Civil & Environmental Engineering

Civil & Environmental Engineering

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Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Concentrations Offered

Environmental Engineering

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Build the World Around You: Design roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems.

02

Make an Impact: Civil engineers help keep communities safe, connected, and sustainable. Their work can improve the quality of life for thousands of people.

03

Strong Careers, Anywhere: Civil engineers are in demand across the country and worldwide. The field offers reliable job opportunities and competitive salaries.

04

Hands-On and Creative: Civil engineering combines problem-solving, design, and teamwork. It’s not just desk work; civil engineers often work on tangible projects and job sites.

05

Choose Your Path: From environmental to structural engineering, there are many specialties to explore.

Core
Skills

  • Critical thinking skills to help solve real world problems.
  • Focus on application, rather than theory.
  • Understanding of a wide breadth of subject areas.

Sample
Jobs

  • Project Manager
  • Structural Engineer
  • Geotechnical Engineer
  • Environmental Engineer
  • City Planner

Successful Career Outcomes

99% of Mississippi State University civil engineering graduates reported a successful career outcome within six months after finishing their degrees.

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Major construction companies
  • State and Federal agencies (Department of Transportations, Army Corp of Engineers, etc.)
  • City Government (City planners, utilities, etc.)
  • Wide range of private consultants
  • Environmental and Water Engineering

Brag
Points

  • Civil Engineering is the broadest and oldest form of engineering.
  • Civil Engineering offers you incredibly hands-on experiences in a wide range of labs that link to real-world problems.
  • As a graduate, you can see your projects fulfilled from concept to completion.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Co-ops and Internships

Co-ops and internships allow you to alternate semesters of paid, full-time work with academic study, giving you extended, hands-on experience before you graduate. You’ll apply what you learn in the classroom to real engineering projects, build professional skills, and often graduate with a stronger resume, industry connections, and a clearer sense of your career goals.

Civil & Environmental Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Take fundamental math and science courses like MA 1713, MA 1723, CH 1213 and CH 1223, and PH 2213. 

 

1st Summer

Consider finding an internship close to home or job shadow individuals in your community. Take a class or participate in one of our amazing study abroad opportunities.

2nd Year

Take more in-depth courses like CE 2213, EM 2413, CE 2803, EM 3313, EM 3213 and CE 3113. 

 

2nd Summer

This summer is a great chance to get a solid internship and begin determining where you may want to focus your efforts upon graduation. Apply early for the best shot! Consider using this summer to participate in undergraduate research or extra classes. 

3rd Year

Take more targeted civil engineering classes like CE 3823, CE 3503, CE 3603, CE 3413, and CE 3313. This year tends to be the most hands-on year, with a wide range of labs like water, environmental, soils, and construction materials. 

 

3rd Summer

This is your last summer to set the stage for your first job. Seek a summer internship that could produce a job offer in your ideal location and field. Plan for that American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) student team you wish to join in your senior year, or study for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam you will take in your senior year. 

4th Year

Take specialty civil courses like CE 4883, CE 4863, CE 4523, CE 4513, CE 4963, CE 4703, CE 4433 or CE 4103. Consider participating in a research symposium and competing in an ASCE competition while building real-world experiences. Get a job!  

4th Summer

By this point, most students will have graduated in May and are off to their first full-time jobs with their Civil Engineering degree in hand! We work hard in civil engineering to graduate students on time. However, we do offer a wide range of summer classes to help students who need extra time to complete their degrees. 

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

Look into joining clubs like the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) or the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). Consider visiting the Career Center to work on your resume and interview skills.

2nd Year

Get more involved and join an ASCE competition team. Seek summer internships or a study abroad experience. 

3rd Year

Get hands-on experience in a heavy year of labs, working with water, soils, and construction materials. Secure an internship that can lead to a job for you.

4th Year

Consider taking part in a research symposium, attending and competing in an ASCE competition, and building real-world experiences. Examples include the Concrete Canoe or Steel Bridge competitions.  

Connect with Community

1st Year

Consider volunteering around campus and in the community. Look into service projects through ASCE, ITE, Engineers Without Borders, or other community-focused organizations connected to civil engineering. 

2nd Year

Get more involved with an organization. Consider a leadership role, or join a competition team to learn from older students. 

3rd Year

Become an active member of a team project or competition team. Be present and active at recruitment events. Find your fit in the many activities you encounter across campus and in the community. 

4th Year

Be a leader of a team, a project, or a competition. Engage with faculty about the field you are interested in pursuing after graduation. Consider submitting research and attending a conference where you can present. 

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Meet with the Career Center. Create your resume and have it critiqued. Converse with other students, your faculty, and your advisor about areas you might want to explore. 

2nd Year

Get more involved with the Career Center. Attend career fairs and opportunities offered at ASCE and ITE meetings as well as departmental events. 

3rd Year

Search out and secure a summer internship or 3-semester co-op related to your interests and abilities. Make note of your transferable skills you'll use after graduation. 

4th Year

Take advantage of MSU's many resources to help you secure a job. Talk with the Career Center, your academic advisor, and faculty members, and attend company lunches, guest speaker presentations, etc. Apply for jobs early and often.  

Major Maps are intended as general planning guides and may be updated as academic requirements, policies, and opportunities change. The MSU Academic Catalog in effect for the student’s catalog year is the official source for degree requirements and policies.

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