Civil Engineering (B.S.)

FAST FACTS ›

  • Our bachelor’s/master’s program allows qualified seniors to get a head start on their master’s degree.
  • Clemson’s civil engineering department has been ranked among the top 20 civil engineering programs in the United States.
  • Civil engineering is home to several award-winning student chapters and teams, including Concrete Canoe, Steel Bridge and Institute of Transportation Engineers.
  • The Glenn endowment will provide opportunities for students to develop global leadership skills in civil engineering.
ABOUT.

In 2009, the American Society of Civil Engineers graded the U.S. infrastructure and gave it a grade of D. Business as usual is not an option anymore, so civil engineers are faced with building and rebuilding the future. The broadest of the engineering professions, civil engineering provides a foundation for careers in structural engineering, construction materials engineering, construction management, geotechnical engineering, transportation, water resource engineering and fluid mechanics. With a major in civil engineering from Clemson, you’ll learn to create, plan, design, construct, maintain and operate the structures, facilities and systems that are vital to the economy and to sustaining our civilization. The focus of the program is sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

CLASSES.

What you'll study:

Clemson engineering freshmen are initially admitted into our general engineering program, giving you a chance to explore different types of engineering before you select your specialty. As a civil engineering major you'll work closely with talented faculty who share a passion for civil engineering and for educating the next generation.

Applied Fluid Mechanics Emphasis: Gain specialized engineering education in selected areas of hydraulics, hydrology and water resources.

Construction Engineering and Management Emphasis: Dive into engineering and building systems and the management concepts used to execute construction projects.

Construction Materials Emphasis: Discover how to analyze and design materials including concrete, asphalt, aggregate and soil.

Environmental Engineering Emphasis: Strengthen your depth of understanding of how civil engineering interfaces with the environment.

Geotechnical/Geo-environmental Engineering Emphasis: Learn in situ, mechanical and physical properties of geo-materials and the related environmental issues.

Structural Engineering Emphasis: Understand the behavior of various structural materials and learn to analyze and design complex structural systems.

Transportation Systems Emphasis: Learn how to effectively move people and goods through interconnected air, land and marine transportation systems.

Curriculum:

Popular Minors:

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Business Administration

Similar Majors:

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

We in the Glenn Department of Civil Engineering recognize that learning is not limited to a classroom setting. Our students are encouraged to get involved by participating in student organizations, research opportunities with professors, Creative Inquiry research projects, cooperative education and study abroad experiences.

Internships and Research Projects:

STUDENT ORGS:
Student chapters and professional societies hold regular meetings throughout the fall and spring semesters, providing students the opportunity to engage with one another, faculty and practicing professionals.
RESEARCH:
Students are encouraged to seek out research opportunities with faculty individually or through participation in Creative Inquiry projects. Currently, about 25 percent of civil engineering students are involved in some form of research.
CO-OP:
Cooperative education is a valuable tool that allows students to use classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. From special advising to various summer course offerings, every effort is made to make the co-op process as seamless as possible.
STUDY ABROAD:
In recent years, several students have participated in a study abroad program in Trier, Germany, which focuses on sustainable energy systems.
CONCRETE CANOE:
The Clemson Concrete Canoe team competes regionally and nationally, gaining real-world experience as they use technical skills, teamwork and creativity to design, construct and race a concrete canoe.
STEEL BRIDGE:
Students shine annually in regional and national competition by participating in the ASCE Steel Bridge competition. The team designs and fabricates bridge components that are as light as possible but can also sustain a 2,500-pound load.

Connect with Other Students:

CAREERS.

What are students doing at graduation?*

38%

Employed

23%

Grad School

31%

Seeking Employment

8%

Other

Where are students headed at graduation?*

Recent employers and job titles*

  • Fluor — Structural Engineer
  • Nucor Building Systems — Engineer Associate
  • S.C. Department of Transportation — Pipe Stress Analyst

Recent graduate schools and sought degree types*

  • Clemson University — Ph.D.
  • Purdue University — Ph.D.
  • Georgia Tech — Master’s

Common Career Areas**

  • Structural
    • Transportation
      • Construction
        • Water Resources
          • Environmental
            • Geotechnical
              • Materials
                • Urban and Community Planning
                *Represents only Clemson University graduates who completed Michelin® Career Center surveys from 2009 to 2011.
                **Used w/permission from Univ. of Tennessee.
                FIND OUT MORE.

                Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact as well as our admissions office.

                Christopher Porter, CES Undergraduate Recruitment Director
                864-656-7870 — cporter@clemson.edu