Civil Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of South Florida is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for successful careers in the civil engineering industry. This program offers a rigorous curriculum that combines fundamental engineering principles with practical applications, equipping graduates with the technical expertise and problem-solving skills necessary to address the complex infrastructure challenges of today and tomorrow. Throughout the program, students gain a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering sciences, which serve as the basis for advanced coursework in areas such as structural analysis and design, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, water resources, environmental engineering, and construction management. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratories, design projects, and fieldwork, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. The program also incorporates modern engineering software and tools, ensuring students are proficient with current industry standards. In addition to technical skills, students develop critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and ethical decision-making abilities, preparing them to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams and to serve the public interest responsibly. The university’s close ties to local industries and government agencies provide valuable internship and cooperative education opportunities, enabling students to gain practical experience and professional connections before graduation. The Civil Engineering program at USF is accredited by ABET, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of quality and prepares students for professional licensure. Graduates are well-equipped to enter diverse sectors such as infrastructure development, transportation, water resources, environmental protection, and construction, or pursue advanced education or research roles. With a dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to academic excellence, the program prepares students to become innovative engineers and leaders in their field.

The minimum coursework requirement is 30 credit hours for students with an undergraduate e ngineering degree. Students without an engineering bachelor’s degree will be required to complete undergraduate engineering pre-requisite courses as determined by the Department. 

Pre-requisites – 12 hours
All students must complete the following pre-requisites or equivalent courses:

• EGN 3311        (3)              Statics
• EGN 3343        (3)              Thermodynamics I
• EGN 3353        (3)              Basic Fluid Mechanics
• EGN 3615        (3)              Engineering Economics

Most entering students will have taken these courses (or equivalent versions) prior to admission to the M.C.E. program.  Students who have not taken these courses prior to beginning the M.C.E. degree program are encouraged to do so as quickly as possible, as these may be pre-requisites for a number of graduate-level courses in the program.

Total Minimum Hours - 30 hours 
The minimum coursework requirement is 30 credit hours for students with an undergraduate engineering degree.  For students pursuing a Concentration area (as detailed below), the 30 credit hours will include at least 15 credit hours of Concentration Requirements, with remaining credit hours to consist of technical electives as approved by the Department.  For students pursuing no Concentration area, the 30 credit hours will consist wholly of technical electives as approved by the Department, but with a minimum of 18 credit hours taken within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.  Students without an engineering bachelor’s degree will be required to complete undergraduate engineering pre-requisite courses as determined by the Department.  Please contact the Graduate Program Director for more information.

Concentration Requirements - 15 hours
The Department supports M.C.E. concentration areas in Geotechnical Engineering (GTL), Materials Engineering and Science (MTL), Structures Engineering (STR), Transportation Engineering  (TPT), and Water Resources (WRS).  
Students may select from one of these Concentrations, or may select no concentration.

Geotechnical Engineering (GTL)

• CEG 5115         (3)      Foundation Engineering
• CES 6118         (3)      Applied Finite Elements

9      A dditional credit hours of coursework in Geotechnical engineering or closely related areas.

Materials Engineering and Science (MTL)
At least 2 courses (6 credit hours) from the following list:

• CGN 6933      (3)      Advanced Construction Materials
• CGN 6720        (3)      Electrochemical Diagnostic Techniques
• CGN 6933        (3)      Structural Life Prediction
• EMA 5326       (3)      Corrosion Control
• EMA 6510       (3)      Characterization of Materials 

9      Additional credit hours of coursework in Materials Engineering and Science or closely related areas.

Structures Engineering (STR)
At least 1 course (3 credit hours) from the following list of design courses:

• CES 6706         (3)      Advanced Concrete
• CES 6835        (3)      Design of Masonry Structures
• CES 5715C       (3)     Pre-stressed Concrete

At least 1 course (3 credit hours) from the following list of analysis courses:

• CES 6118                 (3)              Applied Finite element
• CGN 6933        (3)      Advanced Structural Analysis
• CGN 6933        (3)      Advanced Structural Mechanics
• CES 5209                 (3)              Structural Dynamics               

9      Additional credit hours of coursework in Structures Engineering or closely related areas.

Transportation Engineering (TPT)

• TTE 5205                 (3)      Traffic Systems Engineering
• TTE 5501                 (3)      Transportation Planning and Economics
• TTE 6507                 (3)      Travel Demand Modeling

6      Additional credit hours of coursework in Transportation Engineering or closely related areas.

Water Resources (WRS)

4 courses (12 credit hours) from the following list:

