B.S. in Civil Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Miami

Program Overview

The B.S. in Civil Engineering at the University of Miami provides an integrated foundation in mathematics, science, engineering sciences, and civil engineering design, preparing students to work on infrastructure and systems essential to modern life. It is suited to students interested in structural, environmental, geotechnical, transportation, and water-resources engineering, with the four-year curriculum progressing from fundamental engineering concepts to advanced design and a major senior-level project.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: Students establish their engineering foundation through courses such as MTH 151 Calculus I for Engineers, PHY 221 University Physics I, and CAE 115 Introduction to Engineering II: Geospatial Data (Surveying and GIS). Alongside mathematics and physics, students begin developing engineering and communication skills through EGN 114 Global Challenges Addressed by Engineering and Technology and WRS 105 First-Year Writing I.

Year 2: The second year develops core mechanics and analytical skills through CAE 211 Mechanics of Solids II, CAE 212 Structural Laboratory, and CAE 310 Structural Analysis, supported by MTH 211 Calculus III and MTH 311 Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations. Students also encounter environmental engineering through CET 340 Introduction to Environmental Engineering, while laboratory courses provide opportunities to apply engineering concepts practically.

Year 3: Students move into specialist civil engineering applications through CAE 320 Concrete Structures, CAE 330 Fluid Mechanics, and CAE 350 Transportation Engineering I, covering structural systems, fluid behavior, and transportation infrastructure. The curriculum then expands into CAE 321 Steel Structures, CAE 361 Building Information Modeling I, CAE 370 Geotechnical Engineering I, CAE 371 Geotechnical Laboratory, CAE 430 Water-Resources Engineering I, and CET 440 Water Quality Control Systems.

Year 4: The final year emphasizes professional practice and integrated civil engineering design through CAE 402 Professional Engineering Practice, CAE 403 Senior Design Project I – Engineering Design, and CAE 404 Senior Design Project II – Integrated Engineering Documents. Students also deepen their technical specialization through courses such as CAE 470 Foundations and Earth Retaining Systems, CAE 530 Water Resources Engineering II or CAE 570 Advanced Foundation Engineering, and advanced structural design options including CAE 520 Advanced Design of Concrete Structures or CAE 521 Advanced Design of Steel Structures.

Focus areas: Structural engineering, structural materials, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, water-resources engineering, foundations and earth-retaining systems, building information modeling, surveying and GIS.

Learning outcomes: Graduates are expected to solve complex engineering problems using engineering, science, and mathematics; design solutions considering public health, safety, welfare, environmental, economic, social, and global factors; communicate effectively; demonstrate ethical and professional judgment; work effectively in teams; conduct experiments and interpret data; and acquire new knowledge using appropriate learning strategies.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The B.S. in Civil Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, providing the program with recognized engineering accreditation aligned with professional civil engineering education standards.

Reputation (employability rankings): A current undergraduate civil-engineering ranking from QS, Guardian, or another comparable ranking body was not identified on the official University of Miami program sources reviewed; therefore, no ranking figure is stated here. The university does state that the program's educational objectives prepare graduates either to work professionally in an area related to civil engineering or to pursue a graduate or professional degree.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The B.S. in Civil Engineering at the University of Miami combines classroom engineering principles with practical laboratory work, design activities, and opportunities to apply civil engineering concepts to real infrastructure and environmental challenges. Students work with engineering materials, structural systems, surveying and geospatial technologies, and water-related systems while developing technical and teamwork skills through laboratory courses and design-based projects. The program also connects students with the University’s research facilities and interdisciplinary engineering environment, creating opportunities to gain experience beyond traditional lectures.

Practical learning opportunities and facilities include:

Civil Engineering laboratories: Students have access to dedicated facilities for areas such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation, environmental engineering, and water resources, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts through experiments and measurements.
Structures and materials: Practical work includes testing and analyzing engineering materials and structural systems, helping students understand how materials behave under different loading and environmental conditions.
Geospatial and surveying technology: Students can develop practical skills in surveying and geospatial data collection, supporting applications in construction, transportation, land development, and infrastructure planning.
Environmental and water research: University of Miami civil and architectural engineering research includes water resources, environmental engineering, coastal systems, and resilience, providing opportunities to explore challenges particularly relevant to South Florida.
Design projects: Civil engineering students apply engineering analysis and design principles to projects that require them to consider technical requirements alongside environmental, economic, safety, and societal considerations.
Research opportunities: Undergraduate students can participate in faculty-led research within the Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, with research spanning areas including structural engineering, transportation, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, and water resources.
Interdisciplinary engineering environment: Students can work alongside researchers and students from related engineering disciplines, supporting projects that connect civil engineering with architecture, environmental science, sustainability, and resilient infrastructure.
University research infrastructure: The College of Engineering provides access to specialized research laboratories and facilities supporting engineering experimentation, computation, materials characterization, and environmental research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Civil Engineering at the University of Miami prepares graduates to apply engineering principles to the planning, design, construction, and management of infrastructure and the built environment. The program can lead to roles such as Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Transportation Engineer, and Construction Engineer, while also providing a foundation for graduate study and professional engineering licensure.

Career pathways: Students can connect their engineering education with professional development, employer engagement, and the requirements of the civil engineering profession:

Career services: The University of Miami Toppel Career Center supports students with career advising, résumé and cover-letter assistance, interview preparation, career fairs, employer events, internships, and access to job and internship opportunities through Handshake.
Employment and salary figures: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a $99,590 median annual wage for civil engineers in May 2024 and projects 6% employment growth from 2023–2033. These figures are occupation-wide U.S. statistics rather than a University of Miami graduate-specific salary figure.
Industry connections: The University of Miami College of Engineering provides opportunities for students to engage with industry through internships, career fairs, employer presentations, engineering projects, and professional organizations, helping students build connections with engineering and construction employers.
Professional preparation: The civil engineering curriculum is designed around the technical competencies needed for professional engineering practice, including engineering analysis, design, mathematics, science, communication, teamwork, ethics, and consideration of public health and safety.
Accreditation value: The B.S. in Civil Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. ABET accreditation provides an established quality framework for engineering education and is particularly relevant to graduates pursuing professional engineering careers and, where applicable, progression toward Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
Graduation outcomes: Civil engineering graduates can enter consulting, construction, transportation, infrastructure, environmental, structural, water-resources, and government engineering roles. The degree also provides a foundation for continued study at the graduate level.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. in Civil Engineering, students can continue into graduate-level study such as a Master of Science in Civil Engineering or related engineering master's programs, developing advanced expertise in areas such as structures, transportation, construction, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, or water resources. Students interested in research or academic careers can subsequently pursue doctoral study in civil engineering or a related engineering discipline.