Undergraduate Program

Director of Undergraduate Programs
Dr. Mark Russell 
russ1307@unm.edu


Civil Engineering

Civil engineers design, build, and protect the infrastructure upon which modern society depends. Civil engineering encompasses a broad range of specialties, including water resources, environmental engineering, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, materials, and transportation. Development of sustainable solutions to societal needs is a central goal of civil engineers, and UNM's CE department has a defined focus on sustainable infrastructure. The Department seeks to provide our undergraduates with essential tools to address societal needs in a changing world, including water supply, protection of environmental and public health, effects of climate change, energy production and efficiency, and development and incorporation of new materials and nanotechnologies. Civil engineering projects include water supply and distribution systems, treatment systems for water and hazardous wastes, bioremediation, and structural systems such as smart buildings, bridges, dams, and transportation systems.  These projects can be large and extensive, and must be engineered as operational systems involving the complex interaction of many components with each other as well as with the physical and societal environment. The scope, complexity and interdisciplinary nature of civil engineering continues to increase rapidly with technological innovations. Population growth, aging infrastructure, and increasing environmental concerns are vital contributors to an increasing need for civil engineers. 

The Department prepares undergraduate students to meet these challenges through innovative application of science and engineering principles, creative research to discover new knowledge and imaginative design to satisfy society’s needs. Courses in construction, environmental, geotechnical, materials, structural, transportation and water resources engineering ensure breadth in the undergraduate program. Undergraduate students are also encouraged to participate in research projects to explore areas of particular interest and to gain experience useful for graduate studies. 


Construction Engineering and Management

Students who are interested in careers in the construction industry can follow one of the construction oriented programs. The program in construction engineering is a traditional engineering curriculum with courses pertaining to the technical aspects of construction and leading to a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering. The program in construction management includes approximately equal emphasis in engineering science, business and management and construction operations and leads to a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management.

Construction Engineering is a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering. Construction Engineering is a relatively new field, developed in response to the evolving needs of the construction industry. Large projects, both civil and industrial, have become so complex that the management of capital, materials and processes requires specialized engineering and management knowledge. This program builds on a strong foundation of traditional engineering science, analysis and design, augmented by courses in construction processes and management. It meets the needs of those students who are interested in heavy and industrial construction.

Construction Management is a four-year program that combines basic physical science, management, business and field construction knowledge. The development of management and entrepreneurial instincts is a major objective of this program. A broad background in the theory and reality of construction practice is provided by construction courses, starting with drafting skills and contracting documents, followed by surveying, productivity measurement and improvement, construction equipment management, estimating and scheduling. Graduates from this program will typically seek employment in areas of the construction industry requiring quantitative skills and entrepreneurship. They will work for general contractors, specialty contractors, design-build firms and owners of constructed facilities. This program attracts students who are primarily interested in building construction.


B.S. in Civil Engineering

The Bachelor of Science Program in Civil Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (http://www.abet.org). The Educational Objectives of the Civil Engineering program are:

  1. Prepare our graduates for successful professional practice or advanced study in civil engineering.
  2. Provide our graduates with a broad education as a foundation for professional licensure and life-long learning.
  3. Produce graduates with an appreciation for social, economic and ethical issues related to civil engineering.

Curriculum

Hours required for graduation: 130 Credits

 First Year
First Semester  Credits
ENGL 101 Composition I: Exposition(1)
3
MATH 162 Calculus I (1) 4
CHEM 121 General Chemistry (1)
3
CHEM 123L General Chemistry Lab (1)
1
CE 160L Civil Engineering Design
3
  Core Humanities Elective 3
    17
  Second Semester  
ENGL 102 Composition II: Analysis and Argument (1)
3
MATH 163 Calculus II 4
BIOL 110
-OR-
EPS 101
Biology Non-Majors

How the Earth Works
3
CS 151L Computer Programming Fundamentals for Non-Majors Lab 3
PHYC 160 General Physics (1)
3
PHYC 167 Problems in General Physics 1
    17
Second Year First Semester  
MATH 264
Calculus III 4
PHYC 161 General Physics  3
CE 202 Engineering Statics
3
CE 283
Transportation System Measure
3

