BS Civil Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Texas Austin

Program Overview

The BS in Civil Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin gives students a broad engineering foundation and the opportunity to apply mathematics, science, and engineering principles to the built and natural environment, including construction, environmental, geotechnical, structural, and transportation engineering. The program suits students interested in designing and improving infrastructure, with the curriculum combining core engineering studies, technical electives, professional preparation, and opportunities for research, internships, and study abroad.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their mathematical, scientific, and engineering foundations through subjects such as M 408C — Differential and Integral Calculus, CH 301 — Principles of Chemistry I, and E M 306 — Statics. They also begin understanding the civil engineering profession through C E 301 — Civil Engineering Systems, which introduces engineering problem-solving, computing, measurements, ethics, and sustainability.

Year 2: The second year develops quantitative and computational skills through M 408D — Sequences, Series, and Multivariable Calculus, M 427J — Differential Equations with Linear Algebra, and C E 311K — Introduction to Computer Methods. Students also study C E 311S — Probability and Statistics for Civil Engineers and C E 319F — Elementary Mechanics of Fluids, building the analytical foundation needed for advanced civil engineering applications.

Year 3: Students move further into professional civil engineering topics including C E 321 — Transportation Systems, C E 324P — Properties and Behavior of Engineering Materials, and C E 329 — Structural Analysis. Coursework also introduces C E 341 — Introduction to Environmental Engineering, allowing students to explore infrastructure alongside environmental challenges and sustainability.

Year 4: The final stage emphasizes advanced application and professional preparation through courses such as C E 356 — Elements of Hydraulic Engineering, C E 357 — Geotechnical Engineering, and ARE 323K — Project Management and Economics. Students also complete approved technical electives, giving them flexibility to build depth in areas aligned with their interests; the department specifically highlights opportunities for research, summer internships, and study abroad during the later years.

Focus areas: Construction Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering.

Learning outcomes: Graduates are expected to solve complex engineering problems using mathematics, science, and engineering principles; design solutions considering public health, safety, environmental, economic, and societal factors; communicate effectively; work successfully in teams; conduct and interpret experiments; act ethically and professionally; and continue acquiring new knowledge.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The BS Civil Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET; ABET accreditation has been maintained for the UT Austin Civil Engineering BS since October 1, 1936.

Reputation (employability rankings): UT Austin reports the undergraduate Civil Engineering program at #4 in the U.S. in the U.S. News & World Report 2026–27 rankings, while the university reports #9 among the best public colleges for career placement in its current rankings information. The department also reports an average starting salary of $73K for its B.S. graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BS in Civil Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin combines engineering fundamentals with practical, project-based learning across transportation, structural, geotechnical, environmental, hydraulic, and infrastructure engineering. Students use computer methods, engineering materials, CAD, laboratory work, collaborative project spaces, and specialized research facilities, while the department also provides undergraduate research opportunities and internship support. In the final year, students collaborate on a senior capstone project and presentation, giving them an opportunity to apply their engineering knowledge to a substantial real-world problem.

Hands-on opportunities and facilities include:

