The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is housed in the Benjamin M. Statler College of
Engineering and Mineral Resources of West Virginia University. Civil engineers oversee the design and
construction at facilities for society’s use. Working with problems that directly affect the health and
economic vitality of people and communities, civil engineers contribute their expertise to problems such
as waste disposal, environmental pollution, transportation systems design, water resource development,
and the design, construction and rehabilitation of constructed facilities. As a student in the Civil and
Environmental Engineering program, you will take courses that combine the theoretical aspects of
engineering with practical application through both classroom and hands-on laboratory work.
Fields of Study
Environmental and Water Resources Engineering
Students will learn how to protect society from the damaging effects of environmental contaminants, erosion, and floods. This study area includes solid and hazardous waste management, environmental impact statements, hydraulics, flood control systems, coastal harbors, irrigation systems, and management of facilities that provide water for our communities.
Geotechnical Engineering
In this field, students will learn about the classification of soils, the design of shallow and deep foundations for structures, the design of stable earth slopes and earth retraining structures, permeability of geologic materials and seepage of water through soils and rocks, shear strength of geological materials, soil compaction and consolidation, and effective stresses.
Structural Engineering
In this field, students will learn how to design, construct, maintain, and rehabilitate society's many structures, including buildings, harbors, and bridges, using construction materials such as concrete, steel, wood, and composites.
Transportation Engineering
Students in this field will focus on the design, construction, and management of all aspects of transportation systems. These include highway construction, traffic control, airports, mass transit systems, railroads, inland waterways, and urban rapid transit systems.