University of Kentucky - College of Engineering - Civil Engineering

Take charge of the built environment

Ancient civil engineers built the pyramids in Egypt and the Great Wall in China. Today, civil engineers oversee the construction of buildings and infrastructure — tackling everything from highways, skyscrapers and railways to water reservoirs, tunnels, bridges and airports.

A wide focus

Civil engineers play a large role in planning the cities, towns and communities in which we live our modern lives. For example, some civil engineers work to plan and build dams, bridges and highways and figure out the most efficient planning methods for traffic flow and organization. Others work with architects to ensure the integrity of buildings against potential environmental hazards such as earthquakes and hurricanes, and to determine the best use of materials to build a specific structure. Civil engineers also design water purifications systems for communities and create appropriate waste treatment facilities and disposal sites. Some even work in urban planning, combining multiple aspects of civil engineering to create complete, livable communities.

Civil Engineering specialties

• Water resources
• Construction
• Environment
• Transportation
• Geo-technical
• Structures

Pride in place

As a civil engineer, you will work hard to improve the community in which you live with well-grounded engineering principles. Whatever your specialization, as a civil engineer you’ll be changing the landscape around you.

UK civil engineering students have successfully competed in regional and national concrete canoe and steel bridge competitions.