2013–2014 The Bulletin - USS at Tufts - Tufts University

Civil and Environmental Engineering >
Structural engineers are involved the planning,
design and monitoring of buildings, bridges, dams,
vehicle frames, and special structures such as power
transmission towers and wind turbines. The
activities of structural engineers range from analysis
and design of basic structural components such as
beams, columns and floor slabs, to the study of
material properties and biomechanics.
Geosystems engineers specialize in the study of
soil and rock mechanics and in the analysis of
problems of soil response to loads, groundwater
flow, and environmental contaminants. Geosystems
engineers evaluate the hazard related to landslides
and earthquakes and design a variety of earth
structures such as dams, embankments, landfills and
containment structures for hazardous waste sites, as
well as foundations for bridges, buildings, and
offshore platforms.
Environmental engineers seek to protect human
health and the environment through the planning
and design of air and water pollution control
facilities, treatment and disposal of hazardous
wastes, and the development of treatment technologies
for persistent and emerging contaminants such
as nanomaterials and chlorinated solvents. Water
resource engineers are concerned with the planning,
design and operation of water resource systems and
the restoration of rivers and watersheds. Water
resource engineers are involved in projects ranging
from flood control works to hydropower stations,
water supply systems, and storm-water systems.
Public health engineers assess the impacts of
environmental exposures to biological, chemical and
physical hazards on human health, design engineered
controls for water-borne diseases and other
human health risks, and measure and predict the
effects of environmental factors on the occurrence
and transmission of disease.
UNDERGRADUATE ProgrAM
The Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering (CEE) offers two primary undergraduate
degrees: the Bachelor of Science in Civil
Engineering (BSCE) and the Bachelor of Science
in Environmental Engineering (BSEVE). The
programs leading to the BSCE and BSEVE
degrees are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation
Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation
Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET),
and satisfy the degree requirements needed to take
the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination,
an important step toward registration as a
licensed professional engineer. Depending upon a
student’s background and interests, there are
numerous opportunities to utilize advanced
placement credits, obtain a minor, complete dual
majors, and participate in study abroad and
internship programs. The overall goals of the
BSCE and BSEVE programs are for students to
learn the fundamental engineering principles, to
master engineering methods for solving challenging
problems, and to effectively communicate engineering
solutions to both technical and non-technical
audiences. The CEE faculty is dedicated to
accomplishing these goals through the integration
of teaching, research, and professional practice.
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
(BSCE) degree program prepares students for a
career in civil and environmental engineering. The
BSCE allows students to specialize in one of four
areas: environmental engineering, geotechnical
engineering, structural engineering, and water
resources engineering. The mission of the BSCE
program is to provide students with an educational
experience that builds a sound foundation for
professional practice and provides technical skills
that serve as a basis for career advancement and
life-long learning. Program objectives are achieved
by developing a broad understanding of civil and
environmental engineering, fundamental engineering
principles, and connections with the humanities,
arts, and social sciences. The curriculum emphasizes
the application of basic sciences, computing, and
mathematics for engineering design. Students completing
the BSCE program are also well qualified
for graduate study in engineering, architecture,
construction, business management, and law.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The BSCE program is accredited by the Engineering
Accreditation Commission of ABET
(http://www.abet.org). Following the guidelines of
the School of Engineering, a total of thirty-eight
courses are required to fulfill the BSCE degree
requirements. Of these thirty-eight course credits, a
minimum of 9.5 course credits must be completed
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