A civil engineering bachelor’s degree student solves real-world problems with the help of expert faculty.

Undergraduate programs

Civil engineering

B.S.

Minor

Overview

Civil engineers are engaged in the design, construction, maintenance and management of infrastructure. They are responsible for the design of water supply and wastewater treatment systems, transportation systems, power plants, transmission and communication towers, high-rise buildings, and even aircraft and aerospace structures. Every major structure critical to this country, and the global society, depends on the work of civil engineers.

SMU Lyle civil engineering students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and contribute to civil engineering teams as they create sustainable and resilient infrastructure within an evolving global economy. They graduate as builders, environmental stewards, innovators and advocates for public health, safety and welfare with a degree in one of the most in-demand specialties of today.

Students can also earn a minor in global development through the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, supported by the Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity.

Top 20%

Best National Universities

U.S. News & World Report (2026)

100%

of civil engineering undergraduates are employed or enrolled in continuing education six months post-graduation (2023–24)

37%

of Lyle Engineering undergrads are women

Admissions

Deadlines and details

Key dates and admissions information to help plan your application with confidence.

Transfer students

Everything transfer students need to know about admission requirements.

International students

All the essential admission requirements international students need to know.

Additional links

Ready to apply?

Get started here.

Tuition and financial aid

2 out of 3 first-year students are awarded grants and/or scholarships with an average total of $38,598.

Tuition and costs

Explore the cost breakdown of tuition for undergraduate programs.

Financial aid

Find information on scholarships and financial support available at SMU.

Curriculum and learning

The mission of the civil engineering program is to prepare students for professional practice and advanced studies by focusing on the following areas: structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation planning, environmental engineering and water resources.

Featured courses

CEE 2320

Dynamics

Introduction to kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies.

CEE 3307

Infrastructure and Environmental Systems Analysis

Introduces students to basic analytical techniques commonly used in the planning, design and operation management of large-scale civil and environmental engineering infrastructure systems.

CEE 5378

Transportation Planning and Traffic Engineering

Focuses on the analysis and modeling of urban transportation systems.

View course catalog

Outside the classroom

  • Maria Murad with friends in Jordan

    Internships

    Get practical experience to develop industry skills, build a professional network and gain valuable insights. Internships can open doors to future opportunities and contribute to long-term career success.

  • Study abroad

    Expand your personal and academic experiences by studying in another part of the world. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures and gain global perspectives.

  • Clubs and organizations

    Explore interests, develop leadership skills, connect with like-minded peers, and build lasting relationships.

  • SMU students working with plants at Bontham Family Farms

    Community engagement

    Apply your classroom knowledge to real-world issues while making a positive impact. Have hands-on experiences that sharpen your problem-solving abilities and communication skills.

Student success

Our graduates consistently secure positions at leading tech companies and business institutions, pursue advanced degrees at top engineering programs, and work on entrepreneurial projects.

Student stories

Justin No, SMU Lyle Civil Engineering alumn, stands outside in his regalia on graduation day holding his cap

Justin No ’23, ’24

“My one goal has always been to make some sort of an impact, to be a part of something that makes a real difference and say ‘I built that.’ That foundation was built at Lyle.”

SMU Lyle Civil Engineering student Ivy Chau was recognized as student engineer of the year by TSPE.

Ivy Chau ’26

Ivy Chau was recently recognized by the Texas Society of Professional Engineers Dallas Chapter as “Student Engineer of the Year.”

Faculty

Our distinguished faculty in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department are industry leaders, and subject matter experts, bringing real-world experience and industry insights to the classroom.

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Dr Usama El Shamy

Usama El Shamy, Ph.D.

Professor and Interim Department Chair of Civil & Environmental Engineering

davila carlos

Khaled Abdelghany, Ph.D.

Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Headshot of Professor Ali Dogru of SMU Lyle.

Ali H. Dogru, Ph.D.

