University of Alaska Fairbanks

1996-1997 catalog

Degrees and Programs


Civil Engineering

College of Science, Engineering and Mathematics
Department of Civil Engineering
(907) 474-7241

Degrees: B.S., M.C.E., M.S.

Minimum Requirements for Degrees: B.S.: 135 credits, M.C.E. or M.S.: 30 additional credits

Civil engineers plan, design and supervise the construction of facilities essential to modern life in both the public and private sectors facilities that vary widely in nature, size and scope: space launching facilities, offshore structures, bridges, buildings, tunnels, highways, transit systems, dams, airports, irrigation projects, treatment and distribution facilities for water and collection and treatment facilities for wastewater.

Civil engineers are leading users of today's sophisticated high technology and are in the forefront of high technology's newest applications. They employ the latest concepts in computer-aided engineering (CAE/CAD) during design, construction, project scheduling and cost control.

Civil engineers are problem solvers involved in community development and improvement and as sure are meeting the challenges of polluting, the deteriorating infrastructure, traffic congestion, energy needs, floods, earthquakes, urban redevelopment and community planning.

The opportunity for creativity is unlimited given the wide scope of projects covered by civil engineering.

The civil engineering program at UAF began in 1922, had its first graduate in 1931 and since has graduated more than 500 men and women. Many of these graduates work in Alaska's cities, towns and villages in a wide range of responsible positions. More than 60 percent of Alaska's professional engineers practice in civil engineering. Civil engineers continue to provide a significant contribution to society. The UAF civil engineering program has been accredited since 1940 and presently by the national Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). All engineering programs in the department give special attention to problems of northern regions.

Graduate students may enter one of two programs: The master of civil engineering is for those whose goal is broad professional practice. Those whose interests or background favor a specialized program, with emphasis on research and/or advanced specialized study, will ordinarily select the master of science in civil engineering degree.

In addition to the general civil engineering courses offered, specialties are available in transportation, geotechnical, structures, water resources, hydrology, and environmental studies. The courses within the department in these areas stress the problems of northern regions and emphasize principles of analysis, planning and engineering design.

In addition to the civil engineering courses, a master's degree program can include courses in environmental quality engineering, engineering management, and other areas. An advanced degree in environmental quality engineering administered within the Civil Engineering department is available. (See EQE program)

Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Civil Engineering B.S. Degree

  1. Complete general university requirements.
  2. Complete the following degree and program (major) requirements:
    First Year
    Fall Semester (16 credits)
    ENGL 111X Methods of Comm (3)
    MATH 200X Calculus (4)
    ES 101 Introduction to Engineering (2)
    CHEM 105 General Chemistry (4)
    Perspectives on the Human Condition (3)

    Spring Semester (17 credits)
    COMM 131X or COMM 141X (3)
    MATH 201X Calculus (4)
    CE 112 Elementary Surveying (3)
    CHEM 106 General Chemistry (4)
    ES 201 Computer Techniques (3)

    Second Year
    Fall Semester (17 Credits)
    MATH 202X Calculus (4)
    PHYS 211 General Physics (4)
    ENGL 211X or 213X (3)
    ES 209 Statics (3)
    Perspectives on the Human Condition (3)

    Spring Semester (16 credits)
    MATH 302 Differential Equations (3)
    PHYS 212 General Physics (4)
    ES 210 Dynamics (3)
    GE 261 General Geology for Engineers (3)
    Perspectives on the Human Condition (3)

    Third Year
    Fall Semester (16 credits)
    CE 334 Properties of Materials (3)
    ES 301 Engineering Analysis (3)
    ES 331 Mechanics of Materials (3)
    ES 341 Fluid Mechanics (4)
    CE 402 Intro. to Transportation Engineering (3)

    Spring Semester (17 credits)
    ES 346 Basic Thermodynamics (3)
    CE 326 Intro. to Geotech. Engineering (4)
    CE 441 Environ. Engineering (4)
    CE 431 Structural Engineering I (3)
    Perspectives on the Human Condition (3)

    Fourth Year
    Fall Semester (18 credits)
    CE 344 Water Res. Engr. (3)
    CE 432 Structural Engineering II (3)
    ES 307 Elem. of Electrical Engineering (3)
    Technical Elective* (3)
    Technical Elective* (3)
    Perspectives on the Human Condition (3)
    CE 400 EIT Exam (Fall or Spring) (0)

    Spring Semester (15 credits)
    ESM 450 Economic Analysis and Operations (3)
    CE 438 Design of Engr. Systems (3)
    Perspectives on the Human Condition (3)
    Technical Elective* (3)
    Technical Elective* (3)
    Technical Elective* (3)

*The technical electives must include 12 credits of CE or EQE courses and three credits of approved technical courses. The student should consult his/her advisor. Four out of five electives must be taken from the list of approved CE electives or EQE elective graduate courses. Only one graduate level course may count toward graduation as a technical elective and the student must be within 30 credits of graduation and have at least a 3.0 gpa to enroll.

The ability to utilize computers for normal class work is expected in all engineering classes above the 100 level.

Graduate Degree Requirements

Civil Engineering M.C.E. Degree

Admission

Students entering the master of science in civil engineering program should have completed a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. The GRE general examination, and for international students the TOEFL (with score of 575 or better), are required. A student selecting this program must comply with UAF degree requirements. Coursework will consist of at least 30 credits approved by the graduate advisory committee, of which 6-12 credits will be thesis. At least 24 credits, including thesis or research, must be at the 600 level.

Thirty credits of approved courses beyond the B.S. degree are required. M.C.E. candidates will have passed a State Engineer-in-Training Examination prior to the awarding of the degree. At least 24 credits, including research, must be at the 600 level.

Civil Engineering M.S.

Coursework will consist of at least 30 credits approved by the graduate advisory committee, of which 6-12 credits will be thesis. At least 24 credits, including thesis or research, must be at the 600 level.