What Is Civil & Environmental Engineering?

Civil and environmental engineering is a diverse and dynamic field that impacts society by advancing civilization and quality of life.

The profession deals with the design, construction and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including structures and materials, transportation of people and goods, water and air quality, natural materials in engineered systems, sustainable resource management, and environmental biotechnology, to name a few. It is a critical component in supporting the global economy, securing the health and safety of diverse communities, maintaining and enhancing the environment, and overall quality of life. Professional civil and environmental engineers work in a variety of jobs that range from consulting to design work to owning their own business. Graduates are prepared to work with municipal, state, or federal agencies; private consulting firms involved with aspects of planning, design, construction, or sustainability; and with the development of facilities, resources, and environmental controls for industrial development.

The pulse of today's world beats with technological revolution, population dynamics, environmental concerns, urban development and more. As a result, civil and environmental engineers must be creative problem solvers to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. The programs in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Georgia Tech are based on engineering fundamentals and real-world experience. Students learn how to apply core-engineering principles to complex, multidisciplinary problems in order to improve the lives of people on a global scale.