OVERVIEW of the CIVIL and ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
The Penn State Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, established in 1881, is internationally recognized for excellence in the preparation of undergraduate and graduate engineers through the integration of education, research, and leadership. We offer the B.S. degree in Civil Engineering, an undergraduate minor in Environmental Engineering, and M.S., M.Eng., and Ph.D. degrees in both Civil and Environmental Engineering. In 2010-2011, the Civil Engineering undergraduate program was ranked 14 by U.S. News and World Report, the graduate program in Civil Engineering was ranked 19, and the graduate program in Environmental Engineering was ranked 16.
More than 400 juniors and seniors are enrolled in the undergraduate program, and approximately 120 students in the graduate program, with about half pursuing doctoral degrees. Our outstanding, award-winning faculty offers a wide variety of courses from freshman to graduate level, encompassing all areas of civil and environmental engineering. We strive to maintain a well-balanced program in which the research, teaching, and service components of scholarship of are integrated into a world-class education for our students.
Mission
The mission of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is to prepare students for professional practice, graduate study, life-long learning, societal leadership and to improve the scientific and technological basis for civil and environmental engineering practice. To fulfill this mission, the Department seeks to provide a high quality undergraduate program with instruction in all the fundamental areas of civil engineering, to conduct a distinguished program of research and graduate study in selected areas of civil and environmental engineering, and to disseminate advanced technical knowledge to engineers, other professionals, and the public.
Strategic Plan
A five-year action plan was developed by our faculty and staff for the years 2008-2013. The following four goals were established:
- Goal 1: Education. Be nationally and internationally recognized leaders in educating high quality engineers.
- Goal 2: Research and Discovery. Further advance a nationally and internationally distinguished research program.
- Goal 3: Quality Improvement. Promote continual development in quality at all levels.
- Goal 4: Development. Expand alumni and corporate relations to increase support for CEE.
To view the strategic plan, please visit: http://www.engr.psu.edu/ce/pdfs/strategic_plan_2008.pdf