Program Overview

Civil Engineering, B.S.

The Civil Engineering program at the University of California, Irvine, is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the field of civil engineering. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to succeed in their future careers.

Program Educational Objectives

The program educational objectives of the Civil Engineering program are:

• To establish a career in civil engineering in industry, government, or academia and achieve professional licensure as appropriate
• To demonstrate excellence and innovation in engineering problem-solving and design in a global and societal context
• To commit to lifelong learning and professional development to stay current in technology and contemporary issues
• To take on increasing levels of responsibility and leadership in technical and/or managerial roles

Curriculum

The curriculum provides students with a firm foundation in engineering science and develops the techniques of analysis and design, which are basic for the successful practitioner. Emphasis is placed on developing problem-solving skills, and students apply principles of sustainability, leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the formulation and solution of environmental problems.

Admission Requirements

• High school students: See School Admissions information
• Transfer students: Preference will be given to junior-level applicants with the highest grades overall, and who have satisfactorily completed the required courses, including:
  • Two years of approved calculus
  • One year of calculus-based physics with laboratories (mechanics, electricity, and magnetism)
  • Completion of lower-division writing
  • One year of general chemistry (with laboratory)
  • One course in introductory programming

Major Requirements

• Mathematics and Basic Science Courses:
  • CHEM 1A: General Chemistry
  • CHEM 1B: General Chemistry
  • ENGRCEE 11: Methods II: Probability and Statistics
  • MATH 2A: Single-Variable Calculus I
  • MATH 2B: Single-Variable Calculus II
  • MATH 2D: Multivariable Calculus I
  • MATH 3A: Introduction to Linear Algebra
  • MATH 3D: Elementary Differential Equations
  • MATH 2E: Multivariable Calculus II
  • PHYSICS 7C: Classical Physics
  • PHYSICS 7LC: Classical Physics Laboratory
  • PHYSICS 7D: Classical Physics
  • PHYSICS 7LD: Classical Physics Laboratory
  • One basic science elective selected from any Biological Science or Earth Systems Science course with approved GE II designation
• Lower-Division Technical Elective: Select one course from two of the sections:
  • Section A: ENGR 7A-7B: Introduction to Engineering I and Introduction to Engineering II
  • Section B: CHEM 1LE: Accelerated General Chemistry Lab, CHEM 1C-1LC: General Chemistry and General Chemistry Laboratory
  • Section C: EECS 70A: Network Analysis I, ENGR 54: Principles of Materials Science and Engineering, ENGRMAE 80: Dynamics, ENGRMAE 91: Introduction to Thermodynamics
• Engineering Topics Courses:
  • ENGRCEE 20: Introduction to Computational Problem Solving
  • ENGRCEE 21: Computational Problem Solving
  • ENGRCEE 30: Statics
  • ENGRCEE 81A: Civil Engineering Practicum I
  • ENGRCEE 81B: Civil Engineering Practicum II
  • ENGRCEE 110: Methods III: Modeling, Economics, and Management
  • ENGRCEE 111: Methods IV: Systems Analysis and Decision-Making
  • ENGRCEE 121: Transportation Systems I: Analysis and Design
  • ENGRCEE 130: Soil Mechanics
  • ENGRCEE 130L: Soil Mechanics Laboratory
  • ENGRCEE 150: Mechanics of Materials
  • ENGRCEE 150L: Mechanics of Materials Laboratory
  • ENGRCEE 151A: Structural Analysis
  • ENGRCEE 151C: Reinforced Concrete Design
  • ENGRCEE 160: Environmental Processes
  • ENGRCEE 170: Introduction to Fluid Mechanics
  • ENGRCEE 171: Water Resources Engineering
  • ENGRCEE 181A-181B-181C: Senior Design Practicum I, II, and III
• Engineering Professional Topics Courses:
  • ENGRCEE 40: Fundamentals of Economic Analysis for Scientists and Engineers
  • ECON 20A-20B: Basic Economics I and II
  • ENGR 190W: Communications in the Professional World
  • ENGRCEE 60: Contemporary and Emerging Environmental Challenges
  • UPPP 8: Introduction to Environmental Analysis and Design
• Specialization Electives: Students must select one of the areas of specialization and complete the associated requirements.

Specializations

• General Civil Engineering: Requires four courses, at least one course each from three of the following four options
• Environmental Hydrology and Water Resources: Select four of the following courses
• Structural Engineering: ENGRCEE 155: Structural Steel Design, and select three of the following courses
• Transportation Systems Engineering: ENGRCEE 122: Transportation Systems II: Operations and Control, ENGRCEE 123: Transportation Systems III: Planning and Forecasting, and select two of the following courses

Sample Program of Study

The sample program of study chart is typical for the accredited major in Civil Engineering. Students should keep in mind that this program is based upon a rigid set of prerequisites, beginning with adequate preparation in high school mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

Senior-Year Sample Programs of Study

The following sample plans of study are provided for the senior year only; the first three years are common to all specializations.

• Senior: General Civil Engineering Specialization
• Senior: Environmental Hydrology and Water Resources Specialization
• Senior: Structural Engineering Specialization
• Senior: Transportation Systems Engineering Specialization