Civil Engineering

Specific educational objectives of the Civil Engineering Program are:

1. Provide an engineering education attributing technical knowledge and expertise in environmental, structural, transportation and water resources areas through a curriculum of study that results in a graduate having a sound background in the basic sciences, the engineering sciences, and engineering design as well as breadth and depth experiences through studies in the humanities and in the social sciences.


2. Prepare graduates for successful professional careers in civil engineering.


3. Produce civil engineers who observe professional ethics, maintain a high standard of practice, have the breadth of vision to solve problems of today and the future, and provide leadership in the profession.


4. Prepare graduates for successful completion of graduate studies.


5. Prepare graduates to serve society, contribute to the body of knowledge of the profession and to raise the general level of engineering competence and achievement via the dissemination of knowledge developed or acquired through public service to the citizens of the state and the nation.

• The ratio of faculty to students in the department is roughly 1-to-14.

• More than 450 Prairie View civil engineering graduates have served the state and nation since 1954.

• Prairie View's Summer Transportation Institute is a four-week program that introduces promising high school students to the transportation industry.

• Prairie View's student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is affiliated with the ASCE Texas section.

• The civil engineering program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Degrees offered

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (B.S.C.E.)

• Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.ENGR.) with a concentration in civil engineering

• Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.ENGR.) with a concentration in environmental engineering

A satisfying, well-paying job that serves to benefit others.

While that's the dream of most college students, it's the reality for Prairie View civil engineering graduates.

Career opportunities are diverse and industry demand is high, particularly in light of heightened infrastructure and environmental concerns. A civil engineering degree prepares students for jobs in transportation, environmental, structural, water resources and construction fields. A career in civil engineering is a rewarding career option, with projects focused on helping others and job availability in both government and the private sector. Job satisfaction remains high for civil engineers, with most first jobs turning into long-term career commitments.

Our Program

When it comes to enjoying the pleasures of modern life, we count on civil engineers. Prairie View's civil engineering department prepares students to plan, design, construct and operate facilities essential to safe and comfortable lifestyles.

Prairie View's civil engineering students upon graduation are ready to take on challenges in such areas as the environment, transportation, structures, water and wastewater systems, urban development, flood control and even space satellites and launching facilities. As future civil engineers, our students are depended upon to plan for a better future.

Prairie View civil engineering graduates are known for their professional ethics, high standards of practice, leadership abilities and vision. They are public servants who listen and act upon the concerns and desires of everyday people.

Undergraduate Education

In Prairie View's civil engineering department, students receive high-quality training, essential to the development of graduates who will excel in their field. Through our Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (B.S.C.E.) curriculum, students are educated academically and socially to make significant contributions to the society where they live and work.

Civil engineering undergraduates are provided with the best technical and professional training and real-life experiences available in preparing them for both graduate research and successful careers. Students receive a sound background in basic sciences, engineering sciences and engineering design coupled with studies in the humanities and in the social sciences. With a small student-to-faculty ratio, students get the personal attention they deserve, along with opportunities to engage in research consistent with their individual interests.

Outside of the classroom, students are met with numerous summer job and internship opportunities that contribute to their educational preparedness for future employment.

Graduate Education

The Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.ENGR.) program with two concentrations in civil engineering and environmental engineering are offered through the civil engineering department.The course work is geared towards structural engineering and environmental engineering. Classes are taught on the campus and also at The University Center in The Woodlands. This unique program combines engineering with science and management. Specifically, it is designed to enhance students' technical and management skills, thus making them more competitive in their profession.

Faculty

Along with an emphasis on working one-on-one with their students, faculty members in the civil engineering department undertake a wide range of research in their respective fields. The faculty represents the four major sub-areas of civil engineering: environmental, structural, transportation and water resources. The funded research projects are sponsored by corporations as well as state and federal agencies.

Dr. Judy A. Perkins, Professor and Department Head, Transportation

Dr. Raghava R. Kommalapati, Associate Professor, Environmental

Dr. Ramalingam Radhakrishnan, Associate Professor, Structures

Dr. Khandaker M.A. Rahman, Associate Professor, Water Resources

Dr. Hsiang Y.Yeh, Professor, Structures

Civil Engineering Student Organizations

Prairie View's civil engineering department sponsors the Civil Engineering Honors Club, as well as a student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers.