A new academic program for a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering was approved by the Board of Regents on Feb. 13.
The program is “STEM-designated” and will emphasize structural engineering, transportation, water resources, environmental engineering, and construction engineering.
Without requiring a minor, the major requires 85 to 86 credit hours with courses that involve civil engineering materials, soil mechanics, fluid mechanics, construction management, transportation engineering, and concrete and steel design. Laboratory experiments, as well as computer-aided engineering tools, will be a part of the program. Additionally, a capstone design project experience is included wherein students will use their skills to solve engineering design problems provided by external customers.
Project enrollment project the program’s first graduating class to comprise of 15 to 20 students by April 2023. The current Academic Affairs budget will absorb the program costs.
A rationale for the program was the current health of the infrastructure across Michigan. The most recent American Society of Civil Engineers’ infrastructure report rated Michigan at a D+. Additionally, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics projected an 8% growth in Civil Engineering Employment between 2014 and 2024.
In his presentation to the Education Policies Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 12, Mohamad Qatu, dean of the EMU College of Engineering and Technology, also reported that those in EMU Engineering have high graduation rates within six years, an employment rate of almost 100%, a high amount of job opportunities, and starting salaries of $55,000 to $75,000.
He also emphasized increased enrollment and improved college rankings and reputation that he predicts to come with the program.
The program will be held in the College of Engineering and Technology located in Sill Hall which is undergoing a $40 million renovation and expansion of 16,000 square feet. Renovated lab space for research and student projects, lecture halls, collaborative learning spaces, and administrative offices. The project is set to be completed before fall 2020.
