Civil Engineering Learning Outcomes

Learn more about Seattle University's learning outcomes for students completing a bachelor's degree in civil engineering—ranging from problem solving to design to teamwork and collaboration.

BS in Civil Engineering Learning Outcomes

The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program offers courses in several sub-disciplines of civil engineering that focus on structural engineering, water resources, geotechnical engineering, and transportation and surveying.  

Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, the objective of the civil engineering program is to prepare students for engineering careers and/or advanced study in civil engineering.

We intentionally develop our program so that graduates can achieve the following program educational objectives (PEOs) within a few years of graduation. 

  • Professional: Attain a position in civil engineering or a related field.
  • Technical: Be recognized as a competent professional as demonstrated by the completion of professional licensure or specialized certification.
  • Personal: Participate in ongoing personal and professional growth and learning as demonstrated by completion of advanced degrees or through other forms of continuing education.
  • Societal: Contribute to society or the profession through involvement in professional organizations or other service activity.
  • Leadership: Contribute to organizations by accepting new responsibilities, seeking leadership opportunities, or leading an initiative or project. 

The learning outcomes, which students achieve by the time they graduate, are consistent with those approved by ABET:  

  • Problem Solving: Identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics.
  • Design: Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors.
  • Communication: Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  • Professional and Ethical Responsibility: Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts.
  • Teamwork: Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives.
  • Experimentation: Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  • Learning: Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. 

We offer two tracks through the BS in Civil Engineering degree.

  • General: The general track is appropriate for students interested in the physical/structural side of civil engineering.
  • Environmental: The environmental track supports students who are particularly interested in air and water quality.

Regardless of the track a student chooses, they are well prepared for a broad range of civil engineering jobs. Learn more about the BS in Civil Engineering, including the two tracks, here.  

Enrollment and graduation data: The civil engineering program enrolled 79 students in fall 2023 and awarded 19 degrees in academic year 2022-23.