BS in Civil Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Syracuse University

Program Overview

The BS in Civil Engineering at Syracuse University is a 4-year, on-campus bachelor’s program for students who want to plan, design, construct, and maintain infrastructure including buildings, bridges, tunnels, highways, transit, and water systems. Students build a strong foundation in mathematics, science, engineering analysis, computer-aided design, sustainability, structures, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, water resources, transportation, and construction management.

Curriculum structure

Year 1: Students begin with the engineering fundamentals through MAT 295 – Calculus I, CHE 106 – General Chemistry Lecture I, and ECS 101 – Introduction to Engineering and Computer Science. They then begin applying these foundations through CEE 198 – Computer-aided Drafting, Design, and Modeling, PHY 211 – General Physics I, and related laboratory work.

Year 2: The second year develops core engineering analysis through MAT 397 – Calculus III, ECS 221 – Statics, and ECS 104 – Engineering Computational Tools. Students also enter civil-engineering-specific study with CEE 273 – Introduction to Geomatics and GIS, CEE 274 – Sustainability in Civil and Environmental Systems, and CEE 325 – Mechanics of Materials.

Year 3: Students move into the major technical areas of civil engineering through CEE 331 – Analysis of Structures and Materials, CEE 337 – Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering, and CEE 341 – Introduction to Environmental Engineering. Coursework in CEE 327 – Principles of Fluid Mechanics, CEE 332 – Design of Concrete Structures, and CEE 352 – Water Resources Engineering develops their ability to analyze and design infrastructure and water systems.

Year 4: The final year integrates technical knowledge with professional practice through CEE 401 – Construction Engineering and Project Management, CEE 443 – Transportation Engineering, and CEE 326 – Engineering Materials. Students complete CEE 475 – Civil and Environmental Engineering Design, supported by technical and professional electives that allow them to deepen their interests.

Focus areas: Structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, water resources, transportation engineering, construction engineering and project management, sustainable civil and environmental systems, geomatics and GIS.

Learning outcomes: Complex engineering problem solving, engineering design, technical communication, ethical and professional judgment, teamwork and leadership, experimentation and data analysis, and the ability to acquire and apply new engineering knowledge.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The BS in Civil Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and the Civil and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Program Criteria.

Reputation (employability rankings): Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science reports a $76,340 average starting salary for recent Civil and Environmental Engineering graduates, with graduates joining organizations including Arcadis, Kiewit, Langan, Turner Construction Company, and WSP.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BS in Civil Engineering at Syracuse University combines engineering theory with practical design, laboratory, research, and project-based experiences. Students can work with faculty on research through specialized civil engineering laboratories and centers, while courses such as Computer-aided Drafting, Design, and Modeling, Construction Engineering and Project Management, and Design of Steel and Concrete Structures connect classroom learning with professional engineering practice.

Students can gain hands-on experience through:

Civil Engineering Structures Lab: Students have access to the Civil Engineering Structures Lab as part of Syracuse’s engineering laboratory facilities, supporting practical learning and structural engineering work.
Construction Engineering Lab: Students can collaborate with faculty on research projects in the Construction Engineering Lab, gaining exposure to construction engineering research and applications.
Structures/Materials Lab: The Structures/Materials Lab provides a dedicated environment for civil engineering research involving structures and construction materials.
Geofoam and Geosynthetics Labs: Students can participate in faculty research using the Geofoam Lab and Geosynthetics Lab, providing specialized exposure to geotechnical materials and applications.
Center for Environmental Systems Engineering: Civil engineering students can engage with the Center for Environmental Systems Engineering, part of Syracuse’s 22,000-square-foot core laboratories supporting research and experimentation.
Computer-aided design and modeling: CEE 198 – Computer-aided Drafting, Design, and Modeling introduces students to digital design and modeling as part of the undergraduate curriculum.
Laboratory-based learning: First-year students complete General Chemistry Laboratory I and General Physics Laboratory I, establishing practical laboratory skills alongside their engineering studies.
Research opportunities: Students can collaborate directly with faculty on on- and off-campus research projects, including work in construction, structures/materials, geosynthetics, geofoam, and environmental systems.
Professional and collaborative projects: Students can participate in organizations including the Syracuse chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Engineers Without Borders, providing opportunities to work collaboratively on civil engineering-related activities.
International practical exposure: Civil engineering students can study at Syracuse University centers in Florence and Strasbourg, while summer opportunities include Engineering Research Projects in Strasbourg, a Construction Management class in Eastern Europe, and a Dubai Summer Internship focused on engineering and construction practices.
Research and innovation centers: The department is affiliated with the Syracuse University Infrastructure Institute, Center for Environmental Systems Engineering, Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems, and BioInspired Institute, giving students access to a broader interdisciplinary research environment.
Research technologies: Department research includes robotics and automated systems for construction and inspection, as well as sensor networks and data analysis for structural health monitoring and infrastructure management.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Civil Engineering prepares graduates for careers across design, consulting, construction, infrastructure, utilities, transportation, and environmental services, with Syracuse specifically identifying employers such as Kiewit, Langan, Turner Construction, WSP, C&S Companies, and the New York State Department of Transportation. Graduates can pursue roles such as Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Construction Engineer/Project Engineer, while also having pathways into government agencies and graduate education.

Career development and opportunities include:

University career services: ECS Career Services supports engineering students through industry connections, information sessions, company tabling, career fairs, on-campus interviews, workshops, seminars, and drop-in advising, helping students build professional networks and prepare for employment.
Employment and salary: Syracuse reports an average starting salary of $76,340 for graduates in Civil and Environmental Engineering, with recent employers including Arcadis, Barton & Loguidice, Clean Harbors, Consigli Construction, Kiewit, Langan, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Turner Construction, and WSP.
Graduation outcomes: The Civil Engineering program's educational objectives include graduates securing employment in industry, government, and nonprofit organizations, pursuing graduate education or research, undertaking continuing professional development, and progressing toward positions with increasing responsibility and leadership.
University–industry connections: Syracuse identifies professional pathways with companies including Barton & Loguidice, Consigli, C&S Companies, Gilbane, Kiewit, Langan, NYS Department of Transportation, Ramboll, Turner Construction, Whiting-Turner, and WSP.
Professional accreditation: The B.S. in Civil Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and Civil and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Program Criteria, providing an established professional accreditation framework for the degree.
Public- and private-sector pathways: Graduates can work with design and consulting firms, utilities, construction firms, Departments of Transportation, Thruway and Port Authorities, Environmental Protection Agencies, and Departments of Public Works.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., students can continue into graduate study in construction engineering, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, or structural engineering, as well as business administration or law. Syracuse also offers a five-year H. John Riley Dual Engineering/MBA Program, enabling students to combine the civil engineering bachelor's degree with an MBA.