Design the infrastructure of our world and prepare for a dynamic career with a Civil Engineering degree from CSUN.
Why Major in Civil Engineering?
The work of civil engineers touches nearly every part of our lives. Their work is especially important in Southern California, which faces major environmental, structural, geotechnical, transportation and water issues. The possibility of earthquakes requires sound engineering solutions. A Civil Engineering degree prepares you for a career in planning, construction, research and development, operations and maintenance.
Why Study Civil Engineering at CSUN?
Collaboration
Our department has a strong advising, mentoring and tutoring system to help ensure your success. Student chapters of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) are very active, and our students attend regional and national competitions.
Extensive Facilities
You'll take classes and work in the Applied Mechanics Lab, Civil Engineering Senior Design and the Structural Analysis Research Center. You'll also use Los Angeles itself as a laboratory, studying buildings, spacecraft, dams and other structures.
Honors Cooperative Internship Program
Highly qualified students have the chance to work in local industry throughout an entire calendar year. Students work full time during the summer and half time during the academic year, receiving six units of academic credit as part of this valuable experience.
Clubs & Societies
You'll have the chance to be part of student chapters of student organizations such as Tau Beta Pi, the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society for Black Engineers, and the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers.
What You'll Learn
As a Civil Engineering major, you'll receive a solid, broad-based education. During the first two years you'll complete a common engineering core curriculum, including:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Engineering materials
- Electrical circuits
- Engineering statics
Junior and senior years include instruction in:
- Structures
- Vibration analysis
- Hydraulics
- Fluid mechanics
- Soil mechanics
- Hydrology
- Hydraulics
- Surveying
- Computer-aided design and graphics
- Strength of materials
- Concrete and steel design
- Construction engineering
Careers & Outcomes
The demand for civil engineers is expected to increase in coming years. Although most civil engineers are employed in private industry, many are involved in consulting and a significant number are involved in public works for state and local government.
Career Paths
- Structural engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Water resources engineering
- Geotechnical engineering
- Construction engineering
- Surveying
Accreditation
The B.S. in Civil Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). With ABET accreditation, students and employers can be confident that a program meets the quality standards that produce graduates prepared to enter a global workforce.
Fundamentals in Engineering Exam
The Fundamentals in Engineering exam is the first of two exams that are required to become a registered engineer in the State of California. We recommend that students prepare to take the FE exam before graduation. CSUN has an excellent reputation of preparing students for this goal.