Search

Search

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

James H. Garrett Jr., Head
Office: Porter Hall 119-D
http://www.ce.cmu.edu/

The role of civil and environmental engineers, in the broadest sense, is to apply technology to meet society's needs. Civil engineers plan, design, and manage facilities used daily by the public and industry, such as buildings, airports, water supply, and waste management systems. They work at the intersection of the built, natural, and information environments. Today's civil and environmental engineers are also called upon by government and industry to provide leadership on complex technical and societal issues such as demands for infrastructure improvement in our cities, remediation of hazardous waste sites, provision of safe drinking water, and incorporation of environmental safeguards in new designs. Civil and Environmental Engineering requires broad technical training and strong communication skills because of the complexity of large projects and the interactions with engineers in other fields, lawyers, politicians, and the public. Carnegie Mellon's curriculum is intended to provide this versatility for professional practice in civil and environmental engineering or as a foundation for other professional pursuits.

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers a wide spectrum of opportunities for direct entry into the engineering profession, for graduate education in engineering, or entry into various other professions. While maintaining its emphasis on the fundamental understanding of the behavior of constructed facilities through the application of the physical sciences and mathematics, the curriculum has continually evolved in directions that exploit advances in technology. The methods of engineering design are introduced in the freshman year and are emphasized throughout the curriculum in both traditional and open-ended project-oriented courses. The basic undergraduate degree program leads to a B.S. in Civil Engineering. Students with a specific interest in Environmental Engineering are advised to undertake the Minor in Environmental Engineering and Sustainability.

Central to the evolution of technology and its impact on engineering practice is the increased emphasis on computer-aided engineering. Several courses on computer methods are required in the curriculum, and virtually every course offered by the department requires the use of computers in applications of either analysis or design. Our curriculum emphasizes the development of scientific inquiry with the perspective of social, economic, and institutional developments. For graduates who wish to enter directly the engineering profession in such specialties as structural engineering, construction, or environmental engineering, this approach to teaching allows application of the most advanced technological developments. Others who wish to pursue graduate study are prepared to engage in research on the highest level, either in traditional specialties or in emerging fields such as smarter infrastructure. For many years, some graduates also have found their undergraduate preparation highly suited for entry into graduate schools of business, law, and medicine.

A student may choose to concentrate in one of the specialty areas in Civil Engineering, to pursue a minor in one of the CIT designated minor programs, or to design a double major or double degree program. The specialty areas offered by the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department are described in this section. The CIT designated minor programs can be found under the Carnegie Institute of Technology section. The double-major requirements with Biomedical Engineering and with Engineering and Public Policy are described in the curriculum specified by those departments. Other double-major programs selected by recent graduates include computer science, economics, mathematics, business, architecture, history, and foreign languages. Each student should have well defined objectives in selecting courses leading to a specialty, a minor, or a double major. Faculty advisors are available to discuss students' educational goals.

Educational Objectives

The objectives of the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering curriculum are to develop graduates who embody the following definitions:

  • Graduates distinguish themselves within their organizations as someone able to complete both conventional and cutting-edge professional challenges related to one or more of the areas of the built, natural, and information environments;
  • Graduates work for a wide range of engineering and non-engineering organizations located both in the U.S. and internationally, and work on a wide range of activities, such as academic research, government service and private sector activity; and
  • Graduates are innovative, proactive, and adaptive professionals, highly engaged in their professional communities.

The Civil Engineering curriculum is intended to allow ample opportunity for students to pursue areas of personal interest. The opportunity for self-exploration requires careful advising to gain meaningful educational experiences. We believe that design and team working experiences should occur at regular intervals in the curriculum, and that graduates should have appropriate “hands on” experience in laboratories and projects. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects and to pursue study or work abroad.

The Civil Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

By the end of the B.S. program, students should have achieved the following student outcomes: 

    A.  an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering

    B. an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data

    C. an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic     constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety,     manufacturability, and sustainability

    D. an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams

    E. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems

    F. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility

    G. an ability to communicate effectively

    H. the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a     global, economic, environmental, and societal context

    I. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong learning

    J. a knowledge of contemporary issues relevant to engineering practice

    K. an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for       engineering practice

The curriculum has been designed, and is periodically evaluated and refined, to provide students instruction and experiences that lead to the development of these abilities and skills.

All students admitted to CIT are not required to declare a major until the end of the freshman year, and may have selected a variety of Introductory Engineering Electives and associated Restricted Technical Electives within the common foundation specified for freshmen in CIT. Regardless of this selection in the freshman year, a civil engineering major is expected to have completed, in addition to 12-100 Introduction to Civil and Environmental Engineering, the following Restricted Technical Electives by the end of the sophomore year:

09-105Introduction to Modern Chemistry I10
09-101Introduction to Experimental Chemistry3
15-110Principles of Computing10
21-120Differential and Integral Calculus10
21-122Integration, Differential Equations and Approximation10
33-106Physics I for Engineering Students12
33-107Physics II for Engineering Students12

Appearing below is the recommended four-year program of study for the BS in civil engineering. Advising and formulation of appropriate programs is available through the department for transfer students, students with advanced placement, or students wishing to study overseas.