Core Fine Arts Elective (1)
3


16
  Second Semester  
MATH 316
Applied Ordinary Differential Equations  3
CE 352 Computer Applications in Civil Engineering
3
ME 306
Dynamics
3
ECON 105
Introductory Macroeconomics (1)
3
ENGL 219
Technical and Professional Writing (1)
3


15
 Third Year
First Semester  
CE 302 Mechanics of Materials 3
CE 305 Infrastructure Materials Science 4
CE 331 Fluid Mechanics/Lab 4
CE 354
-OR-
STAT **345
Probability and Statistics for Civil Engineers

Elements of Mathematical Statistics and Probability Theory
3
CE 382 Transportation Engineering 3
    17
  Second Semester  
CE 308 Structural Analysis 3
CE 310 Structural Design I 4
CE 335 Introduction to Water And
Wastewater Treatment
3
CE 350 Engineering Economy 3
CE 360 Soil Mechanics/Lab 4
    17
 Fourth Year (2)
First Semester  
CE 442 Hydraulic Engineering and Hydrology 3
CE 372 Construction Contracting 3
  Technical Elective D (3)
3
  Engineering Science Elective
ECE 203 or ME 301
3
  Core Humanities Elective (1)
3
    15
  Second Semester  
CE 409 Engineering Ethics 1
CE 499L Design of Civil Engineering Systems 3
  Technical Elective D (3)
3
  Technical Elective (4) 3
  Core Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective (1)
3
  Core Second Language Elective (1)
3
    16

Notes:

  1. Specific Core Curriculum requirements.
  2. Students must take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam prior to graduation.
  3. Technical elective D: CE 411, 424, 436, 440, 462 and 482.
  4. See advisor for a list of approved technical electives.

B.S. in Construction Engineering

The Bachelor of Science Program in Construction Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (http://www.abet.org). The Educational Objectives of the Construction Engineering program are: 

  1. Prepare our graduates for successful professional practice or advanced study in construction engineering.
  2. Provide our graduates with a broad education as a foundation for professional licensure and life-long learning. 
  3. Produce graduates with an appreciation for social, economic and ethical issues related to construction engineering.

Curriculum

Hours required for Graduation: 130 or 131

 First Year
First Semester
 Credits
ENGL 101 Composition I: Exposition (1) 3
MATH 162 Calculus I (1) 4
CHEM 121 General Chemistry (1)
3
CHEM 123L General Chemistry Lab (1)
1
CE 160L Civil Engineering Design 3

Core Humanities Elective 3


17
  Second Semester  
ENGL 102 Composition II: Analysis and Argument (1)
3
MATH 163 Calculus II 4
CS 151L Computer Programming Fundamentals for Non-Majors Lab 3
PHYC 160  General Physics (1)
3
EPS 101
Introduction to Geology (1) 3
-or-


CHEM 122
General Chemistry (1)
3
CHEM 124L General Chemistry Lab(1) 1


16 - 17
 Second Year
First Semester  
MATH 264
Calculus III 4
PHYC 161 General Physics   3
CE 202 Engineering Statics
3
ECON 105
Introductory Macroeconomics (1) 3

Core Humanities Elective 3


16
  Second Semester  
MATH 316
Applied Ordinary Differential Equations  3
MGMT 202
Principles of Financial Accounting
3
ME 306
Dynamics
3
ENGL 219 Technical and Professional Writing (1) 3

Core Fine Arts Elective
3


15
 Third Year
First Semester  
CE 302 Mechanics of Materials 3
CE 305 Infrastructure Materials Science 4
CE 283
Transportation System Measurements 3
CE 350
Engineering Economy 3
CE 376 Cost Estimating 3


16
  Second Semester  
CE 308 Structural Analysis 3
CE 310 Structural Design I
4
CE 360L Soil Mechanics/Lab 4
CE 370 Construction Methods and Equipment 3
CE 377 Construction Scheduling 3


