Exploring the Civil Engineering Program at the University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a comprehensive civil engineering program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in this dynamic field. From bachelor's to doctoral degrees, UCF's program provides a range of opportunities for students to specialize and excel in various areas of civil engineering.

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program at UCF prepares students for a dynamic career focused on the design and analysis of essential infrastructure. The curriculum emphasizes key areas such as:

Design and analysis of structures
Geotechnical engineering
Engineering mechanics
Water resources
Transportation engineering

Florida's high employment rate for civil engineers makes UCF a strategically located institution. The university's proximity to major employers, including WSP Global, HNTB, Atkins, Kiewit Corporation, the St. Johns River Water Management District, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the City of Orlando, provides students with valuable networking and internship opportunities.

Salary Expectations for Graduates with a Bachelor's Degree

Civil Engineering majors who earn their bachelor's degree from UCF go on to jobs where they make a median salary of $69,321 a year.

Master of Science in Civil Engineering (M.S.CE)

UCF's Master of Science in Civil Engineering degree program is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or construction engineering and offers a broader curriculum than the M.S. degree. The program reflects the broad nature of the field, covering the design, construction, and enhancement of society's infrastructure. Students can specialize in one of four subdisciplines:

Structural and geotechnical engineering
Transportation systems engineering
Water resources engineering
Smart cities

Graduates of the M.S.CE program often find positions in consulting firms, construction and construction-related industries, government agencies, and academic institutions. The program also prepares students for professional licensure and certification opportunities, further enhancing their career prospects.

Tracks within the Master's Program

The MS in Civil Engineering degree at UCF offers four tracks, each with specific requirements for application and articulation courses.

Smart Cities Track: UCF offers the first Smart Cities track in the nation.
Structural and Geotechnical Engineering Track: This track focuses on the engineering, analysis, design, and construction of built infrastructure.

Salary Expectations for Graduates with a Master's Degree

Civil Eng majors graduating with a master's degree from UCF make a median salary of $93,343 a year. This is a better than average outcome since the median salary for all civil eng graduates with a master's is $79,898.

Read also: Opportunities in Civil Engineering

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Civil Engineering

UCF offers a research-oriented Ph.D. in Civil Engineering for those looking to develop novel solutions to society’s challenges at a national, state or local level. The program reflects the very broad nature of the field, which encompasses the design, construction, operation, management and enhancement of the infrastructure of society. Students can explore the areas of civil engineering that are of interest to them, including structural analysis and design, geotechnical engineering and foundations, transportation planning and operations, traffic engineering, construction engineering, water resources engineering and smart cities.

Students conduct research in world-class facilities under the guidance of professors who are working on federal-, state- and industry-funded projects.

The Civil Engineering Field

Civil engineers play a crucial role in building and maintaining the infrastructure that supports modern society. The field applies math and science to plan, design, construct, manage, monitor, improve, and repair the built environment. Key sub-disciplines include:

Structural engineering: Focuses on buildings, bridges, offshore structures, and other structural systems.
Geotechnical engineering: Deals with soils, foundations, tunnels, pavements, and other earth-related structures.
Engineering mechanics: Studies the behavior of materials under various loads and conditions.
Water resources engineering: Addresses water supply, demand, forecasting, infrastructure, extreme events, and policy.
Transportation engineering: Focuses on the movement of people and goods, traffic management, safety, and transportation infrastructure management.

UCF's Commitment to Student Success

UCF prepares students for life beyond the classroom by providing a wide range of opportunities. Students can:

Learn diverse skills from world-renowned faculty.
Network with top employers across Central Florida.
Gain first-hand experience in internships nearby.

Rankings and Recognition

The Civil Engineering major is part of the engineering program at University of Central Florida.

Read also: Civil Engineering Degree Overview

Tuition and Fees

Understanding the costs associated with pursuing a civil engineering degree is essential for prospective students. Here's a breakdown of the average tuition and fees at UCF:

In-State Tuition: \$4,478
Out-of-State Tuition: \$19,810
In-State Fees: \$1,890
Out-of-State Fees: \$2,657
Books and Supplies: \$1,000
On-Campus Room and Board: \$12,070
On-Campus Other Expenses: \$5,230

Please note that out-of-state part-time undergraduates at UCF paid an average of $749 per credit hour in 2022-2023.

Diversity in the Civil Engineering Program

UCF is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. In the 2021-2022 academic year, the civil eng program at UCF awarded 155 bachelor's degrees and 28 master's degrees.

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