School of Engineering and Computer Science
What is Civil Engineering?
Civil Engineering is a very broad field covering a number of specialties. Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of
- structures of various forms, such as bridges, buildings, industrial plants, stadiums, dams, docks, marine platform, oil drilling rigs, missile bases, and launching facilities for space exploration and travel;
- transportation systems such as highways, railroads, airfields, canals, harbors, and pipelines;
- systems for water supply, hydropower, irrigation, drainage, flood control, and navigation; and
- systems for waste disposal, and for air and water pollution control.
These facilities are generally characterized by being large, one of a kind, and important to the daily lives of many people; they meet society’s basic needs and contribute to safer and more enjoyable living. The planning of new communities and redevelopment of existing cities are also within the spectrum of civil engineering. Because civil engineering is so broad, it is not generally possible to become proficient in all its specialties. Therefore, a civil engineer usually will specialize in one of the above fields, or sub-area of a field, and will have only a general knowledge of the other fields.
Learn more about civil engineering.
