Admissions

What do civil and environmental engineers do?

Civil and environmental engineers apply basic principles of science, supported by mathematical and computational tools, to address the biggest challenges facing society: ensuring clean air, safe drinking water and sanitation; addressing our changing environment; protecting the population from natural and man-made hazards; designing a sustainable infrastructure that serves everyone; reimagining human and commodity traffic for an automated future; and of course designing and constructing the world’s tallest buildings and most iconic bridges. 

What will CEE at Illinois students learn?

The CEE at Illinois program comprises seven main disciplines: Construction Engineering and Management, Construction Materials, Environmental Engineering and Science, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering, and Water Resources Engineering and Science. Additionally, three interdisciplinary programs give students a broad, systems-level perspective on the complex civil and environmental challenges facing the world today: Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure Systems, Energy-Water-Environment Sustainability, and Societal Risk and Hazard Mitigation. Our students' educational experience will include:

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Fundamentals

Rigorous core courses will provide complete knowledge of the fundamentals of civil and environmental engineering.  

 

 
Big Data & Computational Skills

Coding, computational and modeling skills for design/decision-making are taught from freshman through senior years.

 

 
Experiential Learning

A focus on hands-on learning will lead to a deep understanding of real-life application of engineering concepts.

 

 
Communication

An emphasis on communication will prepare students for professions that take them from project sites to boardrooms.

 

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Critical Thinking

Our students learn how to arrive at a solution by thinking critically about a problem rather than simply memorizing a formula.

 

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Entrepreneurship

By fostering innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship, the world of professional possibilities is wide open.

 

94.5%

Fundamentals of Engineering Exam pass rate (national pass rate is 68%)

84.5%

Principles & Practice of Engineering (PE) exam pass rate (national pass rate is 63.5%)

Diversity Programs

The Grainger College of Engineering supports diversity through several programs. From recruitment events, to fellowships, to mentoring, we provide a wide range of opportunities for individuals from different personal, cultural, and disciplinary perspectives.

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Become part of a tradition of excellence: of groundbreaking research, historic firsts, and future promise.

U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT RANKINGS

#3

Civil Engineering
Undergraduate Program

#5

Environmental Engineering
Undergraduate Program

#2

Civil Engineering
Graduate Program

#4

Environmental Engineering
Graduate Program

#1

Online Civil Engineering Master's Program

See more rankings & statistics