Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Civil and Similarly Named Program Criteria.
Civil engineering is comprised of four areas of emphasis: environmental, geotechnical, structural and transportation engineering. Undergraduate civil engineering students must complete a sequence of core engineering courses plus one or two courses in each of these areas. Students then choose three upper division professional electives in their preferred area of emphasis. CEES requires all civil engineering students take the Fundamentals of Engineering examination prior to graduation.
The culmination of each Bachelor of Science degree program in the School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science (CEES) is a dynamic, two-semester capstone design sequence. This experience challenges students to integrate knowledge from across their undergraduate coursework to develop comprehensive, real-world solutions to open-ended engineering problems.
CEES has developed an innovative capstone structure that mirrors the professional world of civil engineering:
In the first semester, students enroll in Professional Practice, a course that explores the non-technical dimensions of engineering. Topics include professional registration, engineering ethics, and environmental regulations—essential knowledge for any practicing engineer.
In the second semester, students take on the Civil Engineering Capstone, where they work in multidisciplinary teams alongside architectural engineering students. These teams are structured to simulate a civil engineering consulting firm, fostering collaboration, leadership, and project management skills.
Each team addresses a real-world design challenge, and their work is reviewed by practicing engineers, ensuring that students receive professional-level feedback and mentorship. One notable past project involved the design of the Radar Innovations Laboratory on the University of Oklahoma research campus—an example of how students contribute meaningfully to the community.
This capstone experience not only reinforces technical knowledge but also cultivates critical thinking, communication, and teamwork—skills that are vital for career success. By the end of the sequence, students graduate with a portfolio-ready project, real-world experience, and the confidence to step into the professional world.
