Civil Engineering (B.S.)
Gain essential tech expertise and practical skills with our undergraduate civil engineering degree and prepare for a career driven by sustainability where you can design and build infrastructure solutions for a better future.
Engage with Industry and Tackle Real-World Engineering Challenges with Illinois Tech’s B.S. in Civil Engineering
Contribute to infrastructure projects that improve communities and quality of life with Illinois Tech’s bachelor’s in civil engineering. This program will help you pursue a professional engineering license after graduation and to take on leadership roles. Prepare for a multitude of career paths in this high-demand field, with specializations such as structures, transportation, environmental engineering, and more. With industry-aligned skills boosted by the in-depth knowledge from an accredited curriculum, you will be prepared to tackle various complex civil and structural engineering challenges that need sustainable solutions.
Program Overview
Our undergraduate civil engineering program will challenge you and prepare you for professional engineering licensure. Our courses are taught by expert faculty who will engage you in an interdisciplinary learning environment that values hands-on, practical application of course concepts. This means that you will have the opportunity to engage with our state-of-the-art labs, work on real-world projects, and connect with industry professionals. Plus, you can elevate your career on your timeline:
- Fall or spring semester enrollment available
- In-person program with full-time or part-time options
Career Opportunities
What jobs can graduates get with a bachelor’s in civil engineering? Learn about all the opportunities that await on our blog. You can also pursue roles such as:
- Civil engineer
- Environmental engineer
- Construction engineer
Students of the bachelor’s in civil engineering program can look forward to taking several interesting courses. Here are a few examples of some courses you may be taking:
- CAE 105 Surveying Learn the essential skills of surveying right from the start. In this course, you’ll master the tools and techniques used to measure and map Earth’s surface. You’ll gain experience with cutting-edge equipment such as GPS receivers, total stations, and 3D laser scanners. This early exposure to surveying not only provides a strong foundation for your civil engineering career, but it also prepares you for internships and fieldwork opportunities sooner.
- CAE 315 Materials of Construction Dive deep into the world of construction materials and discover how their properties influence the design of buildings, bridges, and other structures. You’ll explore the physical principles behind such materials as concrete, steel, wood, and asphalt, and learn how to test their strength, durability, and other key characteristics. This course emphasizes the application of solid mechanics concepts, providing you with the knowledge to analyze and design load-bearing structures that are safe, efficient, and sustainable.
- CAE 495 Capstone Senior Design Put your skills to the test in this culminating, project-based course. You’ll work in teams to tackle a real-world engineering challenge for an actual client. This is your chance to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines, demonstrate your mastery of civil engineering principles, and develop solutions that meet real-world needs. You’ll also gain valuable experience in teamwork, project management, and client communication, all while receiving professional mentorship from experienced engineers.
Admission to all undergraduate programs at Illinois Tech is evaluated via a holistic approach that takes various factors under consideration, including your high school performance and essays. Your choice of major will impact this process as well, because each major has its own criteria for admission.
To learn more about our admission selection process, recommended high school coursework, and our admitted student profile, please visit our admission website.
Tuition and Fees
Learn more about the university’s general tuition and fees, visit the Student Accounting website.
To get a more in-depth idea of the tuition and fees for the [insert degree name], you can utilize the net price calculator tool.
Featured Faculty
Matthew J. Gombeda
Stephen Kleps
Zongzhi Li
Mehdi Modares
Brent Stephens
Jonathan E. Says...
“I thought that engineering was just about building stuff, but it’s more about making things better. Not just building something better, but actually making things better. Making your community better, and making the world around you better in whatever way that you have an opportunity to do that. That’s the responsibility of an engineer.”
2025 Grainger Computing Innovation Prize first place winner.
Michael Sansone (CE, M.Eng. Urban Systems Engineering 5th Year)
Jiri Zeman’s fascination with technology and hydroponics got him started. In Stuart’s tech entrepreneurship program, he developed the skill sets and experience for his business to flourish.
Jiri Zeman (CE, M.Eng. CEM ’23, M.S. TENT ’25)
Jenelle Hill says Illinois Tech’s civil engineering program set her up for career success.
Jenelle Hill (CE ’11, M.A.S. PW ’16)Get In Touch
To learn more about the program, please reach out to Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering at at caee@illinoistech.edu.
FAQs
Q: Are there any specializations for the B.S. in Civil Engineering at Illinois Tech?
A: Yes, students can specialize in:
- Civil-Environmental Engineering
- Construction Engineering and Management
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
Q: How long does it take to get a civil engineering degree?
A: The B.S. in Civil Engineering at Illinois Tech is a four-year undergraduate program with a total of 130 credit hours.
Q: Is civil engineering an in-demand field right now?
A: Yes! According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of civil engineers is expected to increase faster than the national average with a projected 5 percent growth from 2024 to 2034.