 

Curriculum

Freshman Year
Fall Units
12-100Introduction to Civil and Environmental Engineering12
21-120Differential and Integral Calculus10
33-106Physics I for Engineering Students12
99-10xComputing @ Carnegie Mellon3
xx-xxxH&SS Elective9
 46

Spring Units
xx-xxxIntroduction to Engineering (other than CEE)12
21-122Integration, Differential Equations and Approximation10
33-107Physics II for Engineering Students12
xx-xxxH&SS Elective9
 43
Sophomore Year
Fall Units
12-212Statics9
21-259Calculus in Three Dimensions9
09-101Introduction to Experimental Chemistry3
15-110Principles of Computing10
09-105Introduction to Modern Chemistry I10
xx-xxxH&SS Elective9
 50

Spring Units
12-231Solid Mechanics9
12-232Solid Mechanics Lab3
12-271Introduction to Computer Application in Civil & Environmental Engineering9
21-260Differential Equations9
xx-xxxDietrich College or CFA Elective9
xx-xxxElective 19
 48

* Notes: If a student takes an Introduction to Engineering course which has a co-requisite other than Physics II, the co-requisite (either 15-110 or 09-105 and 09-101 ) should be taken in the freshman year while Physics II will fill the respective slot in the sophomore year.

Since CIT freshmen are not required to select a major, the above curriculum is based on the assumption that a potential CEE student is likely to select 12-100 as one of the two Introduction to Engineering courses in the freshman year. Otherwise, incoming sophomores should take 12-100 in the fall in lieu of Modern Chemistry or the H&SS elective.

Junior Year
Fall Units
12-301Civil Environmental Engineering Projects9
12-335Soil Mechanics9
12-336Soil Mechanics Laboratory3
12-355Fluid Mechanics9
12-356Fluid Mechanics Lab3
xx-xxxH&SS or CFA Elective9
xx-xxxElective 29
 51

Spring Units
12-351Environmental Engineering9
12-352Environmental Engineering Lab3
27-357Introduction to Materials Selection6
12-358Materials Lab3
36-220Engineering Statistics and Quality Control9
xx-xxxElective 39
xx-xxxElective 49
 48
Senior Year
Fall Units
12-401Civil & Environmental Engineering Design15
12-411Project Management for Construction9
12-421Engineering Economics6
xx-xxxH&SS or CFA Elective9
xx-xxxElective 59
 48

Spring Units
xx-xxxH&SS or CFA Elective9
xx-xxxDietrich College or CFA Elective9
xx-xxxElective 69
xx-xxxElective 79
xx-xxxElective 89
 45
379Minimum number of units required for degree:
Notes on Electives

  1. One elective must be in the basic sciences, from the following list:

03-121Modern Biology9
12-201Geology9

Substitutions may be made only with the approval of the Department Head.

  2. One elective course is restricted to a 600-level Civil Engineering course
      except 12-648 and 12-690 . The Civil Engineering elective is a
      co-requisite for 12-401 .

Specialty Areas in Civil Engineering

Students are encouraged to select a set of civil engineering and technical electives in the junior and senior years that enable them to concentrate in a specialty area if they so desire. Some available options for grouping electives into specialty areas, together with representative course selections, are indicated below.

Infrastructure Systems
Units
12-600AutoCAD3
12-605Design and Construction9
12-631Structural Design12
12-636Geotechnical Engineering9
12-657Water Resources Engineering9
15-211Fundamental Data Structures and Algorithms12
18-100Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering12
21-228Discrete Mathematics9
21-241Matrices and Linear Transformations10
 85
Environmental Engineering
Units
12-657Water Resources Engineering9
12-636Geotechnical Engineering9
12-658Hydraulic Structures9
12-651Air Quality Engineering9
06-221Thermodynamics9
06-620Global Atmospheric Chemistry: Fundamentals and Data Analysis Methods9
09-510Introduction to Green Chemistry9
24-424Energy and the Environment9
48-596LEED Buildings and Green Design6
 78
Structures, Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
Units
12-600AutoCAD3
12-605Design and Construction9
12-635Structural Analysis9
24-370Engineering Design I: Methods and Skills12
12-631Structural Design12
12-636Geotechnical Engineering9
21-228Discrete Mathematics9
21-241Matrices and Linear Transformations10
24-262Stress Analysis12
24-356Engineering Vibrations11
 96

Double Majors and Minors

Civil engineering students may pursue double majors and minors in a variety of subjects, taking advantage of the free elective courses for other requirements. The college of engineering has added designated minors to promote flexibility and diversity among engineering students. Many CEE undergraduates pursue designated minors in such areas as Engineering Design or Environmental Engineering and Sustainability.

Co-Operative Education Program

Students in civil engineering are encouraged to undertake professional internships during summer breaks. In addition, a formal cooperative internship program is available for either Jan-Aug or May-Dec in the junior year. Students undertaking these 8-month professional internships would ordinarily graduate after an additional semester of study. Program details are available from the Career Center or the Civil and Environmental Engineering office.