Herman Brown Chair of Mechanical Engineering Professor of Mechanical Engineering…
Headshot of Professor Easton John, PH.D. of SMU Lyle.

John Easton, Ph.D.

Assistant Provost for Student Academic Engagement and Success Assistant Athletic…
Headshot of Monika U. Ehrman, faculty member at SMU Dedman School of Law.

Monika U. Ehrman

Professor of Law Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering (by Courtesy)

Halit Uster Headshot

Halit Uster, Ph.D.

Fellow, Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity Professor of Operations Research &…
Headshot of Zhong Lu, a member of the Lyle School of Engineering faculty

Zhong Lu

Shuler-Foscue Chair Professor of Earth Sciences Professor of Civil & Environmental…
Headshot of Nicos Makris, Ph.D of SMU Lyle.

Nicos Makris, Ph.D.

Addy Family Centennial Professor in Civil Engineering Professor of Civil & Environmental …
Barbara Minsker

Barbara E. Minsker, Ph.D, P.E.

Bobby B. Lyle Endowed Professor of Leadership & Global Entrepreneurship Senior Fellow in …
Headshot of Reza Moghimi, Ph.D. of SMU Lyle.

Reza Moghimi, Ph.D.

Clinical Assistant Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering
A headshot of Andrew Quicksall, a member of the Lyle School of Engineering Faculty

Andrew Quicksall

Associate Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Headshot of Professor Saeed Salehi of SMU lyle.

Saeed Salehi, Ph.D.

Herman Brown Chair of Mechanical Engineering Professor of Mechanical Engineering…
Janille Smith-Colin headshot

Janille Smith-Colin, Ph.D., P.E.

Associate Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Kate Smits headshot

Kate Smits, Ph.D, P.E.

Solomon Professor for Global Development Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Brett Story headshot

Brett A. Story, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Dr. Zarazaga

Jessie Marshall Zarazaga, Ph.D., RIBA, LeedAP

Clinical Associate Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering Director of…

Facilities

SMU Lyle students have access to state-of-the-art facilities where they can conduct research, meet with industry leaders and gain skills on new and established technologies.

SMU Lyle School of Engineering students connect with prospective employers at the career development center.

Lyle Career Development Center

Lyle’s Career Development Center gives students the tools they need for success in the workforce. Explore career paths, participate in professional development, and engage in networking opportunities like Engineering Resumania and the Engineering Connections Career Fair.

SMU Lyle Engineering students build prototypes in the Deason Innovation Gym, aka The DIG.

Deason Innovation Gym

The Deason Innovation Gym (the DIG) provides the tools and space to work on immersion design projects to accelerate learning, innovation and leadership. Get trained on 3D printers, power tools, metal shop machines and more.

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Request more info about the B.S. in civil engineering.

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Frequently asked questions

Skilled civil engineers are in high demand as the world grapples with critical structural and environmental challenges. A civil engineering degree from SMU signals to employers and graduate schools that you have formal knowledge and skills in the specialty and makes you a more competitive candidate for STEM-based careers.

Civil engineers plan, design and oversee the construction and management of infrastructure such as transportation systems, power plants and water systems. Civil engineers pursue careers in the public and private sectors and serve in roles such as city engineer or manager, design engineer, structural engineer, project manager and director of public works.

SMU does not have specializations for its civil engineering bachelor’s degree. However, students pursuing other majors at SMU can minor in environmental engineering.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental engineers had an average annual salary close to $100,000 in 2024.

A Bachelor of Science in civil engineering is a respected STEM degree as it involves committed study of science, math and engineering coursework. However, students at SMU Lyle are supported by faculty and staff and have access to state-of-the-art facilities and advising resources to make the pursuit of their degree manageable.

The B.S. civil engineering program at SMU is designed to take four years to complete.

Yes, students can double major or minor outside of the civil engineering program at SMU, both within Lyle and across the University. About one out of four SMU undergraduates pursue two or more majors and minors. SMU and Lyle support students who wish to pursue cross-disciplinary studies.

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