Cost & earnings at University of Colorado Boulder What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Civil Engineering graduates earn a median $60,523 Across 313 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder is an ABET-accredited undergraduate degree that trains students in the design, analysis and management of infrastructure systems. It suits students who enjoy mathematics, physics and hands-on problem solving and who want careers in structural, environmental, water resources, transportation, geotechnical or construction engineering.
The programme builds a foundation in calculus, physics and chemistry before moving into core civil engineering topics and professional skills. Early courses emphasise mathematics, statics, dynamics and materials; later coursework covers structural analysis and design, geotechnical engineering, fluid mechanics and hydraulics, transportation engineering, and environmental and water-resources engineering.
Students complete laboratory and field-based modules that develop practical skills with instrumentation, materials testing and surveying. Design and computation are integrated across the curriculum, with typical modules teaching engineering mechanics, concrete and steel design, soil mechanics, hydrology, construction methods, and engineering economy. Software and numerical methods such as MATLAB, AutoCAD/Civil 3D and structural-analysis packages are introduced and applied in coursework.
The degree culminates in a senior capstone design project where multidisciplinary teams solve a real-world engineering problem, producing design reports, drawings and presentations. Strong elective options allow deeper focus in areas such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, transportation systems, construction engineering and sustainable infrastructure. Opportunities for undergraduate research, internships and cooperative education complement the taught curriculum.
Applicants are expected to have a strong secondary-school record with a solid background in mathematics (including calculus) and physics. Successful applicants typically demonstrate high achievement in STEM subjects and evidence of problem-solving ability. The admissions process assesses academic preparation, coursework rigor, and readiness for a quantitative engineering curriculum.
Domestic applicants should present a high school diploma with advanced mathematics and science preparation; transfer applicants need college-level calculus and physics completed with competitive grades. International applicants must provide an equivalent secondary-school qualification and meet the university's English language requirements (for example via TOEFL or IELTS). Specific course prerequisites and minimum grade expectations are published by the university and vary by applicant category, so prospective students should consult the Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering department and CU Boulder admissions for exact guidance.
Graduates are prepared for professional engineering roles across public agencies, private consultancies, construction firms and infrastructure owners. Typical job titles include civil engineer, structural engineer, geotechnical engineer, transportation engineer, water-resources engineer, environmental engineer, construction manager and project engineer. Many alumni work in design and consulting firms, municipal and state departments of transportation, utilities and water authorities, or in construction and project management roles.
The degree also provides a solid foundation for professional licensure (e.g. the Fundamentals of Engineering and Professional Engineer pathways), graduate study in specialised areas of engineering, and careers in research or academia. Proximity to industry and strong department links support internships and co-op placements that improve employment outcomes.
The civil engineering programme is housed within a research-active department that emphasises hands-on learning, sustainability and interdisciplinary collaboration. CU Boulder offers access to well-equipped laboratories and field facilities for materials testing, hydraulics, geotechnical studies and structural experimentation, and students benefit from partnerships with regional infrastructure agencies and private industry.
The campus location near the Denver metropolitan area and the Rocky Mountains provides distinct opportunities for field-based projects in water resources, mountain infrastructure and environmental engineering. Students can join professional and student chapters such as ASCE, participate in design competitions, pursue undergraduate research with faculty, and take advantage of university career services and employer connections for internships and job placement.
Overall, the programme combines strong technical fundamentals, practical experience and links to industry and research—preparing graduates to design, analyse and manage resilient infrastructure in diverse professional contexts.
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