BS Engineering in Civil Engineering with Pre-Architecture

Students in the BSE Civil Engineering with Pre-Architecture focus combine civil engineering with foundational design and architectural study, giving them an opportunity to develop both technical and visual-design skills. The University of Iowa’s official Pre-Architecture plan includes ARTS:1510 Basic Drawing and ARTS:1520 Design Fundamentals, while the civil engineering curriculum provides engineering design and problem-solving experience; students also have access to the technology-rich Seamans Center, engineering computer laboratories, fabrication resources, and faculty-led research opportunities.

Practical opportunities and facilities include:

• Architecture and design preparation: The Pre-Architecture focus specifically includes ARTS:1510 Basic Drawing and ARTS:1520 Design Fundamentals, giving students formal preparation in visual representation and design alongside their civil engineering studies.
• CAD and architectural software: Engineering students have access to the Autodesk Education Master Suite, which includes AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Civil 3D, AutoCAD Structural Detailing, Revit, Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional, and InfraWorks.
• Engineering computer laboratories: The Elder Lab, Hering Lab, and Eltoft Lab provide Windows and Linux workstations, dual-monitor setups, printing and scanning facilities, and 24/7 lab access when building access requirements are met.
• Computer-assisted learning: The Hering Lab South functions as both a computer laboratory and engineering classroom, specifically supporting courses where computer-assisted instruction is an integral part of the class.
• Design and fabrication: The College’s Engineering Design and Fabrication facilities provide 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC machining, laser and waterjet cutting, prototype design, reverse engineering, and 3D printing, creating opportunities to move from digital designs toward physical prototypes.
• Hands-on research: Civil engineering students can work directly with faculty on real-world research, including projects involving sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
• Research facilities: The College of Engineering operates more than 20 research laboratory sites around the Iowa City area, providing an extensive research environment beyond the main Seamans Center.
• Engineering library: Students have access to the Lichtenberger Engineering Library, which provides specialized academic support and resources for engineering students.
• Collaborative learning spaces: The Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences provides technology-equipped classrooms, laboratories, and open collaborative spaces designed to support engineering education and project work.
• Engineering design emphasis: The Civil Engineering program requires students to select a focus area, and Pre-Architecture is one of Iowa’s officially offered focus areas, allowing students to combine their civil engineering degree with an architecture-oriented academic pathway. 

The BSE in Civil Engineering with Pre-Architecture combines civil engineering preparation with architectural studies, giving graduates a pathway into infrastructure, construction, engineering design, and architecture-related fields. The University of Iowa identifies career paths including Civil Engineer, Construction Engineer, and City/County Engineer, while the Pre-Architecture focus provides additional preparation for students interested in architectural study.

Typical Career Roles: Civil Engineer, Construction Engineer, City/County Engineer, Engineering Consultant

Career support and professional opportunities include:

• Engineering Career Services: Students receive career support through Engineering Career Services, which connects students with employers, coordinates the co-op and internship program, supports professional development, and hosts engineering career fairs.
• Handshake: Students can use Handshake to find internships, co-ops, and full-time positions, while Big Interview provides industry- and role-specific interview practice and Jobscan helps students improve resumes against job descriptions.
• Employer connections: University of Iowa engineering career fairs attract more than 100 companies and 800–1,400 students per in-person fair, creating opportunities for co-ops, internships, and full-time employment.
• Industry experience: Iowa's Engineering Co-op and Internship Program supports professional engineering experiences in business, industry, education, and government, ranging from 10-week summer internships to multi-term co-ops.
• Recent employer engagement: In 2025, Iowa engineering students reported 120 professional experiences with 63 unique employers, including Collins Aerospace, John Deere, MSA Professional Services, and Skyworks Solutions.
• Employment outcomes: The University of Iowa reports a 96% placement rate for Engineering graduates, based on May 2025 graduates who were employed, continuing education, or not seeking employment within six months.
• Salary information: Across University of Iowa graduates, the university reports a $55,000 median salary within six months and an $80,210 median income ten years after graduation; these figures are university-wide rather than specific to Civil Engineering with Pre-Architecture.
• Professional accreditation: The Civil Engineering undergraduate program is accredited by ABET's Engineering Accreditation Commission under the General Criteria and Civil Engineering Program Criteria, providing an established professional-accreditation foundation for graduates pursuing civil engineering careers and licensure pathways.
• Graduation outcomes: The program's educational objectives include graduates becoming contributing members of the civil engineering profession as practitioners, entrepreneurs, researchers, or teachers, continuing professional learning, pursuing advanced study when qualified, and supporting public and environmental safety.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into advanced study in civil engineering or related engineering fields, and the University of Iowa specifically identifies advanced study and professional licensure among the program's post-graduation objectives. Students using the Pre-Architecture focus can also use their combined engineering and architectural preparation when pursuing further architectural education, depending on the admission requirements of the graduate architecture program they choose.