About this program
The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering gives you a strong base in core engineering science and civil engineering principles. You will learn subjects like design, practical applications, and computer‑based problem‑solving. You complete 15 units of upper‑division electives focused on real‑world engineering. The program prepares you to become a licensed professional, enter civil engineering practice or continue on to graduate study.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
Program Scope
Civil Engineering is the practice of planning, designing, and constructing public and private works, such as buildings, bridges, highways, water and wastewater treatment plants, and environmental remediation facilities. The civil engineering program at SF State prepares graduates to meet the demands of the profession. The faculty is professionally active and brings this experience into the classroom.
Students at SFSU obtain a basic and comprehensive background in engineering sciences and civil engineering. Elective courses during the senior year of study provide students with further specialization in selected areas of civil engineering. Practical applications and design methods are presented throughout the curriculum. Students complete several design projects during the course of their studies, including a major design project during the final year.
For students admitted before Fall 2023, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Civil Engineering requires 127 units. Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Civil engineering courses constitute 91 units, with the remaining 36 units in general education.
For students admitted in or after Fall 2023, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Civil Engineering requires 126 units. Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Civil engineering courses constitute 93 units, with the remaining 33 units in general education.
The B.S. in Civil Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Civil Engineering Program Criteria.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, a student will be able to demonstrate:
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
- An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
- An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
- An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
SFSU Accelerated Bachelor's + Master's
The blended program in Civil Engineering offers an excellent accelerated opportunity to earn the master’s degree in Structural/Earthquakes engineering. It aims to provide advanced training in practical design and structural theory to enable students to specialize in structural/earthquake engineering and to make an immediate, lasting impact on both current and future careers. The courses are taught in various topics by well-respected professionals and professors in the field. This program will allow students to increase their academic/professional portfolio to have a competitive advantage in the working field.
Minor in Civil Engineering
The Minor in Civil Engineering is designed for students who already have a strong base in math, physics and chemistry. The program introduces you to key civil engineering concepts, like statics, dynamics, surveying, fluid mechanics and solids mechanics. You also complete 6 units of electives in an approved civil engineering area. You’ll meet with the program coordinator and keep a minimum grade point average of 2.0 to succeed in the program.
Learn more about the Minor in Civil Engineering