Metadata
Title
Civil Engineering
Category
undergraduate
UUID
42816f0ff2b7450c9cfb8bfaad90979f
Source URL
https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/civil-engineering/
Parent URL
https://admissions.purdue.edu/
Crawl Time
2026-03-16T03:17:46+00:00
Rendered Raw Markdown

Civil Engineering

Source: https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/civil-engineering/ Parent: https://admissions.purdue.edu/

Home / Academics / Majors / Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering

Engineer better communities. From designing skyscrapers and bridges to protecting coastlines, delivering clean water and powering cities with renewable energy, your work shapes the world we live in.

Jump to:

Choose a link:

Jump to:

Careers

Connect

Transfer

Program Summary

As a civil engineer, you don’t just imagine better communities — you create them. In this program, tackle real-world challenges like making infrastructure more resilient, building smart cities and driving environmental sustainability. Whether you’re building roads or restoring rivers, you’re making life safer, cleaner and better for everyone.

Our program prepares you to tackle future challenges and serve as key stakeholders in improving our society. With nine engineering emphasis areas — architectural, construction, environmental, geomatics, geotechnical, hydraulic and hydrologic, materials, structural and transportation — tailor your education toward your career goals. Enjoy small class sizes, supportive advising and hands-on learning opportunities through study abroad programs, co-ops and internships. Our students also have the option to participate in an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree program that can be completed in as little as five years.

Explore Plan of Study

Quick Facts

Why Purdue?

3

undergraduate program in the U.S.

U.S. News & World Report, 2024

97%

Average placement rate

in industry or graduate school

Applying

Applying to Engineering in West Lafayette

To study civil engineering at Purdue, you will apply to the first-year engineering program. All engineering students in West Lafayette build a foundation for success by completing core first-year engineering curriculum before transitioning to a specialty major in the second year. Core curriculum includes courses in math, chemistry, physics, computer programming and communication skills, as well as introductory engineering coursework that explores career options to help you identify which specialty major is the right fit.

The priority application deadline for first-year engineering is Nov. 1. Applications received after Nov. 1 for this competitive major will be evaluated based on available space.

Possible Careers

Our students gain valuable hands-on experience that prepares them for diverse careers to make life safer, cleaner and better for everyone such as:

Internships and Graduate Hires

Our students graduate prepared to work on a diverse range of projects ranging from aviation and aerospace to water resources with careers at top companies including:

**High School Course Recommendations****

You should pursue the most rigorous high school curriculum available to you. Succeeding in challenging courses will allow you to be a stronger candidate for Purdue’s competitive admission process and better prepare you for college success.

Minimum high school coursework (many applicants exceed these minimums):

In addition to meeting or exceeding the minimum high school course requirements, our holistic review process places particular emphasis on key academic courses such as:

Connect

College of Engineering

Explore nearly 20 majors in one of the best engineering schools in the country for academics and career preparation.

Contact

Office of Future Engineers\ (765) 494-3975\ future-engineers@purdue.edu

Visit

Experience for yourself all that Purdue has to offer with opportunities to explore in-person or virtually.

Apply

Ready to take the next step? Apply to begin your journey at Purdue in engineering.

Meet Our Students

George McAtee

Learn how George McAtee’s love for playing soccer drives his civil engineering journey — designing community spaces for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.

Meet Our Students

Ally Simon

Discover how Ally Simon blends dance and civil engineering at Purdue — where passion meets purpose in a collaborative environment.

prevnext

**Transfer to**** Civil Engineering

Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue’s overall transfer criteria, as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the closed programs page to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.

View All Majors

[Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

Tackle real-world challenges in the design and development of aircraft, spacecraft and space systems. From the skies to deep space, this is where bold engineers are built.  Program Summary  As an aeronautical and astronautical engineer, apply your understanding of basic...

Learn More](https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/aeronautical-astronautical-engineering/)

[Agricultural Engineering

College of Engineering

Learn More](https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/agricultural-engineering/)

[Biological Engineering

Tackle global challenges in health, food, energy and the environment. Engineer solutions that make a real impact — like cleaner energy, safer food and life-saving medicine. Customize your path and launch a career in biotech, pharma or sustainability to start...

Learn More](https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/biological-engineering/)

[Biomedical Engineering

Join a dynamic field at the crossroads of engineering, medicine and science to create devices, procedures and materials that monitor and improve human health. Program Summary  Use your understanding of science, medicine and engineering to improve the quality of life...

Learn More](https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/biomedical-engineering/)

[Chemical Engineering

Use innovative ideas to transform raw materials into high-value products and processes. As a chemical engineer, you’ll harness chemistry and chemical properties to solve real-world problems — fueling cleaner energy, better medicine and smarter manufacturing. Program Summary  Apply the principles...

Learn More](https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/chemical-engineering/)

[Computer Engineering

Become an expert on computer systems and their components, including both hardware and software, through immersive, high-impact research and development. Program Summary  As a computer engineer, you’ll do more than just use computers — you’ll design them. From creating the...

Learn More](https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/computer-engineering/)

[Construction Engineering

Design and build the systems that shape our world. Gain hands-on experience in both planning and fieldwork — preparing to lead projects from blueprint to build with skills in design, safety, cost and project management. Program Summary  Our construction engineering...

Learn More](https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/construction-engineering/)

[Electrical Engineering

Dive into the design and operation of electrical and electronic systems and their components — you can choose from an array of practical degree specializations. Program Summary  Power the future with a degree in electrical engineering. As an electrical engineering...

Learn More](https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/electrical-engineering/)

[Engineering (First-Year)

Kick off your engineering future with our first-year engineering program — your launchpad to endless possibilities. Explore specialties, build a solid foundation and discover what drives you, from rockets to smart cities, before choosing your degree program in year two....

Learn More](https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/engineering-first-year/)

prevnext

View All Majors