Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Thinking about majoring in civil engineering? In the world of civil engineering, experts harness the power of science, design and teamwork to address major challenges and create solutions that support and safeguard both the public and the environment. Civil engineers are often unseen pioneers, working to create safe roadways, bridges and buildings, prevent flooding and ensure access to clean drinking water for all. But the field doesn't end there—civil engineers also focus on the development of airports, railroads and dams as well as creating environments where fish and wildlife can safely coexist with human infrastructure. Learn more about careers in civil engineering.

Whether you’ve met one or not, an environmental scientist has probably improved your life. Drawing on their expertise in the natural sciences, environmental scientists play a vital role in protecting and preserving both the environment and human health. Their primary focus is on discovering effective solutions to challenges that impact the environment. Environmental scientists identify and monitor hazards, create and evaluate comprehensive restoration plans, and oversee the implementation of these strategies in a wide variety of careers including climate change analysts, industrial ecologists, restoration planners and industrial chemists. They can also act as advisors to lawmakers and public policy leaders, offering insights on effectively addressing environmental hazards. 

At Seattle University, we offer small classes with caring faculty members who are excited to work with you, even when you don’t understand an idea or concept the first (or second) time.  It’s our goal to ensure every student is successful, not just in their classes, but also in meaningful careers that make a real difference for our society and the environment.   With an average class size of just 18 students, and an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you'll receive in-depth mentorship from your professors and benefit from their connections and experience as you prepare for your career. 

Learning takes on many forms. To better prepare our graduates to enter the workforce, programs in Seattle University's College of Science and Engineering, including our civil and environmental engineering programs, emphasize hands-on learning and practical application both inside and outside the classroom. In fact, over 70 percent of CEE students gain hands-on experience by completing an internship during their undergraduate program.

In the classroom, team senior design projects are another experiential learning opportunity in our CEE programs. To date, 21 CEE design team projects have earned the prestigious NCEES Engineering Education Award, which recognizes engineering programs that encourage collaboration between students and professional engineers. Since the inception of these awards in 2009, CEE has garnered 27% of all NCEES awards.