Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Florida International University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Florida International University (FIU) is a 4-year, 128-credit program that prepares students to plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain infrastructure including buildings, highways, bridges, airports, seaports, and other essential facilities. It suits students who want a broad civil engineering education with opportunities to develop expertise in structural, geotechnical, construction, water resources, environmental, and transportation engineering while preparing for professional engineering practice.

Curriculum structure

First Year: Students build the mathematical, scientific, and engineering foundation required for later civil engineering study, progressing through the lower-division prerequisites and engineering fundamentals. This stage establishes the quantitative and scientific preparation needed before moving into the upper-division civil engineering curriculum.

Second Year: Students begin developing core engineering knowledge through the required Engineering Sciences and General Engineering coursework, alongside the mathematics and science preparation required by the program. The curriculum then moves toward civil engineering applications, establishing the foundation for advanced study in areas such as structures, geotechnics, construction, transportation, water, and environmental engineering.

Third Year: Students undertake the program's Civil Engineering Curriculum, including advanced technical coursework and design preparation. Students can begin directing their technical electives toward areas such as Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Transportation Engineering.

Fourth Year: Students consolidate their technical knowledge through civil engineering design electives, technical electives, and the required CGN 4802 – Civil Engineering Senior Design Project, where they develop a practical project and present a solution under the supervision of a faculty member and professional engineer. Students also complete the program's professional graduation requirement, with the FE/EIT examination able to satisfy this requirement when passed.

Focus areas: Structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, construction engineering, water resources engineering, environmental engineering, transportation engineering.

Learning outcomes: Civil engineering analysis and design, infrastructure planning and development, application of engineering science, practical problem solving, professional engineering preparation, and the ability to develop and present solutions to practical civil engineering projects.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering is ABET-accredited and the curriculum is designed to meet the requirements for professional engineering practice and prepare graduates for professional engineering licensure.

Reputation (employability rankings): Florida International University ranks No. 46 among U.S. public universities and No. 100 overall in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings; FIU also reports a No. 1 national ranking for economic and social mobility, providing university-level indicators of student outcomes and career-oriented value.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Florida International University (FIU) combines engineering theory with hands-on learning through laboratories, computer-based design, field-oriented activities, and senior design work. Students have access to specialized civil engineering facilities and equipment that support work in structural engineering, materials, transportation, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, and construction, helping them apply classroom concepts to practical engineering problems:

Senior Design Project: Students complete a senior design experience in which they apply civil engineering knowledge to develop and evaluate an engineering design solution, integrating technical analysis, design, communication, and professional considerations.
Structural Engineering Laboratory: FIU provides laboratory facilities for studying structural materials and structural systems, allowing students to gain practical experience with engineering testing and structural behavior.
Construction Engineering and Management: Students can develop practical construction knowledge through coursework and activities related to construction methods, estimating, scheduling, project management, and construction technology.
Geotechnical Engineering: Specialized facilities support hands-on investigation of soil and foundation behavior, giving students practical exposure to geotechnical testing and engineering analysis.
Transportation Engineering: Students gain applied experience in transportation engineering through work involving traffic, transportation systems, and infrastructure, supported by FIU’s civil and environmental engineering facilities.
Environmental Engineering Laboratories: Laboratory facilities support practical work involving water and wastewater treatment, environmental processes, and related engineering analysis, connecting civil engineering study with environmental applications.
Computer-aided engineering: Civil engineering students use computer-based engineering and design tools as part of their technical coursework, supporting analysis, modeling, and design activities.
Research opportunities: FIU’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering supports research across areas including structural engineering, transportation, geotechnical engineering, water resources, environmental engineering, and construction, providing opportunities for undergraduate students to engage with faculty research.
Internships and professional experience: FIU students can pursue internships and other professional experiences to apply civil engineering knowledge in industry settings and develop practical workplace skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering can move into professional roles across structural, transportation, environmental, geotechnical, construction, surveying, and water-resources engineering. FIU’s curriculum is designed around industry and government needs, and the department highlights career development, professional licensure, and continued learning as key graduate objectives.

Typical job roles: Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Transportation Engineer, Environmental/Water Resources Engineer.

Career development and professional opportunities include:

Career and Talent Development: FIU provides engineering students with career advising, resume and cover-letter support, interview preparation, networking guidance, salary negotiation, and job/internship search strategies. Handshake provides access to internships, full-time jobs, career fairs, employer events, and personalized opportunities, while VMock provides AI-supported resume feedback.
Employment opportunities: FIU’s Civil & Environmental Engineering department currently lists an average civil engineer salary of $101,160, sourced by FIU from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The department also reports 700+ students and highlights the breadth of civil engineering career areas.
Industry connections: The department’s Departmental Advisory Board consists of engineering professionals and advises on industry trends, curriculum relevance, internships, career development, mentorship, and senior engineering projects. Board representation includes professionals such as Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department.
Employer engagement: FIU’s Career and Talent Development connects students with employers through career fairs, information sessions, networking events, internships, and job postings; FIU reports that its Fall 2026 Career Fair has an average of 2,400 registrations per semester.
Civil engineering internships: FIU’s career platform has featured opportunities specifically for civil engineering students, including internships with CHA Consulting, CONNECT Engineering, and Dynamic Engineering Consultants, covering areas such as transportation, water, structural engineering, land development, geotechnical engineering, and surveying.
Accreditation value: The BS in Civil Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and Civil Engineering Program Criteria. FIU states that its program educational objectives include career advancement, progress toward professional registration/licensure, and lifelong learning; FIU’s accreditation records list the program as accredited for the 2023–2028 cycle.
Graduation outcomes: The program prepares graduates for professional practice across construction, geotechnical, environmental, structural, surveying, transportation, and water-resources engineering, while its ABET objectives emphasize technical proficiency, communication, leadership, ethical practice, professional licensure, and continued learning.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the bachelor’s degree, students can progress into FIU’s Master of Science in Civil Engineering, with concentrations in water resources, structural, construction, geotechnical, and transportation engineering, or pursue the Ph.D. in Civil Engineering for advanced research. FIU also offers an Accelerated BS-to-MS pathway allowing eligible civil engineering students to earn both degrees in five years instead of the typical six, with up to nine graduate credits counting toward the undergraduate degree.