Why study civil and environmental engineering?
Civil and environmental engineers have an important goal: to solve problems and critical challenges of the 21st Century. From transportation to water quality to earthquake resilience, civil and environmental engineers play a crucial role in enabling livable, sustainable cities, healthy environments and strong economies. Civil and environmental engineers design, build, operate and maintain urban environments to improve people’s lives.
Rankings
The University of Washington is a world-renowned institution. Below are a few recent rankings:
- University of Washington ranked the 59th best national institution and the 20th top public school, U.S. News and World Report
- University of Washington ranked ninth among world universities for academic disciplines, Center for World University Rankings
- UW Engineering ranked #21 best overall undergraduate program, U.S. News & World Report
- UW CEE grad programs ranked #20 for civil engineering and #25 for environmental engineering, U.S. News & World Report
Two bachelor's programs: BSCE and BSENVE
Housed in an outstanding university, UW CEE offers two premier undergraduate programs: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering (BSENVE). The BSCE program is appropriate for students interested in civil and environmental engineering from a big-picture perspective. For students who desire a specialized focus in environmental engineering, the new BSENVE program offers a specific focus on the environment. Students in both programs, which are detailed below, may participate in study abroad programs led by CEE faculty, which can count toward degree requirements.
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Civil engineers have a direct and lasting impact on how we live on this planet and interact with the environment by developing innovative approaches to address the needs of communities around the globe. They do this by using a diverse set of engineering skills to work on infrastructure and environmental challenges fundamental to our existence including things like safe shelter, clean water, clean air, mobility, sustainability, equity and resilience.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineers work to both safeguard and improve the quality of the environment. By utilizing a combination of scientific and engineering principles, they help protect the world and its people from environmental impacts caused by natural and human activities.