Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Charmed by the process of building infrastructure? Learn about construction management and structural engineering. Lead the next generation of builders!

Overview

A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Civil Engineering is an undergraduate degree program that focuses on the study of designing, constructing, and maintaining physical infrastructure and systems. It provides students with a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, engineering principles, and technical skills required for a career in civil engineering.

Here is an overview of what you can expect from a BS in Civil Engineering program:

Core Curriculum: The program begins with a core curriculum that covers foundational courses in mathematics, physics, and engineering fundamentals. These courses provide a solid understanding of calculus, mechanics, materials science, and structural analysis.
Engineering Design: As you progress through the program, you will learn about engineering design principles and techniques. This includes the conceptualization, planning, and analysis of civil engineering projects. You will develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and applying engineering principles to design structures and systems.
Structural Engineering: The program will cover courses related to structural engineering, where you will learn about the analysis and design of various structures such as buildings, bridges, dams, and tunnels. This includes studying structural materials, structural analysis methods, and the principles of load distribution and structural stability.
Geotechnical Engineering: Geotechnical engineering focuses on the behavior and properties of soil and rock materials. You will learn about soil mechanics, foundation engineering, slope stability, and geotechnical site investigations. This knowledge is crucial for designing stable foundations and ensuring the safety and stability of structures.
Transportation Engineering: Courses in transportation engineering cover topics such as highway design, traffic engineering, transportation planning, and mass transit systems. You will learn about designing efficient transportation networks, optimizing traffic flow, and addressing transportation infrastructure challenges.
Water Resources Engineering: Water resources engineering focuses on the management, distribution, and sustainability of water resources. You will study topics such as hydrology, hydraulics, water supply systems, wastewater management, and flood control. This knowledge is important for designing and managing water-related infrastructure projects.
Environmental Engineering: Environmental engineering courses cover topics such as water and wastewater treatment, air pollution control, solid waste management, and environmental impact assessments. You will learn about designing systems and processes to protect and improve the environment.
Construction Management: The program may include courses on construction management, where you will learn about project planning, cost estimation, scheduling, and project control. You will gain skills in managing construction projects, ensuring adherence to specifications, and handling construction-related challenges.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Civil engineering programs often incorporate CAD software for drafting, modeling, and simulating civil engineering projects. You will gain proficiency in using CAD tools to create accurate engineering drawings and visualize designs.
Practical Experience: Many BS in Civil Engineering programs provide opportunities for practical experience through laboratory work, field studies, internships, or co-op programs. These experiences allow you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings and gain hands-on skills in data collection, analysis, and problem-solving.

Upon completion of a BS in Civil Engineering program, you will be prepared for various career opportunities in the field. Civil engineers work in areas such as structural design, transportation planning, geotechnical engineering, water resources management, construction management, and environmental engineering. You may find employment in consulting firms, construction companies, government agencies, or research organizations. Additionally, you may choose to pursue further education or obtain professional licensure to specialize in specific areas of civil engineering.

Career Opportunities

Structural Engineer: Designing and analyzing structures such as buildings, bridges, and dams to ensure their safety, stability, and durability.
Geotechnical Engineer: Evaluating soil and rock properties to design stable foundations for structures, assessing slope stability, and managing geotechnical aspects of construction projects.
Transportation Engineer: Planning, designing, and managing transportation infrastructure, including highways, airports, railways, and urban transit systems.
Water Resources Engineer: Managing water resources, including water supply systems, wastewater treatment plants, flood control measures, and hydraulic structures.
Environmental Engineer: Addressing environmental issues related to civil engineering projects, such as water and air pollution control, waste management, and sustainable design practices.
Construction Project Manager: Overseeing construction projects from planning to completion, managing budgets, schedules, and resources while ensuring compliance with specifications and regulations.
Urban Planner: Assessing land use, developing city plans, and designing sustainable communities that optimize infrastructure and improve quality of life.
Coastal Engineer: Designing and managing coastal structures and systems to address erosion, flooding, and other coastal hazards.
Surveying and Mapping Engineer: Conducting surveys, creating maps, and collecting data for engineering and construction projects.
Building Services Engineer: Designing and managing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems within buildings to ensure functionality, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.
Construction Materials Engineer: Testing and analyzing construction materials, such as concrete, asphalt, and steel, to ensure quality and performance.
Municipal Engineer: Working with local governments to plan, design, and manage public infrastructure projects, including roads, water supply systems, and sewage systems.
Research and Development Engineer: Engaging in research and development activities to advance the field of civil engineering and develop innovative solutions for infrastructure challenges.
Consulting Engineer: Providing specialized expertise and consulting services to clients, offering technical advice, feasibility studies, and engineering solutions.
Academia: Pursuing a career in teaching and research in civil engineering at universities and research institutions.

