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Civil Engineering

Grainger College of 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

96% employed or continuing education

55% employed after graduation

41% attending graduate school

$65,723 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Burns & McDonnell (12), Kimley-Horn (8), Kiewit (6) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of California, Berkeley, Stanford 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

94% first-year retention rate

79% four-year graduation rate

93% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $18,372
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $18,884
  • Total: $42,310

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $41,444
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses:$19,224
  • Total: $65,722

International

  • Tuition: $44,688
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $19,224
  • Total: $68,966

Related Majors

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.

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