Civil and Construction Engineering
Department of Civil and Construction Engineering
Administration
Chair: Norman L Jones
Department Information:
430 EB
801-422-2811
cce@byu.edu
Advisement Center:
246 EB
801-422-4325
engineering_advisement@byu.edu
Admission to Degree Program
The degree programs in the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering are open enrollment.
The Discipline
The BYU Department of Civil and Construction Engineering prepares students for highly rewarding careers in the fields of engineering and management within the built environment. Students are prepared to make an impact through professional involvement in a chosen emphasis of civil engineering or focus on management through the construction or facilities and property management programs.
Students preparing for involvement in a civil engineering discipline prepare to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam upon graduation and begin their work to become a Professional Engineer in one of the follow disciplines:
Structural engineers analyze and design buildings, bridges, and other structures. The engineer applies principles of physics, mathematics, and engineering to develop efficient yet safe designs. Sophisticated computer models are used in these analyses. Materials used by structural engineers include steel, aluminum, concrete, masonry, wood, and composites.
Water resource and environmental engineers design pipeline systems, water treatment plants, dams, flood control structures, waste disposal sites, and environmental restoration projects. Computer modeling and analyses are used in design and to forecast storm runoff, flooding, and movement of contaminants in surface and subsurface waters. Environmental engineers evaluate and reduce pollutants from natural, human, agricultural, and industrial sources to preserve the beauty and quality of air, land, and water.
Geotechnical engineers design structures composed of or located within earth materials, including foundations for buildings and bridges, retaining walls, earth dams, highway embankments, tunnels, and liners for landfills. Field and laboratory tests on soil and rock, along with empirical and computer models, are used to assure safety and economy in design.
Traffic and transportation engineers apply scientific principles to the planning, design, construction, operation, and management of transportation systems, including highways, airports, and mass transit facilities. Transportation engineers are responsible for the safe, rapid, comfortable, convenient, economical, and environmentally compatible movement of people and goods. Computer models and simulations are frequently used by traffic engineers for geometric design and for planning, operating, and managing transportation networks, including intermodal systems.
The Construction Management and Facility and Property Management programs are non-engineering programs preparing students to take leadership and management roles.
Construction managers complete a program designed to give students training and experience in construction management by providing a broad background in construction technology, business, design, architecture, and engineering, with specific emphasis on management within the construction industry. Graduates fill middle-management positions such as superintendents, estimators, schedulers, field engineers, inspectors, general contractors, sales representatives, and construction insurance or bonding personnel. Many go on to graduate studies in architecture, law, or business administration.
Facility and property managers complete a program that is all about leadership. Students prepare to become qualified and competent facility managers that can work at senior levels to better manage the real estate portfolio and facilities that are a critical part of any business entity. The program will assist in the perfection, beautification, and operational knowledge of physical facilities in bringing forth Zion. The program works to be a world leader in facility management education, physical asset management, and facility research.
Program Educational Objectives
The undergraduate programs in civil and construction engineering have the following educational objectives:
Develop innovative engineers and leaders who competently apply recognized technical methods to meet human needs for water, shelter, and transportation.
Develop leaders with global awareness who hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public while sustaining and protecting the environment.
Develop citizens with moral character and commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ who provide life-long service to the public, church, and professional community.
Develop life-long learners that contribute with immediate and real impact to the building of the Kingdom of God and the establishment of Zion throughout the world.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from the Civil and Construction Engineering Programs are employed throughout the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Many graduates enter private consulting practices, and many eventually establish their own firms. Graduates are also employed by national, state, and local governments. Departments of transportation, environmental protection agencies, the Army Corps of Engineers, The Bureau of Reclamation, and countless public and private organizations hire many students.
The programs offered through the Civil and Construction Engineering department may also be used as a preprofessional program for careers in architecture, law, and business.
General Information
Students are strongly encouraged to consult with the department regarding their course scheduling. Prospective transfer students should contact the department as soon as possible so that any variations can be accommodated with a minimum loss of time.
No more than 9 credit hours of grades below C- in major courses may be applied toward graduation. A student who fails to pass a department course after three attempts (including E grades and W’s) will be terminated from the program. A student with unique circumstances may seek an appeal of that decision to the undergraduate committee.
Professional Engineer Registration
Because civil engineers design structures that affect public health and safety, licensure as a Professional Engineer is required for most positions in the industry. A necessary prerequisite for licensure is graduation from an accredited engineering program. The civil engineering program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
The Department of Civil and Construction Engineering encourages graduates to become registered Professional Engineers. This status is vital to engineering practice in the public sector and consulting work. The civil engineering program prepares graduates to successfully complete the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination, an important step in becoming registered.
Graduation Requirements
To receive a BYU bachelor's degree a student must complete, in addition to all requirements for a specific major, the following university requirements:
The University Core, consisting of requirements in general and religious education.
At least 30 credit hours must be earned in residence on the BYU campus in Provo as an admitted day student
A minimum of 120 credit hours
A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
Be in good standing with the Honor Code Office
Students should see their college advisement center for help or information concerning the undergraduate programs.
Graduate Programs Available
This department also offers graduate degree programs. For more information, see Graduate Studies.