17
 Fourth Year (2)
First Semester  
CE 331L Fluid Mechanics/Lab 4
CE 354
-OR-
STAT **345
Probability and Statistics in CE

Elements of Mathematical Statistics and Probablity Theory
3
CE 455 Engineering Project Management 3
CE 477 Project Controls 3
CE 495 Construction Internship 1

Core Second Language Elective 3


17
  Second Semester  
CE 409 Engineering Ethics 1
CE 473
Construction Law (1)
3
CE 475
Construction Safety (1)
3
CE 499L Design of CE Systems 3

Engineering Science elective:
ECE 203 OR ME 301
3

Core Social/Behavioral Science Elective (1)
3


16

Notes:

  1. Specific Core Curriculum requirements.
  2. Students must take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam prior to graduation.

B.S. in Construction Management

The Bachelor of Science Program in Construction Management is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education. With the proper selection of management electives, students completing this program can earn a minor from the Anderson Schools of Management.

Outcomes

Graduates of the department’s construction management program must appreciate the technical components and understand the managerial aspects of civil engineering construction projects.

  1. We will educate students to apply methods to successfully and safely manage construction projects. Graduates will achieve competence in construction topics, including:
    a. Reading and understanding construction documents,
    b. Using construction documents to develop construction estimates and schedules,
    c. Using schedules, estimates and construction documents to safely control projects.
  2. Students will demonstrate an ability to lead through motivating others and applying appropriate technical skills to solve construction management problems. Graduates will:
    a. Develop a breadth of technical skills to communicate across boundaries,
    b. Learn to work effectively in teams,
    c. Develop action plans to work within project constraints.
  3. Students will develop skills in critical thinking and innovation recognizing the need for continuously learning new skills and competencies. Graduates will:
    a. Utilize online and library resources,
    b. Critically assess current technical documents,
    c. Develop an ability to apply technology to solve construction problems.
  4. Students will learn to employ effective communication skills to deal respectfully and ethically with others. Graduates will be:
    a. Effective at oral communications,
    b. Effective in written communications,
    c. Effective at internet-based communications: online/electronic/email.

Minor Study Requirements

Students may earn a minor in construction management by completing the following courses with a grade of C- or better: CE 350 or MGMT 326, CE 372 and MGMT 300 or MGMT 362, plus three courses from CE 376, CE 377, CE 473, CE 474, CE 475, or CE 477.

Curriculum 

Hours required for graduation: 130

First Year
First Semester
 Credits
ECON 106 Introductory Microeconomics 3
ENGL 101 Composition I: Exposition (1) 3
MATH 121 College Algebra (1)
3
EPS 101 How the Earth Works–An Introduction
to Geology
3
CE 130 Construction Detailing (2) 3
    15
  Second Semester  
CS 150L Computing for Business Students 3
ENGL 102 Composition II: Analysis and Argument (1) 3
MATH 123 Trigonometry 3
CE 160L Civil Engineering Design 3
CE 171 Construction Materials and Techniques (2)
3
  Core Humanities Elective (1)
3
    18
Second Year
First Semester  
MATH 180 Elements of Calculus I 3
PHYC 151 General Physics (1)
3
CE 279 Mechanical Electrical Systems
Construction
3
CHEM 121 General Chemistry
3
CHEM 123L General Chemistry Lab 1
  Core Fine Arts Elective (1) 3
    16
  Second Semester  
CE 283L Transportation System Measurements 3
CE 371 Structures for Construction 3
CJ 130 Public Speaking 3
ENGL 219 Technical and Professional Writing (1)
3
MGMT 202 Principles of Financial Accounting 3
STAT 145 Introduction to Statistics 3
    18
Third Year
First Semester  
CE 376 Cost Estimating 3
CE 305 Infrastructure Materials Science 4
CE 350 Engineering Economy 3
CE 478 Design of Temporary Support Structures 3
MGMT 303 Managerial Accounting 3
    16
  Second Semester  
CE 370 Construction Methods and Equipment 3
CE 377 Construction Scheduling 3
  MGMT Elective (3)
3
  Core Humanities Elective (1)
3
  Core Second Language Elective (1)
3
    15
Fourth Year
First Semester  
CE 455 Engineering Project Management 3
CE 474 Principles of Written Construction Documents 3
CE 477 Project Controls 3
CE 495 Construction Internship 1
  MGMT Elective (3)
3
  Core Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective (1)
3
    16
  Second Semester  
CE 409 Engineering Ethics 1
CE 473 Construction Law
3
CE 475 Construction Safety 3
CE 497L Design Construction Integration 3
  Construction Elective (3)
3
  MGMT Elective (3)
3
    16

