Civil Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering is the practice of planning, designing, and constructing public and private works, such as buildings, bridges, highways, water and wastewater treatment plants, and environmental remediation facilities. The civil engineering program at SF State prepares graduates to meet the demands of the profession. The faculty is professionally active and brings this experience into the classroom.

Students at SF State obtain a basic and comprehensive background in engineering sciences and civil engineering. Elective courses during the senior year of study provide students with further specialization in selected areas of civil engineering. Practical applications and design methods are presented throughout the curriculum. Students complete several design projects during the course of their studies, including a major design project during the final year.

For students admitted before Fall 2023, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Civil Engineering requires 127 units. Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Civil engineering courses constitute 91 units, with the remaining 36 units in general education.

For students admitted in or after Fall 2023, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Civil Engineering requires 126 units. Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Civil engineering courses constitute 93 units, with the remaining 33 units in general education.

The B.S. in Civil Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Civil Engineering Program Criteria.

Careers in Civil Engineering

Graduates with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering find career opportunities in the design, analysis, and construction of environmental projects, waste treatment facilities, buildings, bridges, dams, and transportation systems. Employment opportunities are offered by large corporations, small consulting firms, and government agencies. Some civil engineering form their own consulting firms after gaining practical experience.

Civil engineering students interested in management and business aspects of the profession may wish to pursue a Master's degree in Engineering Management or Business Administration. Those interested in research, development, or college-level teaching can pursue an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in a specialized area of civil engineering.

Enrollment and Graduation Data

Enrollment and Graduation Data for the Civil Engineering Program, as of Fall 2023, is sourced from SFSU's Institutional Research.