Agencies and institutions that employ

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH): The primary government agency responsible for planning, design, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, flood control systems, and buildings.
National Irrigation Administration (NIA): An agency focused on the development and management of irrigation systems and water resources for agriculture.
Local Government Units (LGUs): Municipalities, cities, and provinces employ civil engineers for various infrastructure projects and urban planning initiatives.
Department of Transportation (DOTr): Responsible for transportation planning and infrastructure development, including airports, seaports, railways, and road networks.
Philippine Ports Authority (PPA): Oversees the development and management of seaports and harbor facilities nationwide.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA): Responsible for urban planning, traffic management, and infrastructure projects in Metro Manila.
Construction and Engineering Firms: Private construction and engineering companies, such as DMCI, Aboitiz Construction Group, Megawide Construction Corporation, and EEI Corporation, hire civil engineers for project management, design, and construction roles.
Consultancy Firms: Engineering consultancy firms, including international companies like Arup, AECOM, and WSP, as well as local firms, offer civil engineering services and employ professionals in various disciplines.
Water and Power Utilities: Companies like Maynilad Water Services, Manila Water, and Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) employ civil engineers for infrastructure planning and maintenance.
Research and Development Institutes: Research institutions like the University of the Philippines National Engineering Center (UP NEC) and Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) engage civil engineers in research and development initiatives.
Real Estate and Property Development Companies: Organizations involved in real estate and property development, such as Ayala Land, SM Prime Holdings, and Robinsons Land Corporation, hire civil engineers for project management and infrastructure development.

Learning Outcomes

Technical Knowledge: You will gain a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles related to civil engineering. This includes understanding concepts such as structural analysis, mechanics, materials science, fluid mechanics, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, and environmental engineering.
Problem-Solving Skills: Civil engineering education emphasizes problem-solving abilities. You will learn how to analyze complex problems, develop creative solutions, and make informed engineering decisions using scientific principles and data.
Design and Construction: You will learn design principles and techniques applicable to various civil engineering projects, such as buildings, bridges, roads, water supply systems, wastewater treatment plants, and more. This includes understanding design codes and standards, construction materials, and construction techniques.
Structural Analysis and Design: You will develop skills in analyzing and designing structures for various loads and conditions, ensuring their safety, stability, and durability. This includes learning about structural systems, designing beams, columns, and foundations, and using structural analysis software.
Geotechnical Engineering: You will gain knowledge of soil mechanics, foundation design, slope stability, and earthworks. This includes understanding soil properties, performing soil tests, and applying geotechnical principles to ensure stable foundations and mitigate geotechnical risks.
Transportation Engineering: You will learn about transportation planning, highway design, traffic engineering, and mass transit systems. This includes understanding transportation infrastructure, traffic flow analysis, transportation modeling, and sustainable transportation practices.
Water Resources and Environmental Engineering: You will gain knowledge of water resources management, water supply systems, wastewater treatment, flood control, and environmental impact assessment. This includes understanding hydrology, hydraulics, water quality, and environmental regulations.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Modeling: Civil engineering programs often incorporate CAD software and computer modeling tools for designing and analyzing civil engineering projects. You will gain proficiency in using these tools to create accurate engineering drawings and simulate designs.
Project Management: Civil engineering projects require effective project management skills. You will learn project planning, scheduling, cost estimation, and resource management. This includes understanding project contracts, procurement processes, and project control techniques.
Communication and Collaboration: Civil engineers often work in multidisciplinary teams and interact with clients, contractors, and stakeholders. You will develop effective communication skills, teamwork abilities, and the ability to present and explain engineering concepts to non-technical audiences.
Professional Ethics and Responsibility: Civil engineering education emphasizes ethical conduct, professional responsibility, and the consideration of social, environmental, and economic factors in engineering decision-making.
Lifelong Learning: Civil engineering is a field that requires continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies, research advancements, and industry practices. You will develop a mindset of lifelong learning to stay updated with the latest developments in the field.