Integrated B.S./M.S. Program

Interested undergraduates may plan a course of study that leads to both the BS in Civil Engineering and the MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering. This course of study will ordinarily require ten semesters of study, although advanced placement or other study may reduce this time. Students can apply appropriate units earned as undergraduates for their MS program as long as they are beyond the 379 units required for the BS in Civil Engineering degree. In the ninth semester of study, students must register in graduate status. Interested students should consult their academic advisor or the CEE department office for information about admission to the MS program.

Faculty

AMIT ACHARYA, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign; Carnegie Mellon, 2000–.PETER ADAMS, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering and Public Policy – PhD., California Institute of Technology; Carnegie Mellon, 2001–.BURCU AKINCI, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., Stanford University; Carnegie Mellon, 2000–.MARIO BERGES, Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon Univesity; Carnegie Mellon, 2010–.JACOBO BIELAK, University Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., California Institute of Technology, , P.E.; Carnegie Mellon, 1978–.LAWRENCE G. CARTWRIGHT, Teaching Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of the Civil Engineering Laboratories – M.S., Carnegie Mellon University, P.E.; Carnegie Mellon, 1977–.JARED L. COHON, President and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, P.E.; Carnegie Mellon, 1997–.KAUSHIK DAYAL, Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., California Institute of Technology; Carnegie Mellon, 2008–.DAVID A. DZOMBAK, Walter J. Blenko, Sr. University Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, P.E.; Carnegie Mellon, 1989–.SUSAN FINGER, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Carnegie Mellon, 1989–.JAMES H. GARRETT, JR., Thomas Lord Professor and Head, Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University, P.E.; Carnegie Mellon, 1990–.KELVIN GREGORY, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., University of Iowa; Carnegie Mellon, 2006–.CHRIS T. HENDRICKSON, Duquesne Light Company University Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Carnegie Mellon, 1978–.ATHANASIOS KARAMALIDIS, Assistant Research Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., Democritus University of Thrace; Carnegie Mellon, 2010–.GREGORY LOWRY, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering . – Ph.D., University of Illinios; Carnegie Mellon, 2002–.H. SCOTT MATTHEWS, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering and Public Policy – Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University; Carnegie Mellon, 2001–.CRAIG MALONEY, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara; Carnegie Mellon, 2007–.IRVING J. OPPENHEIM, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture – Ph.D., Cambridge University, P.E.; Carnegie Mellon, 1972–.MITCHELL J. SMALL, H. John Heinz Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering and Public Policy – Ph.D., University of Michigan; Carnegie Mellon, 1982–.JAMES M. THOMPSON, Visiting Associate Teaching Professor – Ph.D., Lehigh University, P.E.; Carnegie Mellon, 2012–.JEANNE VANBRIESEN, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., Northwestern University, P.E.; Carnegie Mellon, 1999–.

Back To Top

Faculty

AMIT ACHARYA, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign; Carnegie Mellon, 2000–.PETER ADAMS, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering and Public Policy – PhD., California Institute of Technology; Carnegie Mellon, 2001–.BURCU AKINCI, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., Stanford University; Carnegie Mellon, 2000–.MARIO BERGES, Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon Univesity; Carnegie Mellon, 2010–.JACOBO BIELAK, University Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., California Institute of Technology, , P.E.; Carnegie Mellon, 1978–.LAWRENCE G. CARTWRIGHT, Teaching Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of the Civil Engineering Laboratories – M.S., Carnegie Mellon University, P.E.; Carnegie Mellon, 1977–.JARED L. COHON, President and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, P.E.; Carnegie Mellon, 1997–.KAUSHIK DAYAL, Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., California Institute of Technology; Carnegie Mellon, 2008–.DAVID A. DZOMBAK, Walter J. Blenko, Sr. University Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, P.E.; Carnegie Mellon, 1989–.SUSAN FINGER, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Carnegie Mellon, 1989–.JAMES H. GARRETT, JR., Thomas Lord Professor and Head, Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University, P.E.; Carnegie Mellon, 1990–.KELVIN GREGORY, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., University of Iowa; Carnegie Mellon, 2006–.CHRIS T. HENDRICKSON, Duquesne Light Company University Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Carnegie Mellon, 1978–.ATHANASIOS KARAMALIDIS, Assistant Research Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., Democritus University of Thrace; Carnegie Mellon, 2010–.GREGORY LOWRY, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering . – Ph.D., University of Illinios; Carnegie Mellon, 2002–.H. SCOTT MATTHEWS, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering and Public Policy – Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University; Carnegie Mellon, 2001–.CRAIG MALONEY, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara; Carnegie Mellon, 2007–.IRVING J. OPPENHEIM, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture – Ph.D., Cambridge University, P.E.; Carnegie Mellon, 1972–.MITCHELL J. SMALL, H. John Heinz Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering and Public Policy – Ph.D., University of Michigan; Carnegie Mellon, 1982–.JAMES M. THOMPSON, Visiting Associate Teaching Professor – Ph.D., Lehigh University, P.E.; Carnegie Mellon, 2012–.JEANNE VANBRIESEN, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Ph.D., Northwestern University, P.E.; Carnegie Mellon, 1999–.

Copyright 2012 Carnegie Mellon University. All rights reserved.
Updated July 2012