Once you've decided to study civil engineering, the next question is, “Where?” The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Delaware provides a demonstrated combination of value and high-quality undergraduate education. Here’s some of what we have to offer:
- Value — The University of Delaware is cost-competitive. US News and World Report has rated UD as one of the “Best Buys” in the country.
- Environment — Our beautiful campus is a major plus, and living in Newark means you can avoid some big-city problems and still be centrally located along the Mid-Atlantic seaboard. The college-town setting also means that you will have many resources at hand. From on-line course registration to ethernet-wired dorm rooms, we use technology to make life easier for you. As a student, you’ll be able to plug into the campus network in classrooms, UD eating establishments, and the microcomputing sites. Hundreds of wireless access points are spread across campus.
- Size —You won’t get lost at one of those big state universities. The civil engineering program is small enough that the professors can get to know you and adjust your program to your needs.
- Curriculum — The fully accredited civil engineering program is designed to ensure that you are exposed to the breadth of the modern civil engineering profession while also affording an opportunity for in-depth study of your own choice. You will focus on civil engineering from your first year. Throughout the curriculum, our courses emphasize effective written and oral communication skills. Professional ethics is emphasized along with the societal responsibilities of the practicing engineer. We also leave ample room in the curriculum for courses in the social sciences and humanities that will help bring a well-rounded perspective to your life as an engineer. Our students are prepared and encouraged to obtain professional licensure and engage in life-long learning so they can assume leadership roles in and outside the profession.
- Teaching — At Delaware, teaching counts and our faculty is excellent. All our professors hold Ph.D. degrees. Also, faculty teach all undergraduate civil engineering courses, so they can share their special expertise along with exciting developments in research and industry.
- Advising —Advisement begins at orientation and continues through graduation. You will meet with your faculty advisor at least twice each year during registration periods. Beside helping you choose the courses that best suit your personal needs, your advisor can also provide a wealth of information about your academic options, the civil engineering profession, and graduate school opportunities. In addition, the College of Engineering’s Undergraduate Affairs and Student Affairs offices provide assistance to all engineering students who experience difficulties or require special help or guidance to resolve a problem.
- RISE — An important student service provided by the College of Engineering is the Resources to Insure Successful Engineers (RISE) program, one of the nation’s oldest and most successful support programs for student groups underrepresented in engineering. RISE is designed to identify academically prepared students and to provide a supportive atmosphere to enhance their success in attaining an engineering degree. For over 30 years, RISE has attracted increasing numbers of talented and highly motivated students from diverse backgrounds, and the program has continuously evolved to meet the needs of a broad spectrum of students.
- WIE —The College's Women in Engineering (WIE) program includes the WIE Mentoring Program for undergraduate women. Nearly half of the engineering undergraduate women participate each year. Students are paired with women engineering professionals with whom they correspond via e-mail, meet as their mutual schedules permit, and often visit at the mentors' worksites. This is an excellent way for students to learn about various workplace environments, internship and career opportunities, and how to balance an engineering career and personal life.
- Experience — We make sure your education involves more than lectures and textbooks. For example, the required Senior Design course, taught by practicing engineers under the supervision of a faculty member, simulates the teamwork experience of a civil engineering consulting firm. Summer and winter internships are encouraged, and the faculty work actively to connect students with appropriate employers. And there are many opportunities for you to enhance your professional training through lab and field experiences.
- Activities — Teamwork and leadership are important qualities for today’s engineers. Our students often gain these skills through participation in a broad array of engineering organizations and societies as well as nonengineering activities ranging from sports to politics. Many graduates will attest that competing in events like the Concrete Canoe Race was one of the highlights of their college career.
