substantial industry experience and hold Professional Engineers licenses, a mark of professionalism that is uncommon in other programs around the country. The civil engineering professors come from diverse backgrounds, spanning structures, transportation, geotechnical and engineering materials. An external advisory board of local engineering professionals ensure that the department's objectives align with industry needs.

Graduates of our program are well prepared for jobs locally and regionally as well as graduate studies. Our graduates have pursued advanced degrees at some of the top research schools in the country, including Georgia Tech, Auburn and Virginia Tech.

Besides academics, UTC’s student chapter of ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) organizes such fun things as engineering faculty versus student chapter volleyball game, picnics with the ASCE Chattanooga Branch, working on a Habitat for Humanity house and collecting Toys for Tots during November and December.  The UTC/ASCE Student Chapter is actively involved in the CE program, the College of Engineering, the ASCE Chattanooga Branch and the greater civil engineering community.

* - Source Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineers.htm