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Civil Engineering, B.S.E.

The civil engineering curriculum emphasizes practicality and design, supported by a strong background in scientific and mathematical concepts. The undergraduate program provides a broad background in all aspects of civil engineering, providing our graduates with the flexibility to practice in any of the specialties or to pursue an advanced degree. The program provides an opportunity to get hands-on experience with classes in surveying as well as laboratories in fluid mechanics, hydraulics, soil mechanics, mechanics of materials, structures, steel, and reinforced concrete design. Engineering design experiences are integrated throughout the curriculum beginning with the first-year engineering courses and extending through the last semester of the senior year. Design courses provide working experience with computer software used in the profession. Group and team projects prepare the student for real world engineering experiences. A number of electives provide the student with the opportunity to specialize in the following tracks (areas of concentration):

  • Structures
  • Water Resources
  • Environmental
  • Geotechnical

All of the areas of specialization share a common focus on sustainability.

Accreditation

The Civil Engineering undergraduate program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Civil Engineering and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Program Educational Objectives

The Civil Engineering undergraduate program has established the following program educational objectives that are consistent with the mission of the University and that describe the expected accomplishments of graduates during the first several years following graduation. Civil Engineering program graduates will:

  1. Be productive in the civil engineering profession and/or other professional fields;
  2. Uphold the code of ethics of the profession and be cognizant of social equity and sustainability issues;
  3. Further develop their professional and/or technical qualifications through activities such as, but not limited to, graduate studies, continuing education, licensing, and/or certifications;
  4. Be involved with professional organizations in civil engineering and/or other related fields; and
  5. Exhibit leadership in civil engineering and/or other related fields.

To accomplish these program educational objectives, analysis and design courses in the fields of environmental, geotechnical, hydraulic, structural, and water resources engineering are offered in addition to preparatory courses in oral and written communications, mathematics, sciences, and basic mechanics. A broad base of theory and design is provided along with discussion of current issues and practices of the profession. Through class assignments, students will become proficient in the use of computers and pertinent software, spreadsheets, presentations, drawing, and geographical information system (GIS) programs. Integrated with these courses is the University Core curriculum.

Civil Engineering Curriculum

Transfer Requirements

Students who are currently enrolled in another major at LMU, but are interested in changing their major to CIVL, must complete CHEM 111 General Chemistry I Lab, CHEM 114 General Chemistry for Engineers or CHEM 110 General Chemistry I; ENGR 2001 Statics; MATH 131 Calculus I, MATH 132 Calculus II; and PHYS 1100 Introduction to Mechanics with a minimum grade of C (2.0) in each course before being considered. Final approval of the transfer request resides with the Chair of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department.

Graduation Requirements for the Civil Engineering B.S.E.

Department criteria for graduation include

  1. completion of at least 126 semester hours covering all requirements
  2. a minimum of 30 semester hours of science and math and 45 hours of engineering topics
  3. a minimum grade point average of C (2.0) in all lower division courses (excluding core),
  4. a minimum grade point average of C for all upper division courses (excluding University core),
  5. take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam at an approved NCEES testing center, and
  6. all upper division CIVL and ENVS courses must be completed in residence.

Lower division CIVL and ENGR courses (ENGR 100, ENGR 190, ENGR 1200, ENGR 1300, ENGR 2001, CIVL 2500, CIVL 2200, CIVL 2300) not taken at LMU must be completed in person (online or distance learning courses will not count towards the Civil Engineering B.S.E. Exceptions may be considered if exams are taken in person or at an approved proctoring center).