In Fall 2021, UC Merced began offering a new Civil Engineering major. We developed a forward-looking civil engineering program focused on students who want to be active players in building a sustainable future. We are not just teaching how to design a building to make sure it carries a load, but also about the use of sustainable energy and building materials to reduce our impact on the environment. The program also received a generous donation from Top Con Positioning Systems which will help prepare students for careers in the industry by giving them hands-on experience with top-of-the-line gear.
The undergraduate major in Civil Engineering prepares students for careers in both private and public organizations concerned with managing air quality, water quality and supply, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, infrastructure, energy systems, public health, and the long-term social, economic, and environmental welfare of our society. The program is also a good foundation for further study in engineering, earth science, business, management, law, policy, planning, and public health.
The curriculum provides students with a quantitative understanding of the physical, chemical, ecological, economic, and biological principles that govern the quality of our natural and engineered environment and focuses on the design, development, implementation, and assessment of sustainable engineering solutions to society’s complex environmental, social, and technological challenges. The program teaches a holistic or systems approach to problem-solving and emphasizes four areas: (1) Hydrology and water resources, (2) Environmental Engineering, (3) Geomatics, and (4) Sustainable structures.
Learn more about our Civil Engineering Program Learning Outcomes.
View Course Catalog (navigate to "School of Engineering" and select program/catalog year)
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Potential Careers
Civil engineers design, build, and supervise infrastructure projects and systems.
Water resources engineers design new systems and equipment for the management of human water resources. These systems might include water treatment facilities, underground wells and natural springs. These engineers work to provide citizens with clean, uncontaminated water for drinking, living and recreational purposes. A water resource engineer considers costs, government regulations and other factors when implementing or redesigning systems.
Geomatic engineers measure, develop, and analyze data relating to the earth and it's relative envrionment by processing spatial information about land & man-made features and natural resources.
Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems.
Planning engineers create project plans and decide on the proper engineering techniques to ensure the project meets qualifications. Planners set target dates and monitor progress through analysis and reporting. Planning engineers coordinate with other team members to direct workloads and manage expectations. Planners use past and present data to develop sustainable strategies for future projects.
City engineers are employed by city governments to build new structures or repair or replace aging infrastructure. City engineers design roads, bridges and other city infrastructure while adhering to timetables and budget requirements. City engineers consider environmental, health and safety and federal regulations in their design. These engineers may consult with city government officials and the public to fulfill population needs while meeting quality standards.
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