Civil Engineering, as defined by the American Society of Civil Engineers, is a profession in which a knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences gained by study, experience, and practice is applied with judgment to develop ways to utilize, economically, the materials and forces of nature for the progressive well-being of humanity in creating, improving and protecting the environment, in providing facilities for community living, industry and transportation, and in providing structures for the use of humanity. Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, water supply, water and wastewater treatment, and many other systems. Major specialties within civil engineering include structural, geotechnical, water resources, transportation, environmental, and construction engineering. The Mission of the Civil Engineering Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato, is to provide an exceptional, practice-based engineering education with ties to industry, enabling graduates to excel in any discipline within the civil engineering profession and serve people throughout Minnesota, across the Nation, and around the globe. Program Objecitves: Within 3-6 years of graduation, Minnesota State University, Mankato civil engineering graduates are expected to contribute to the profession and to society by achieving a combination of the following. Pursue leadership positions and advanced responsibilities in their profession and/or community. Become a licensed professional engineer, mindful of the safety, health, and welfare of the public. Further their education through professional development and/or post-graduate studies. Other important features of a civil engineering education at Minnesota State Mankato include: Senior students work together as a design team in a full academic year course incorporating multiple civil engineering disciplines in a comprehensive design project. Students work closely with engineers from design firms and government agencies, and with faculty and students from other engineering courses in the senior design project. Students take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam in their senior year the first step towards professional registration. The faculty maintain ties to industry, keeping current with new technologies, design methodologies, and the world of civil engineering practice a valuable resource for students. Preparation. Recommended high school preparation is one year each of precalculus, physics and chemistry. Without this background it may take longer than four years to earn the degree. Computer skills such as programming, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations are also recommended.