• CWR 6235       (3)      Free Surface Flow
• CWR 6239       (3)      Waves and Beach Protection
• CWR 6305       (3)      U rban Hydrology
• CWR 6534       (3)      Coastal and Estuary Modeling
• CWR 6535       (3)      Hydrologic Models
• CGN 6933        (1-4)   Vadose Zone Hydrology
• CGN 6933        (1-4)   Groundwater Hydraulics
• CGN 6933        (1-4)   Advanced Computational Fluid Mechanics
• GLY 6836         (3)      Numerical Modeling of Hydro geologic Systems
• GLY 6827C       (4)      Advanced Hydrogeology
• CWR 6820       (3)      Coastal Waves and Structures
• CWR 6538       (3)      Advanced Hydrologic Model

3      Additional credit hours in Water Resources engineering or closely related areas.

Portfolio / Comprehensive Exam 
Portfolio and oral interview are used in lieu of a comprehensive exam.  The purpose of the portfolio and interview is for students to demonstrate that they have achieved a minimum level of proficiency in stipulated competencies.  Specifically, by the time they graduate, students will demonstrate

• an ability to plan, compose, and integrate verbal, written, virtual, and graphical communication of a project to technical and non-technical audiences, and
• an ability to formulate and solve complex problems in Civil Engineering using relevant data and techniques.

Additional details regarding portfolio requirements will be provided to students by the Department.

Other requirements

• A maximum of 12 credits taken outside the CEE department may be applied to meet the degree requirements. 
• A maximum of 6 credits of independent study may be applied to meet the degree requirements. 

• Undergraduate GPA greater than 3.0 preferred.
• GRE with preferred minimum scores of V 145 (25th percentile ), Q 155 (60th percentile ), AW 3.0 (15th percentile ); or valid fundamentals of engineering (FE) certificate . Verification of FE certification should be obtained from the professional engineering (PE) board where the FE certification was obtained. See the CEE department website for more information: http://www2.eng.usf.edu/cee/graduate/apply.htm.
• TOEFL (International applicants only) 79 (550 paper based exam) or IELTS 6.5 (IELTS).
• Two (2) Letters of Reference provided at the time of application.
• Statement of Purpose provided at the time of application
• Resume provided at the time of application.

The University of South Florida offers a range of financial aid options to support students pursuing a Civil Engineering degree. Undergraduate students can apply for federal and state financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study opportunities. The university also provides access to scholarships specifically for engineering students, which are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, leadership qualities, and other criteria. Additionally, USF's Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships offers guidance and resources to help students navigate the application process and identify suitable funding sources.

Graduate students enrolled in the Civil Engineering program can take advantage of assistantships, fellowships, and departmental scholarships that reduce tuition costs while providing teaching or research experience. The university encourages students to explore external funding sources such as private scholarships, foundation grants, and industry-sponsored fellowships, which can further alleviate financial burdens. USF’s financial aid packages often combine federal loans, grants, and scholarships to create comprehensive support tailored to individual student circumstances.

The university also offers payment plans and financial literacy programs aimed at helping students manage their education expenses effectively. International students interested in the Civil Engineering program are advised to explore available scholarship options and, where applicable, consider private funding or sponsorship programs from their home countries. Overall, USF is committed to making a Civil Engineering education accessible through various financial aid avenues designed to reduce the economic barriers faced by students and enable successful degree completion.

The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of South Florida is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in the civil engineering field. This degree emphasizes foundational engineering principles, including mathematics, physics, and chemistry, alongside specialized coursework in structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, transportation engineering, and construction management. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application through laboratory work, design projects, and internships, equipping students with the skills necessary to solve complex engineering problems and contribute effectively to infrastructure development and maintenance.

Students in the program benefit from access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities that support experimental investigations and innovation. The program encourages active engagement with the engineering community through participation in student organizations, conferences, and collaborations with industry partners. This experiential learning approach aims to enhance students' technical competencies, communication skills, and teamwork abilities, which are essential for leadership roles in the civil engineering sector.

The university's strong ties to local, national, and international industries provide numerous internship and employment opportunities. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue professional engineering licensure, with coursework aligned to meet the educational requirements for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, a stepping stone toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). The program also emphasizes sustainability and ethical considerations in engineering design and decision-making, reflecting the evolving needs of modern infrastructure development.

Faculty members are highly qualified, with many engaged in cutting-edge research that influences modern civil engineering practice. They actively mentor students in research projects, encouraging innovative thinking and lifelong learning. Additionally, the program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, recognizing the importance of integrating civil engineering solutions with environmental sciences, urban planning, and computer modeling.

Overall, the Civil Engineering undergraduate program at the University of South Florida aims to develop technically proficient, ethically responsible, and socially conscious engineers who are prepared to meet the challenges of designing, constructing, and maintaining the infrastructure that supports society. The program graduates are equipped to contribute to sustainable development initiatives, advance technological innovations, and assume leadership positions within the civil engineering industry.

This extensive educational experience culminates in a Bachelor of Science degree, opening pathways to advanced study, research opportunities, and professional practice in civil engineering and related fields.