B.S. in Civil Engineering

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Civil Engineering at York College of Pennsylvania offers a comprehensive and broad-based education for students aiming to create and maintain the physical frameworks of our communities. This program prepares graduates to make a meaningful daily impact on the infrastructure that supports modern society, including roads, bridges, airports, tunnels, dams, and essential water and sanitation systems. It emphasizes the integration of theory with practice, ensuring students are ready for in-demand roles in various aspects of civil and environmental engineering, with a particular focus on sustainable engineering and design practices.

STEM-Designated: While the term "STEM-designated" is often used in the context of international student visas (specifically for the STEM OPT extension), Civil Engineering programs are inherently considered STEM fields due to their strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. York College of Pennsylvania's B.S. in Civil Engineering, like most accredited engineering programs, falls under the STEM classification, reflecting its rigorous technical and analytical nature.

ABET-Accredited: The Civil Engineering program at York College of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). ABET accreditation is a highly respected global standard that assures programs meet the quality standards essential to prepare graduates for professional practice in engineering. This accreditation signifies that the curriculum is rigorous, relevant, and designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills for a successful engineering career, and it is often a requirement for professional licensure.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.S. in Civil Engineering at York College is rooted in hands-on experiences and real-world applications, spanning a minimum of 132 credits. Core courses are designed to ensure students grasp the multifaceted dimensions of civil engineering, from sustainable infrastructure to environmental considerations, utilizing state-of-the-art tools and methodologies. Key areas of study typically include structural engineering, environmental engineering, transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, and water resources engineering. A distinguishing feature is the built-in two-semester (six-credit) co-op work experience, which seamlessly integrates classroom lessons with practical industry involvement. Students engage in project-based learning from the start, progressing to complex senior-year designs that cater to actual client specifications.

Research Focus: York College of Pennsylvania's approach to "research focus" within the Civil Engineering program is highly practical and project-based. The program is not primarily a theoretical research institution; instead, it emphasizes "learning by doing." Students are immersed in real-world projects from their freshman year, tackling group projects and, in their senior year, working on complex designs for real clients. This experiential learning allows students to apply engineering principles, analyze data, and use modern engineering tools to solve contemporary issues, rather than focusing on abstract academic research. Faculty are committed to undergraduate education and often guide students through these impactful design and problem-solving initiatives.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a cornerstone of the Civil Engineering program, largely facilitated by its unique two-semester co-op work experience. This full-time, paid professional experience provides students with invaluable real-world exposure, allowing them to integrate classroom knowledge with practical application and build a robust resume even before graduation. The program's strong industry involvement ensures a comprehensive educational journey, with students interacting with industry practitioners and gaining familiarity with essential engineering equipment. Furthermore, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter at YCP actively connects members with professionals, companies, and the local community, fostering professional growth and networking opportunities.

Global Perspective: The Civil Engineering program at York College of Pennsylvania instills a global perspective by emphasizing the societal impact of engineering solutions and the importance of sustainable design practices. The curriculum prepares graduates to address challenges that often have global implications, such as environmental considerations, resilient infrastructure for diverse climates, and ethical responsibilities in a global context. While specific dedicated "international civil engineering" courses might not be a major highlight, the program's outcomes include the ability to consider public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors in engineering design. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are prepared to contribute to infrastructure projects that serve communities worldwide.