Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Design resilient solutions

Civil and environmental engineering is about solving practical problems that shape everyday life. If you’re curious about how bridges stand, how clean water reaches communities, how cities are planned, or how engineering can protect natural resources, this could be a great career path for you. 

Careers in civil and environmental engineering span industries like transportation, construction, water and waste systems, sustainability, environmental consulting, and public infrastructure. With a degree in civil and environmental engineering, you can design systems and lead large-scale projects that turn ideas into solutions that make a lasting impact. 

Why study Civil-Environmental Engineering at NAU

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is dedicated to preparing you for professional practice from day one. You’ll build a strong foundation in math, science, and engineering principles, then apply them to real challenges through labs and research. 

At NAU, you'll have the option to pursue both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years on an accelerated path. Small class sizes and faculty-led courses in an environment where you’re supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow make studying civil and environmental engineering at NAU a unique and personalized experience. 

Learning outcomes

As a Civil Environmental Engineering major at NAU, you will: 

• identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. 
• apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors. 
• recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgements, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, and environmental, and societal contexts. 
• develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgement to draw conclusions. 

Student clubs and organizations

You’ll find it easy to get involved in student organizations where you can collaborate on design projects and connect with peers who share your passion for engineering. 

Dedicated support

NAU provides the support you’ll need to succeed inside and outside the classroom. Get tailored mentorship and professional guidance from expert faculty and financial aid resources that will enable you to be laser focused on getting the experience you need to launch your career in engineering. 

Faculty mentorship

Civil and Environmental Engineering faculty at NAU are licensed professional engineers who bring years of real-world experience to the classroom. You’ll learn from instructors who connect theory to practice and show you how concepts translate directly into the field. Beyond world-class expertise, NAU faculty take the time to get to know your interests and goals, so they can offer personalized guidance as you navigate labs, research, coursework, internships, and independent study.

Scholarships and assistantships

You’ll have access to scholarships and resources offered to support your academic and professional success. Dozens of scholarships and available each year, many funded by professional organizations and donors invested in the next generation of engineers. Browse scholarships available to engineering students on the Scholarship Universe website. 

Career readiness

Gain experience that connects classroom learning to real-world engineering challenges through internships, research, and fieldwork. You can also join student chapters of professional organizations such as the American Society of Engineers (ASCE), Institute of Transportation Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, and American Concrete Institute, as well as participate in conferences and competitions. Supported by faculty and the department’s Industrial Advisory Board, you’ll receive resume coaching, interview preparation, and career path mentoring, so when you graduate, you’re ready to step confidently into the engineering profession.