Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Kansas is a comprehensive civil engineering degree designed to prepare students to plan, design, construct, and maintain the infrastructure systems that support modern society. As a civil engineering major, students study structural, environmental, geotechnical, transportation, and water resources engineering while building a strong foundation in mathematics, science, and engineering analysis.

KU’s bachelor’s degree in civil engineering emphasizes both theory and hands-on application. Students complete laboratory work, team-based design projects, and a senior capstone experience that integrates multiple subdisciplines. Through coursework and experiential learning, students develop the technical expertise and professional skills required to succeed in today’s evolving infrastructure environment.

Within this BS in civil engineering, students may pursue one of the following degree pathways:

  • BS in Civil Engineering – Provides broad preparation across core civil engineering disciplines, including structural, geotechnical, transportation, water resources, and construction engineering.
  • BS in Civil Engineering with concentration in Environmental – Offers focused preparation in environmental systems, water and wastewater treatment, environmental chemistry, and sustainable infrastructure design.

Students pursuing the civil engineering degree gain experience using industry-standard tools and analytical methods while learning to consider public safety, sustainability, resilience, and ethics in engineering practice. The curriculum is structured to meet rigorous civil engineering degree requirements, including foundational engineering coursework, discipline-specific electives, and a culminating design experience.

KU’s civil engineering program prepares graduates for professional licensure and leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. Students graduate ready to pursue impactful work that shapes communities and improves quality of life.

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Undergraduate

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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.

Civil Engineering, BS

KU School of Engineering

The Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering is part of the School of Engineering, where new technologies are developed to solve the problems facing the world.

Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the civil engineering major will be able to:

  • Apply Engineering Principles: Use mathematics, science, and engineering fundamentals to identify, formulate, and solve complex civil engineering problems.
  • Design and Conduct Experiments: Plan and perform experiments; analyze and interpret data to inform engineering decisions.
  • Design Systems and Infrastructure: Develop solutions that meet specified needs while considering public health, safety, welfare, and global, cultural, environmental, and economic factors.
  • Develop Sustainable Solutions: Incorporate sustainability, resilience, and risk assessment into engineering design and analysis.
  • Communicate Effectively: Communicate technical information clearly in written, oral, and graphical formats to diverse audiences.
  • Function on Teams: Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary and diverse teams to achieve shared objectives.
  • Recognize Professional Responsibility: Apply ethical principles and professional standards in engineering practice.
  • Engage in Lifelong Learning: Recognize the need for continued professional development and adapt to emerging technologies and evolving societal needs.

These outcomes align with nationally recognized standards for civil engineering degrees and prepare graduates for professional practice and advanced study.

What Careers Are Possible with a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering?

A civil engineering degree prepares graduates for impactful work in infrastructure development, environmental stewardship, and community planning. Graduates pursue a wide range of civil engineering jobs in consulting firms, construction companies, government agencies, and research organizations.

Career paths may include:

  • Structural engineer
  • Transportation engineer
  • Geotechnical engineer
  • Environmental engineer
  • Water resources engineer
  • Construction project engineer

Students seeking entry level civil engineering jobs will find opportunities in both regional and national markets, working on projects such as highways, bridges, water treatment facilities, airports, and commercial developments. According to Lightcast, demand for civil engineers remains strong due to ongoing infrastructure investment and population growth.

Graduates of KU’s Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering are also well positioned to pursue professional licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) after meeting experience and examination requirements, or to continue their education in graduate-level civil engineering programs.

Tuition and Financial Aid

KU offers competitive tuition rates and a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility. For detailed information on tuition and financial aid, visit KU Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the civil engineering degree program at KU requires meeting general university freshman and transfer admission standards. This includes:

Freshmen

  • 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Demonstrate mathematics preparedness by:
    • Obtaining a mathematics ACT score of 22+ (or math SAT score of 540+), OR
    • Achieving a B or better in college algebra or a more advanced mathematics course, OR
    • Achieving a C or better in a high school calculus course; OR
    • Earning credit via IB or AP credit for the above-mentioned courses in accordance with KU placement credit requirements; OR
    • Achieving at minimum a qualifying score for MATH 104 on the ALEKS mathematics placement exam.

Transfers

  • Earn a grade of C- or better in MATH 125 (Calculus I, or its direct equivalent), AND
  • Earn grades of C or better in math, science, and engineering courses applicable to the engineering degree.

For detailed admission requirements, visit the School of Engineering.

Student Life and Learning Experience

Students in this civil engineering degree program benefit from a collaborative academic community that emphasizes applied learning and professional development. Opportunities may include student organizations, industry networking events, internships, undergraduate research, and participation in engineering competitions.

Team-based design experiences and laboratory courses reinforce classroom learning and prepare students for real-world engineering challenges. Through engagement with faculty and peers, students build both technical competence and leadership skills that distinguish graduates of top civil engineering programs.

Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering Sample Courses

The BS in civil engineering curriculum combines foundational engineering science with specialized technical coursework. Sample courses include:

  • Applied Probability and Statistics
  • Applied Differential Equations
  • Principles of Macroeconomics
  • Building Materials Science
  • Geomatics

A comprehensive list of courses and degree requirements can be found in the KU Academic Catalog.

Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering Frequently Asked Questions

When should I apply?

Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis.

How long will it take to complete the degree?

Students typically complete this degree in four years.

Contact Information

KU School of Engineering studyengineering@ku.edu 785-864-3881

Accreditation & Notes

The Civil Engineering Bachelor of Science program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Civil and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

A Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering is the official degree awarded, and references to “civil engineering degree” or similar terms are used for clarity and student understanding.