Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) may complete the degree with or without a concentration in Environmental Engineering. Within this degree, students may choose electives to permit additional exposure to selected areas of civil or environmental engineering design, such as transportation, structural, geotechnical, environmental and water resources engineering. In the environmental engineering concentration, electives may be selected to focus on water quality and treatment, bioremediation, solid and hazardous wastes, air quality and air pollution control. 

The undergraduate program gives students the theoretical background, instruction in engineering application of scientific principles and professional attitude to serve the public. It typically leads to entry-level positions or to graduate work in technical specialties (e.g., environmental, geotechnical, structural and transportation), business administration or other professions. 

Courses that address the behavior and design of steel and reinforced concrete structures, environmental pollution, control systems, water resources systems, foundations and surface transportation systems are integrated into the curriculum, culminating in a series of senior-level professional design courses. These simulate the design processes used in the major areas of civil engineering and prepare students for entry-level positions. Most faculty members are licensed professional engineers. KU graduates have successful records in professional practice, research in academic institutions, government and private laboratories, and in managing firms and corporations of all sizes. 

Additional Information

Students take required courses and select electives that best fulfill their personal goals from the following general areas of study. A total of 128 credit hours is required for graduation. Students may choose elective courses to permit additional exposure to selected areas of civil or environmental engineering such as transportation, structural, geotechnical, environmental and water resources engineering. They may choose to concentrate in environmental engineering. In the environmental engineering concentration, electives may be selected to focus on water quality and treatment, bioremediation, solid and hazardous wastes, air quality and air pollution control.

General Civil Emphasis - Typical Schedules

The current Core 34 degree schedule for students starting fall 2024 or later can be found in the KU Catalog.

Environmental Emphasis - Typical Schedule

The current Core 34 degree schedule for students starting fall 2024 or later can be found in the KU Catalog.

General Electives

Applying for Admission

All engineering students should come to college with math, science, communication skills and computer abilities. 

Freshman Admission:
  • Must be admissible to the University of Kansas by assured admissions or individual review AND
  • Have a 3.0+ high school GPA AND
  • 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.

More detailed information about admission can be found at Undergraduate Admissions

The CEAE department is pleased to announce the availability of multiple scholarship opportunities for the academic year.

ACEC Scholarships - 

ACEC Scholarship Program. Email applications to acecscholarships@wilsonco.com.

Professor Thomas Mulinazzi Family Scholarship

Professor Thomas Mulinazzi Family Scholarship Application Form

WTS Sharon D. Banks Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship - 

Women pursuing undergraduate studies in transportation or a related field - Deadline is November 4 - WTS Sharon D. Banks Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship Application (pdf)

KU School of Engineering Scholarships

Information about the School of Engineering's scholarships can be found at KU Engineering Scholarships

  1. An ability to identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics.
  2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors.
  3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts.
  5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives.
  6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Professional Registration and Licensing

Engineers are involved in projects that directly affect the health and safety of the public. Graduates are strongly encouraged to become registered Professional Engineers. This involves completing a BS degree in civil engineering, completing the Fundamentals of Engineering and Professional Engineering examinations and obtaining four years of satisfactory engineering experience. Students in civil engineering must take the FE examination before graduation.

Professional Opportunities

Civil engineers plan, design, construct and oversee public and private infrastructure systems as well as maintain essential structures such as bridges, buildings, tunnels, roads, water supply and sewage systems. Civil engineers typically work for major industrial and commercial centers, construction industry, state departments of transportation, manufacturing companies, oil or electrical companies, aerospace industries or consulting firms.