Civil Engineering
Blend science, design, and innovation to build the systems communities depend on.
Civil engineering is the backbone of modern life, and Norwich is the birthplace of civil engineering in the United States. From resilient roads and bridges to reliable water systems and sustainable public spaces, it creates the structures and networks that communities depend on. Through hands-on labs, fieldwork, and team projects, you’ll learn to turn ideas into lasting solutions.
You’ll graduate with the skills, experience, and perspective to tackle urgent infrastructure needs and lead projects that strengthen communities for generations.
Key Information:
Why Choose Norwich Civil Engineering?
Civil engineering focuses on designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps society running.
You will learn how to manage projects, solve structural and environmental problems, and apply engineering principles to create safe, sustainable solutions.
How is civil engineering different from other engineering programs?
Civil Engineering stands apart because it focuses on the structures and systems that support everyday life. While Mechanical Engineering centers on machines, motion, and energy, and Electrical Engineering emphasizes circuits and digital systems, Civil Engineering deals with roads, bridges, buildings, water systems, and public spaces. It blends technical design with project management, teamwork, and problem-solving. As a civil engineer, you learn not only how to design safe and sustainable infrastructure but also how to lead projects that bring those designs to life and serve entire communities.
What can I do with a Civil Engineering degree?
With a Civil Engineering degree, you can step into careers that plan, design, and build the structures and systems communities depend on. You might work as a transportation engineer improving roads and bridges, an environmental engineer protecting water resources, or a structural engineer ensuring the safety of buildings. Civil engineers also play vital roles in urban planning and public works, revitalizing spaces and delivering solutions that serve communities for generations.
Explore occupations in civil engineering
Life as a Norwich Civil Engineering Student
The Civil Engineering program carries on Norwich’s legacy as the birthplace of civil engineering education in the United States. Learning moves beyond the lecture hall into the lab, the field, and working project sites. Small class sizes mean professors know you and can guide your growth, while hands-on projects and fieldwork let you apply your skills from the start. Every day is an opportunity to build skills, solve problems, and grow as part of a team.
Program Breakdown by Year
Year 1 and Year 2: Build a strong foundation in math, science, and core engineering principles.
Begin with courses that develop your problem-solving skills and understanding of how materials, forces, and systems work together. Early labs and field exercises introduce core civil engineering concepts and connect classroom learning to real applications.
Year 3: Move beyond the classroom to applied civil engineering.
Your studies expand into areas like transportation, environmental systems, structural analysis, soil mechanics, and hydrology. Lab work and team projects become central giving you the chance to design solutions for real-world challenges.
Year 4:
The keystone of the program, where the Senior Design Project brings your knowledge and experience together. Every step follows professional practice and pushes you to apply your skills with precision and creativity. Recent students have earned recognition for their work, such as Majd Khalaf ’25, who was named 2024 Student of the Year by the New England University Transport Center (NEUTC).