Computer methods: C E 311K – Introduction to Computer Methods introduces students to organizing and programming civil-engineering problems for computer solutions, while C E 301 also covers the use of computers for text, graphics, and data analysis.
CAD facilities: The Thomas Taylor Design Studio is a dedicated computer-aided design (CAD) laboratory in ECJ 3.106, available to students in selected courses.
Collaborative project space: The Student Collaborative Hub gives Civil Engineering students a dedicated environment to work together on problems and projects. It includes a document scanner and Canon ImagePROGRAF 825 large-format plotter, useful for producing engineering drawings and project materials.
Engineering laboratories: Students benefit from CAEE’s state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, supporting hands-on learning in areas of civil, architectural, and environmental engineering.
Structural research: The Phil M. Ferguson Structural Engineering Research Laboratory (FSEL) conducts research focused on the analysis, design, and construction of buildings, bridges, and special structures, providing a research environment directly relevant to structural engineering.
Construction industry research: The Construction Industry Institute (CII) is a consortium of major owners and contractors focused on improving the competitiveness of the construction industry, connecting research and education with real construction practices.
Senior capstone: In their final year, CAEE undergraduates collaborate on a capstone project and presentation, providing a structured opportunity to integrate technical knowledge and teamwork.
Internships: The department provides internship support to help students obtain industry experience and networking opportunities while working in engineering careers.
Research experience: Undergraduate students can pursue hands-on research from day one, allowing interested students to gain experience beyond regular coursework.
Engineering materials: C E 324P – Properties and Behavior of Engineering Materials gives students program-specific preparation in engineering materials, while the broader CAEE research environment supports infrastructure-materials research.
Design and technical work: The curriculum includes C E 329 – Structural Analysis, C E 357 – Geotechnical Engineering, C E 356 – Elements of Hydraulic Engineering, C E 321 – Transportation Systems, and C E 341 – Introduction to Environmental Engineering, giving students practical exposure across major civil-engineering disciplines.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BS in Civil Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin prepares graduates for professional careers across construction, structural engineering, transportation, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, and infrastructure. The program develops a broad civil-engineering foundation while allowing students to explore five or more sub-disciplines, supporting careers such as Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Transportation Engineer, and Construction Engineer. UT Austin’s department currently reports an average starting salary of $73,000 for its B.S. graduates.

Career development & industry opportunities:

Engineering Career Assistance Center: UT Austin’s Engineering Career Assistance Center (ECAC) provides career counseling, résumé and interview workshops, job-search guidance, employer information sessions, career fairs, and recruiting opportunities. Students can also access externships, co-ops, and internships to gain professional experience before graduation.
Internship opportunities: Civil engineering students are strongly encouraged to complete internships, which can provide technical industry experience, employer networking, exposure to corporate environments, and potential salary earnings. UT Austin reports civil engineering students completing internships with organizations including Jacobs Engineering Group, Pape-Dawson Engineers, TxDOT, Chevron, ExxonMobil, McCarthy Building Companies, and Walters-Story Design Group.
Employment & salary: The department lists an average starting salary of $73,000 for B.S. graduates. The official department career page identifies career pathways spanning construction, consulting, research, government, education, and other engineering sectors.
Industry engagement: The annual CAEE Industry Open House brings practicing engineers from technical, consulting, construction, research, government, and education backgrounds to campus to discuss career paths and provide networking opportunities.
Industry-connected projects: The CAEE Hackathon allows undergraduate students to collaborate across disciplines, develop prototypes, and solve real-world civil engineering problems. Industry partners can submit real-world challenges, mentor students, and connect with participants during the event.
Research-to-industry opportunities: UT Austin’s CAEE department has research connections with infrastructure organizations and public agencies. For example, UT faculty and students have partnered with Austin Water on water and wastewater infrastructure, with students gaining practical exposure through internships and research.
Undergraduate research: The department offers opportunities such as Undergraduate Research Fellowships in Geotechnical Engineering, where eligible students work with faculty on cutting-edge research projects and can present their findings at a UT Geo-Institute seminar.
Professional accreditation: The B.S. Civil Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. ABET accreditation provides an established quality framework for engineering education and supports graduates pursuing professional engineering pathways and continued professional development.
Graduation outcomes: The program’s stated educational objectives include graduates applying engineering, quantitative, and reasoning skills to sustainable solutions, demonstrating professional and ethical decision-making, communicating effectively, working as team leaders and contributors, and continuing lifelong learning as engineering challenges evolve.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. Civil Engineering, students can continue into graduate study in areas such as civil engineering, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, environmental and water resources engineering, construction engineering and project management, and infrastructure materials engineering. UT Austin’s CAEE department offers graduate pathways and research opportunities across these specialist areas, allowing students to deepen their technical expertise or move toward research and advanced professional careers.