BS in Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering involves the application of scientific principles and knowledge of mathematics and computers to the planning, analysis, design, and construction of all types of private and public works. Reduction of air and water pollution, disposal of hazardous wastes, renewal of our old cities, planning and building of new communities, providing water, power, and high-speed ground transportation systems are the responsibilities of the civil engineer. It is a continual challenge to the civil engineer to provide these services efficiently by the construction of dams, buildings, bridges, tunnels, highways, airports, waterways, and waste handling facilities in harmony with the natural environment.

Because of the broad range of demands on the civil engineer's services, the undergraduate program is devoted to fundamental principles in mathematics; basic and engineering sciences; the spectrum of Civil Engineering practice in both analysis and design; and required courses in the humanities and the social sciences, so that engineers may better relate to the world and society they serve. The upper division program permits students to select 12 units (4 courses) of electives. Students may increase the breadth or depth of their knowledge in Civil Engineering by selecting these electives in several areas: environmental and water quality engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation, and water resources engineering.

Courses may be interchanged between semesters to accommodate the student's schedule, as long as prerequisites are observed. Civil engineering is a demanding major, but with devoted study it can be completed in four years. Students who are working half-time or more often find it difficult to successfully pass a full load of classes each semester. Such students should plan to take fewer units per semester and a longer time to finish their degree.

Note: Students must satisfy the requirements of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET). Consult the Civil Engineering Department Chair for specific General Education requirements.

Note: Students graduating with a BS in Civil Engineering will not be subject to the University’s Foreign Language Graduation Requirement. Students who change major may be subject to the University’s Foreign Language Graduation Requirement. 

Program Requirements

Civil Engineering Electives 

¹

Course also satisfies General Education (GE)/Graduation Requirement.

²

Students must normally complete all lower division preparation before enrolling in upper division Engineering or Civil Engineering courses.

³

 At least two Civil Engineering electives must be design courses (indicated by ⁵).

⁴

Electives are to be chosen from these courses in consultation with a faculty advisor and must include at least two design electives (indicated by ⁵).

Note: Other electives, such as a CE 196 series course or CE 199E may be chosen with the approval of a faculty advisor and Department Chair.

General Education Requirements¹

¹

To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). For further information, please visit the General Education page.

Note: There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please consult with a professional advisor. The Academic Advising Center can be visited online, by phone (916) 278-1000, or email.

²

Required in Major; also satisfies GE.

Graduation Requirements¹

¹

To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). For further information, please visit the General Education page.

Note: There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please consult with a professional advisor. The Academic Advising Center can be visited online, by phone (916) 278-1000, or email.

²

Required in Major; also satisfies Graduation Requirement.

³

If not satisfied before entering Sacramento State, it may be satisfied in General Education Area C2 (Humanities). "C- or better required." The alternative methods for satisfying the Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement are described here: https://www.csus.edu/college/arts-letters/world-languages-literatures/foreign-language-requirement.html

Note: Students with a declared major of BS in Civil Engineering are exempt from the Foreign Language Graduation Requirement.

The following roadmaps are sample planning resources. Please consult your academic advisor and Academic Catalog for graduation requirements as you develop your individualized academic plan.

Civil Engineering, BS: 4-Year Roadmap

Civil Engineering, BS: 2-Year Roadmap

^1.

Any course not completed in the first semester should be taken in the second or a later semester.

^2.

Please see General Education/Graduation Requirement course options.

^3.

Please see an academic advisor for elective options.