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The B.S. in Civil Engineering program at the University of Washington Tacoma prepares students for a rewarding career in a field that is vital to both our nation and local communities. Civil Engineers are in high demand, with opportunities to design and build the infrastructure that keeps our cities running smoothly, from roads to bridges to water systems and public buildings.
This page aims to inspire interest in Civil Engineering by highlighting the essential skills our program provides to meet the rising demand in the field. It also offers information on valuable resources for internships, employment, and professional development, helping students to jumpstart their careers. Additionally, it outlines opportunities for community partnerships through collaborations and projects, ensuring our graduates are equipped to make a positive impact.
What is Civil Engineering?
Are you ready to shape the world and make a meaningful impact?
Whether you are interested in developing sustainable buildings that reduce our carbon footprint, designing cutting-edge transportation systems that move people and goods faster, safer, and sustainably, or creating a resilient infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters, a degree in Civil Engineering can open doors to a rewarding career with a lasting impact.
With the global demand for infrastructure development, Civil Engineering offers work opportunities worldwide. Moreover, it is a profession driven by innovation, where creativity is vital to solving complex problems and driving progress.
With stable employment prospects and the satisfaction of seeing your designs positively impact communities, Civil Engineering is a rewarding choice for those seeking a career with purpose and meaning.
So, why not explore a career in Civil Engineering and join the ranks of the visionary professionals who are building the future? With endless possibilities and a world of potential, the only limit is your imagination.
Positive Job Outlook
The demand for Civil Engineers is very high at the national, state, and regional levels. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts stable growth in a number of jobs for Civil Engineers (7% per year) at the national level between 2021-2031.
The mean wage for Civil Engineers in Washington State is also very high at $98,810. WA is also in the top 5 states nationwide in terms of number of Civil Engineering jobs, primarily driven by employment in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area, and the state is second in the nation in terms of number of Civil Engineering employment per 1000 jobs (BLS, 2002).
Why Study Civil Engineering at UW Tacoma?
The B.S. in Civil Engineering program at UW Tacoma offers a unique and supportive educational experience.
With strong academic advising and a close-knit community due to our small size, students find it easier to connect and receive personalized mentoring. Our program emphasizes hands-on internship experiences, helping students tackle real-world challenges.
We also address major societal issues through our curriculum and provide numerous student scholarships to support your academic journey. Join us to build a solid foundation for a meaningful and impactful career in Civil Engineering!
Student Clubs
UWT American Society of Civil Engineers Club (ASCE)
The UWT ASCE Club is committed to fostering the advancement of engineering by creating a supportive and collaborative environment for students providing valuable networking opportunities with professionals in the field and gaining insights into the real-world applications of Civil Engineering.
UWT Engineers Without Borders (EWB)
Engineers Without Borders (EWB) builds a better world through engineering projects that empower communities to meet their basic human needs. Our highly skilled volunteers - made up of university students like YOU - work with communities to find appropriate solutions for their infrastructure needs.
Interested in learning more about UWT's EWB Chapter?
Industry Partnerships
The Civil Engineering program is supported by an active and engaged Civil Engineering community in the South Puget Sound region. Some of our external partners serve on our Civil Engineering Industrial Advisory Board with the following current membership:
Name | Job title and company/organization |
---|---|
Blake Doepker | Engineer, Turner Construction |
Andrew Fiske | Geotechnical Engineer, WSDOT |
David Nason | Principal, AHBL, Inc. |
Bekah Osterhaus | Associate, KPFF |
Sara Ott | Traffic Engineer, WSDOT |
Brett Ozolin | Project Manager, Port of Tacoma |
Stanley Ryter | Project Manager, Port of Tacoma |
Jeffrey Schultz | Senior Transit and Rail Planner, David Evans and Associates, Inc. |
Mike Slevin | Director of Environmental Services, City of Tacoma |
Lyle Stone | Associate Geotechnical Engineer, GeoEngineers |
Catrina Walter | Senior Lead Consultant, WSP |
Cameron West | Chief Engineer, Concrete Technology Corporation |