Civil engineers use imagination, creativity, and technical expertise to design, construct, and maintain the physical and operational infrastructure systems that keep society functioning. Buildings, bridges, railroads, airports, highways, mass transit systems, dams, waste disposal facilities, environmental protection systems, water supplies, harbors and beaches are some of the results of civil engineering work. This wide range of projects makes civil engineering graduates well positioned for productive careers.
Widener’s civil engineering program provides a broad-based education in a supportive environment that encourages inquisitive, analytical, and creative thinking, while exposing students to real-world practical aspects of the civil engineering profession. Faculty members have an earned doctorate, or a professional engineering license - most have both. And all advise and mentor students and actively encourage questions in and out of class. The civil engineering curriculum can easily be combined with a minor in environmental engineering or mechanical engineering. Minors in business or liberal arts are also available.
Program Educational Objectives
Graduates of Widener’s civil engineering program are expected to:
- Perform successfully in Civil Engineering practice by utilizing technical, organizational, and business skills to meet the needs of their employers, clients, and communities
- Demonstrate commitment to professionalism in engineering practice by pursuing appropriate professional licensure and certifications
- Communicate in multiple formats and interact effectively with diverse groups of co-workers, other professionals, clients, and the public
- Expand professional competency by engaging in relevant continuous learning through pursuits such as graduate studies or continuing professional development
- Contribute to the advancement of the profession and the community through involvement and leadership in appropriate organizations and activities.
Student Outcomes
Over the course of their studies, graduates of the program shall have demonstrated:
1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies