School of Engineering & Applied Sciences
Civil Engineering
Undergraduate ProgramThe Civil Engineering program at WSU Tri-Cities expands upon a foundation in mathematics, science, and the fundamentals of engineering design and analysis — along with critical thinking and communication skills. Faculty members bring real-world experience into the classroom and students apply their knowledge to solve problems using state-of-the-art technology.
Experience the excitement of Civil Engineering!
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WSU Tri-Cities civil engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org — the most prestigious accreditation awarded to a civil engineering program. Accreditation assures that a program has met quality standards set by the profession. To employers, graduate schools, and licensure, certification, and registration boards, graduation from an accredited program signifies adequate preparation for entry into the profession.
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Meet Dr. Demissie
Yonas Demissie, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, is currently halfway through a four-year project studying the impact of climate change on military infrastructure, focusing specifically on whether defense infrastructure and facilities could handle increased flooding and abnormal increases and fluctuations in precipitation. His research is funded as part of a $1 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense. Read more…
The bachelor’s of science in Civil Engineering expands upon a foundation in mathematics, science, and the fundamentals of engineering design and analysis — along with critical thinking and communication skills. Faculty members bring real-world experience into the classroom. Students apply their knowledge to solve problems using state-of-the-art technology.
Civil Engineers help communities plan and solve problems, improving the quality of life for everyone while preserving and protecting the environment. Civil Engineers design and maintain crucial infrastructure, including facilities for water and wastewater treatment, solid and hazardous waste disposal, and electric energy generation. They build highways, railroads, airports, buildings, and bridges.
Undergraduate advising is a partnership between you, your professional advisor, and your faculty mentor and it goes beyond course selection. Whether you plan to enter the workforce or continue on to earn an advanced degree, your academic advisors and professional mentors will guide you toward that goal. This holistic approach ensures that you are engaged in your academic plan, connected to the campus community and resources, and earn your degree as efficiently as possible.
In order to graduate as profession-ready students, you will benefit from industry internships. These are exceptional opportunities that allow you, our students, to gain experience, expand your perspectives, and stand out with potential employers.
While the majority of students’ courses and credits are completed within the major, the UCORE curriculum provides courses that are the foundation basic skills that all WSU students must develop no matter their major.
The University Common Requirements (UCORE) is the center of the undergraduate curriculum and you will start taking these courses starting your first semester at WSU Tri-Cities. If you took AP, IB, or Running Start courses in high school, then you may already have met some of the requirements.
The UCORE curriculum is designed to be flexible enough to work for all majors. The program offers a wide variety of course choices and provides many individual pathways through the curriculum.
Not admitted yet? Talk with an Admissions Counselor and learn how easy it is to apply.
Transfer students who have completed an approved Associate of Arts and Science (DTA) degree at a Washington or Oregon community college will have fulfilled most of the lower-division UCORE requirements. Because students have to also meet the College of Arts & Sciences requirements, some students must take additional courses in a foreign language in order to complete the degree. Otherwise, transfer students will have their transcripts evaluated for UCORE requirements.
Use the transfer credit equivalency guide to learn how your credits will transfer.
If you are currently enrolled at Columbia Basin College and intend to transfer to WSU Tri-Cities, then check out our Bridges Program that provides a direct academic path.
Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, must complete a minimum of 30 credits of WSU coursework and fill the major requirements to earn a second degree. UCORE requirements are not required as they are met by coursework from the first bachelor’s degree.
Not admitted yet? Talk with an Admissions Counselor and learn how easy it is to apply.
Graduates from WSU Tri-Cities civil engineering program consistently exceed state and national passing rates on the national Fundamentals of Engineering Exam and are ready for careers and are actively sought by government and industry.
The Career Development Office offers workshops on how to develop a job search strategy, write a compelling résumé and cover letter, and sharpen interview skills – all of which will help students land a job in today’s competitive market.
The Career Development Office posts on- and off-campus positions for student employees and also work with students to identify internships, cooperative work experience, and post-graduation career opportunities.
See how you can become career-ready with a major in Civil Engineering.
Advisory Board Members
Alaa Aly, PhD, PE
Senior Vice President
INTERA Incorporated
Richland, WA
Amoret L. Bunn, PhD
Environmental Engineer
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Richland, WA
Mizan Rashid, PhD, PE, D.WRE
Director, Hydraulic Engineering and Modeling Services
ALDEN
Everett, WA
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