College Catalog

This curriculum is designed to equip graduates to face the challenge of modern engineering practice. The major emphasizes applications-based engineering studies involving the planning, analysis and design of civil engineering/surveying projects. Modern approaches to the planning, analysis, and design of highways, structures, hydraulic systems, and site development will be emphasized.

This technical instruction with modern instrumentation, hardware and software will be reinforced with foundation courses emphasizing written and oral communication, and physical sciences. All of the instruction is presented with problem solving in mind and strong emphasis on applications and critical thinking. The major prepares students for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, which is the first step in the process for registration as a professional engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can seek employment in a wide range of civil engineering and surveying specialties. These include the design of steel and concrete structures, stormwater runoff and hydraulic design, soils testing and geotechnical design, construction inspection and highway design. To accomplish these and other activities, people apply skills in surveying, map making and the synthesis of geographic information with other data types such as demographic, taxation, transportation and census data. Employment opportunities will exist with private consulting firms, design/construction businesses and government agencies including PennDOT, DEP, USGS, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the uniformed services. Local municipality planning and engineering agencies will also offer opportunities for employment. People seeking self-employment opportunities will be aided by education leading to licensure as a land surveyor or a professional engineer.

Recommended High School Subjects

Strong preparation in mathematics, sciences, and communication skills. Course work in computer usage, drafting and surveying at the high school level would be helpful but not necessary.

Special Admissions Requirements

The major is designed so that first year students can enter the curriculum once prerequisites are satisfied. Students with associate degrees in Surveying or Civil Engineering Technology can also enter the BCT curriculum as juniors.

Remediation Strategies

All entering students will be tested for English, math, and reading deficiencies. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies prior to enrollment as explained in this online catalog (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/PlacementTesting.htm ). It is recommended that students remediate deficiencies in the following order of priority: matematics, English, reading.

Transfer Procedures

This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits.htm ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.

Program Goals

A graduate of this major should be able to:

• apply knowledge and principles of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to problems in civil engineering.
• perform, analyze, and interpret results of standardized field and laboratory measurements, and apply them to civil engineering applications.
• apply modern techniques, tools, current design and material specifications, and current software to civil engineering and surveying problems.
• identify, formulate the approach, and solve design problems within the following civil engineering areas: hydraulics, hydrology, geotechnics, structures, material behavior, transportation systems, water and wastewater treatment systems, surveying, and mapping.
• apply creativity in the analysis and design of civil engineering projects.
• perform project planning; create drawings; perform engineering economics analysis; and prepare schedules, cost estimates, and specifications.
• work effectively independently and in a team environment.
• understand professional, ethical and social responsibilities and their implications related to the practice of civil engineering in a global / social context.
• communicate effectively through written reports and oral presentations, including preparation of professional quality visual aids.
• demonstrate a commitment to quality, timeliness, and improved effectiveness.
• recognize the need to engage in life-long learning.

Curriculum

Accreditation

Accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012.