Undergraduate Programs

2 people working in the Highbay at the Science and Engineering Hall

Undergraduate Programs

The Department of Civil Engineering (CEE) offers an ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering and a five-year combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree. Students majoring in civil engineering may also elect to study the environmental degree option offered by the department. The university also offers a minor in sustainability for those who are interested in environmental engineering but do not wish to pursue a major. 

Understanding Civil Engineering

What is Civil Engineering?

Civil and environmental engineering encompass the branches of engineering most closely related to the control and improvement of human environment and conditions of life. Civil and environmental engineering students usually enter careers related to construction of society's infrastructure, and to maintenance and cleanup of the natural environment. 

Civil Engineering at GW:

GW’s civil engineering program teaches the fundamentals of environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, water resources engineering, and transportation engineering. You’ll put your knowledge into action by working on some very exciting projects—such as the clean-up of a “deadzone” in the Gulf of Mexico, earthquake protection of bridges and roads, and crash protection for children in car seats. As a GW engineering student, you can also take part in many activities and organizations—among them the steel bridge competition, the American Society of Engineers, and Engineers Without Borders. You’ll also have a number of ways to craft your academic program to meet special career interests by developing the analytical, experimental, and design skills necessary for your career in engineering or in fields such as business, law, and public policy. Our students leave GW prepared to plan, design, and construct buildings, bridges, roads, airports, and rapid transit systems or they go on to specialize in pollution control, hazardous waste cleanup, or water and wastewater treatment systems.  

Bachelor of Science Degree Program:

Combined Five-year Degree Program: All students

The department offers a combined five-year Bachelor of Science in civil engineering/Master of Science in civil engineering degree program. Please visit our 5-year BS/MS Degree page to learn about the program requirements for our combined five-year degree.

Sustainability Minor or Second Major

Students who are interested in acquiring a minor in sustainability should consult the university’s Sustainability Minor page and the GW Bulletin for more information. 

Any undergraduate student who is enrolled at GW, may declare a second major in civil engineering only if their primary degree is a bachelor of science and the student must follow all the same degree requirements as those receiving a bachelor of science in civil engineering which include SEAS general, major, engineering electives, humanities/social science, and SEAS/technical GPA requirements.  Please see the University Bulletin for more information on BS in civil engineering curriculum requirements for all the courses needed to complete the second major.