CIVIL ENGINEERING is the application of science and technology to the planning, design, analysis, construction, operation, and maintenance of the physical facilities required by society. It is the broadest of all engineering professions, encompassing activities from aerospace to urban planning. Civil engineers are the fabricators of our modern society and the protectors of the quality of the environment. They deal with people and their management, materials and their use, designs and their application, and the problems of beneficially interweaving these factors to serve society. Typical civil engineering projects include environmental facilities, such as systems for water quality control, toxic and hazardous waste control, and storm water networks; structures, such as high-rise buildings, bridges, off-shore platforms, shuttle launch pads, and dams; and transportation facilities, such as airports, highways, and rail. Civil engineering has a long history and a bright future because it serves the basic needs of society.

Civil engineering graduates with a BS degree have varied options. The first is employment with high technology consulting firms, local, state or federal government, contractors or construction firms, public utilities or industrial corporations. A second option is graduate studies to pursue an area of specialty within civil engineering. Such studies open up more advanced employment options in government, consulting, construction or industry, and introduce new options including research and teaching. A civil engineering degree also provides a good background for professional training in law, business administration or medicine.The Civil Engineering curriculum at the University of Virginia offers a well-balanced program including courses in structural engineering, transportation engineering, environmental engineering, water resources engineering, materials, construction engineering and management, and geotechnical engineering. The third- and fourth-year students who satisfy the necessary prerequisites are afforded the opportunity to choose from a variety of civil engineering electives, as well as technical electives within the University. The number of required courses ensures that the graduate has the firm base necessary to become a successful civil engineer.At the University of Virginia, all undergraduate students complete two-course proficiencies in at least four of the following areas:

PROFICIENCY AREAS

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
* structural analysis
* structural design
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CIVIL ENGINEERING MATERIALS
* selection of building materials
* mechanics of advanced materials
* geotechnical engineering
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WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING
* mechanics of fluids
* stormwater management
* groundwater hydrology
* water supply
* flood management
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ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
* water and wastewater treatment
* environmental chemistry
* pollutant transport
* environmental quality management
* waste disposal
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INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
* construction engineering
* project management and planning
* engineering economics
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TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING
* design of transportation systems
* highway safety and traffic operations
* transportation infrastructure and advanced technology
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