Civil engineering deals with the science and art of engineering applied to solving problems and designing systems related to infrastructure and the environment. Principal fields within civil engineering are structural engineering, environmental engineering, water resources engineering, transportation engineering, and geotechnical engineering. The upper division civil engineering program requires students to take introductory courses in all of the above areas. In addition, students may emphasize a special interest in one of the areas by selecting appropriate technical electives in consultation with their advisor.

Civil engineers build the infrastructure of the world---roads, buildings, bridges, water supply networks, sewage systems, pollution control facilities, and transportation hubs.