Civil engineering

The B.S.C.E. in civil engineering is a 121-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

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Explore program courses in the University Catalog

Class format

Your lower-division courses will consist of a common core of courses in science, mathematics and engineering. You are encouraged to develop individual interests through the selection of technical electives.

Design procedures are introduced in the first and second year of the program, are intensified in the third year required courses and culminate in significant design experiences in technical elective courses in the fourth year.

Your third-year courses introduce the subject matter of the civil engineering sub-disciplines, while the fourth-year courses add depth in elective areas.  

You will participate in the college’s nationally recognized Interdisciplinary Capstone Design program, collaborating with a team on an industry- or department-sponsored project that builds teamwork, technical expertise and problem-solving skills while creating innovative solutions to real-world engineering challenges.

Industry connections throughout your academic journey provide valuable opportunities to build your professional network through paid internships, career networking events and employer engagement. These experiences help position you for successful placement in engineering careers or graduate programs.  

Faculty expertise

Faculty are here to support academic and experiential learning with expertise in:  

• Water resources, hydraulics and ecohydraulics
• Environmental engineering and water quality
• Structural engineering and resilient infrastructure
• Transportation engineering and mobility systems
• Geotechnical engineering and soil mechanics
• Construction, pavements and materials engineering
• Sustainable infrastructure and climate resilience
• Watershed science and ecosystem restoration
• Natural hazard mitigation and infrastructure resilience
• Applied engineering research with industry and community partners

Professional licensing

Completion of the program will count towards eligibility for the Professional Engineer's License (PE) to practice Engineering, which requires a four-year degree from an ABET-accredited school, four years of experience under a PE, and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles of Practice in Engineering (PE) Exams.

Advising

• First-year undergraduates — Our professional advisors can help you learn more about degree options, select a major, Identify required and elective courses and build a plan toward graduation. As you progress through your degree, you’ll transition to a faculty advisor.  
• Transfer students — If you have 13 or less transfer credits, email Student Services or call 208-885-6470. If you have more than 13 credits, contact the department you're transferring into.

Hands-on learning

All U of I College of Engineering students, especially undergraduates, participate in hands-on activities through:

• Nationally ranked Senior Capstone Design Program - Emphasizing the engineering design process and the development of a fully engineered, tested and validated outcome or prototype. Interdisciplinary student teams present their industry-sponsored projects at the annual Engineering Design EXPO.  
• Cooperative Education Program (Co-op) – Get paid up to $20,000 alternating semesters of academic study with paid full-time employment in your field.    
• Earn funding to explore areas that interest you - Customize your college experience through opportunities that support academic, professional and personal development in the College of Engineering Professional Skills Academy  
• Pursue technical certificates in engineering and computer science, build professional networks with faculty and industry partners and engage in hands-on research and project-based learning.  
• Internships and summer programs – Gain real-world experience through paid internships, fellowships and research mentorship programs. Work with leading companies, national laboratories and research centers to apply classroom knowledge, develop technical and professional skills and build industry connections. 

Our college offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.

Learn about clubs related to your major:

• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
• Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
• Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• Tau Beta Pi - Engineering Honor Society (TBP) 

While paying for college can feel overwhelming, University of Idaho is committed to affordability and clarity about tuition and financial aid. Here are a few key resources to help you understand the cost of your degree and explore available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid.
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Use U of I’s Cost Calculator to estimate tuition and other expenses associated with earning your degree.
• Discover scholarship opportunities: When you apply to University of Idaho, you’re automatically considered for scholarships. Additional awards are available based on your previous experience, background and anticipated program of study.
  • Engineering students receive more than $1 million in scholarships annually.
  • Earn more than $64,000 in scholarships over the course of four years through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). Eligible first-year and transfer students are considered simply by filling out their U of I admission application. There’s no separate application or deadline.
  • Additional College of Engineering scholarships – Available based on major and interest areas. Browse engineering scholarships and application processes.

If you have any questions about financial aid, scholarships or cost, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors can help you make informed financial decisions and navigate each part of the process. Reach out to our Financial Aid Office for assistance. 
 

Idaho LAUNCH

This degree is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, a grant that supports Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. Students enrolling under the 2026–27 Academic Catalog may be eligible for up to $4,000 per year / $8,000 total in scholarship funding through the Idaho LAUNCH program.

Learn about eligibility and application deadlines at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch, or see our full list of approved U of I programs on the in-state scholarships page.

Recognized STEM Program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes

Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.

Explore admission requirements at our Admissions website.