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The BSE in Civil Engineering at Iowa State University is a 4-year, on-campus bachelor’s program designed for students interested in planning, designing, constructing, maintaining, and operating infrastructure such as buildings, bridges, transportation systems, water systems, dams, and environmental facilities. Students develop a strong foundation in mathematics, physical sciences, engineering analysis, design, project management, and professional practice, with opportunities to explore areas such as environmental, geotechnical, structural, and transportation engineering.
Curriculum structure
First Year: Students establish their engineering foundation through MATH 1650 – Calculus I, CHEM 1670 – General Chemistry for Engineering Students, and CE 1600 – Systematic Problem Solving and Computer Applications for Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineers. They also begin developing communication and professional skills through ENGL 1500 – Critical Thinking and Communication, ENGR 1010 – Engineering Orientation, and CE 1700 – Graphics for Civil Engineering.
Second Year: The curriculum moves into core engineering principles with CE 2720 – Applied Engineering Statics, EM 3240 – Mechanics of Materials, and ABE 3780 – Mechanics of Fluids, while MATH 2650 – Calculus III and MATH 2660 – Elementary Differential Equations strengthen the mathematical tools needed for engineering analysis. Students also develop practical skills through CE 1110 – Geomatics and CE 3060 – Project Management for Civil and Environmental Engineers.
Third Year: Students progress into specialist civil engineering subjects including CE 3320 – Structural Analysis I, CE 3600 – Geotechnical Engineering, and CE 3550 – Principles of Transportation Engineering. Courses such as CE 3720 – Engineering Hydrology and Hydraulics, CE 3820 – Design of Concretes, and ME 3450 – Engineering Dynamics expand students’ ability to analyze infrastructure, materials, water systems, and engineering forces.
Fourth Year: The final year emphasizes advanced design, professional preparation, and the integration of engineering knowledge through courses such as CE 3330 – Structural Steel Design I, CE 3260 – Principles of Environmental Engineering, and CE 4850 – Civil Engineering Design. The capstone-oriented CE 4850 requires students to apply their engineering knowledge to design work, while design and engineering-topic electives allow further exploration of their interests.
Focus areas: Environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering.
Learning outcomes: Engineering analysis and design, problem solving, technical communication, teamwork, professional practice, project management, infrastructure planning, environmental awareness, and application of civil engineering principles to real-world projects.
Professional alignment (accreditation): The Iowa State University Civil Engineering program is designed as a professional engineering curriculum; the current official catalog identifies the degree as a Bachelor of Science administered by the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering. The current catalog page does not state an ABET accreditation designation, so ABET accreditation should be recorded as not stated on the current program page rather than inferred.
Reputation (employability rankings): Iowa State University is ranked #=540 in the QS World University Rankings 2027; the university also reports that more than 1,000 employers participated in one or more Iowa State career fairs in the previous year, providing students with access to internship, co-op, and career opportunities.
The BSE in Civil Engineering at Iowa State University gives students practical exposure through hands-on laboratory work, engineering design, project management, geomatics, and opportunities for internships, cooperative education, and summer engineering employment. Civil engineering undergraduates use the Geotechnical/Materials Teaching Laboratories for hands-on work with geotechnical and asphalt-concrete testing equipment, while the university’s transportation and structural facilities provide access to specialized research and testing environments.
Students can build practical experience through:
The BSE in Civil Engineering prepares graduates for professional roles across civil, construction, environmental, transportation, structural, and related engineering fields, with Iowa State’s program educational objectives emphasizing increasing professional responsibility, multidisciplinary collaboration, lifelong learning, professional development, and licensure. The program’s documented career pathways include roles such as civil engineer, structural engineer, transportation engineer, and environmental engineer, while its curriculum also supports construction engineering and related professions.
Career development and outcomes:
Further Academic Progression: After completing the BSE, students can continue into Iowa State’s Master of Engineering (M.Eng.), Master of Science (M.S.) in Civil Engineering, or Ph.D. in Civil Engineering. Graduate specialization areas include structural engineering, environmental engineering, construction engineering and management, geotechnical engineering, civil engineering materials, transportation engineering, and intelligent infrastructure engineering; qualified juniors and seniors can also pursue a concurrent BSE and M.S. in Civil Engineering or MBA pathway designed for completion in five years.
A minimum 3.0 GPA (U.S. B or better), completion of three years of secondary coursework and secondary school graduation, with transcripts showing the graduation date or a diploma/certificate, is required. Applicants must also meet program-specific high school course requirements and English proficiency requirements.
High School Course Requirements : 4 years of mathematics (including algebra, geometry, and higher math such as trigonometry/calculus), 3 years of science (including chemistry and physics), 2 years of social studies, 4 years of native language, and 2 years of a single world language.
Harm ACT and SAT Test Score Policy and Admission Process: Standardized test scores will only be used if they benefit the applicant in the admission and scholarship review process.
Application: Applicants must submit an undergraduate first-year application through either the University of Iowa application or the Common Application for the fall session. US universities use a holistic admissions review. Beyond grades and standardized test scores, they weigh the strength of your overall profile to understand who you are as a student and a person.
Profile Assessment: Engineering applicants are generally assessed on the strength of their preparation in advanced Mathematics and laboratory sciences, particularly Physics and Chemistry. Calculus, technical projects, robotics, engineering competitions, research and evidence of practical problem-solving can strengthen the application. Universities may also look for creativity, teamwork and the ability to apply scientific concepts to real-world challenges.Advanced Placement(AP) Guidance: AP availability depends on the student's school. Relevant APs can strengthen an application and may earn university credit, but are not compulsory unless the university or programme explicitly requires them.Essays & recommendations: Personal essays and teacher/counselor recommendations give context to your achievements and help demonstrate fit with the program.Civil EngineerStructural EngineerGeotechnical EngineerTransportation EngineerConstruction EngineerWater Resources EngineerEnvironmental EngineerProject EngineerInfrastructure EngineerCivil Engineering Consultant
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