Civil Engineering

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What is Civil Engineering?

Civil and environmental engineers apply basic science principles to address society's biggest challenges. They use mathematical and computational tools to support their work.

Civil and environmental engineers focus on such matters as:

Ensuring clean air, safe drinking water, and sanitation
Addressing our changing environment
Protecting the population from natural and man-made hazards
Designing a sustainable infrastructure that serves everyone
Reimagining human and commodity traffic for an automated future
Designing and constructing the world’s tallest buildings and most iconic bridges

Career Options

Air & Water Quality/Purification
Construction Management
Energy-Water-Food Nexus
Forensic Engineering
Foundation Design
Green & Blue Infrastructure
Hazard Mitigation
Material Manufacturing & Design
Risk Management
Site Remediation
Solid & Hazardous Waste Management
Structural Design
Transportation Systems
Water Resources Planning & Design

Post-Graduation Success¹

98% employed or continuing education

57% employed after graduation

41% attending graduate school

$75,131 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Kimley-Horn, Burns & McDonnell, Manhard Consulting, Mortenson, Clark Construction Group, The Walsh Group, AECOM, Mortenson, HNTB, Sargent & Lundy View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Cornell University, Columbia University, Princeton University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, Rutgers University–New Brunswick, Washington University in St. Louis, Kent State University, National Louis University View All

Program Resources

Grainger College of Engineering Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Strong math and science coursework and performance
Calculus preferred and physics expected (if available at high school)
Strong teamwork and interpersonal communication skills
Interest in improving society through engineering
Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the engineering major selected

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.9 years to degree

98% returned for second year

77% graduated within 4 years

91% graduated within 6 years

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $18,740
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $43,480

Non-Resident

Tuition: $44,340
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $69,420

International

Tuition: $47,800
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $72,880

Related Majors

Industrial Engineering - ENG

Landscape Architecture - FAA

Systems Engineering and Design - ENG

Urban Studies and Planning - FAA

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.