Notes:

  1. Core Curriculum electives from approved lists.
  2. Course must be taken at Central New Mexico Community College.
  3. See Department for approved Const and MGMT electives. Approval of advisor required.

Policies on Academic Progress

The following policies apply to all students who have been admitted to the civil engineering department:

  1. Students must complete all mathematics, science and engineering courses required for the degree in civil and construction engineering and construction management with a grade of C- or better.
  2. No student may enroll in a course in the civil engineering department without first earning a grade of C- or above in all prerequisites for the course.
  3. Students must complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of work applicable to the degree after admission to the civil engineering department.

Students seeking exceptions to these policies are required to obtain written permission from the department chairperson.

Cooperative Education Program

The Department of Civil Engineering offers a cooperative education program that alternates classroom study with a planned program of related work experience. Additional information may be obtained from the University of New Mexico’s Career Services Office.


Graduation with Honors

Academic excellence in undergraduate studies can be recognized by graduation with Departmental HonorsBaccalaureate Honors, and/or University Honors. Information about Departmental honors is available from the CE Coordinator of Program Advisement. Baccalaureate Honors are automatically awarded based om GPA, as described at this link.  The University Honors Program requires application and completion of honors credits, as described at the University Honors website


Courses

CE 130. Construction Detailing. (3)



CE 160L. Civil Engineering Design. (3)



CE 171. Construction Materials and Techniques. (3)



CE 202. Engineering Statics. (3)



CE 279. Mechanical Electrical Systems Construction. (3)



CE 283. Transportation System Measurements. (3)



CE 291. Lower Division Special Topics in Civil Engineering. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)



CE 302. Mechanics of Materials. (3)



CE 304. Engineering Mechanics. (4)



CE 305. Infrastructure Materials Science. (4)



CE 308. Structural Analysis. (3)



CE 310. Structural Design I. (4)



CE 331. Fluid Mechanics. (4)



CE **335. Introduction to Water And Wastewater Treatment. (3)



CE 350. Engineering Economy. (3)



CE 352. Computer Applications in Civil Engineering. (3)



CE 354 / 554. Probability and Statistics for Civil Engineers. (3)



CE 360. Soil Mechanics. (4)



CE 370. Construction Methods and Equipment. (3)



CE 371. Structures for Construction. (3)



CE **372. Construction Contracting. (3)



CE 376. Cost Estimating. (3)



CE 377. Construction Scheduling. (3)



CE 382. Transportation Engineering. (3)



NONE 409. Engineering Ethics. (1)



CE 411 / 511. Reinforced Concrete Design. (3)



CE 413 / 513. Timber and Masonry Design. (3)



CE 415. Civil Engineering Design Competition. (1 to a maximum of 3 Δ)



CE 424 / 524. Structural Design in Metals. (3)



CE 436 / 536. Biological Wastewater Treatment. (3)



CE 437L / 537L. Aqueous Environmental Chemistry and Analysis. (3)



CE 440 / 540. Design of Hydraulic Systems. (3)



CE 441 / 541. Hydrogeology. (3)



CE *442. Hydraulic Engineering and Hydrology. (3)



CE *455. Engineering Project Management. (3)



CE 462 / 562. Foundation Engineering I. (3)



CE 466 / 566. Pavement Design. (3)



CE 473 / 573. Construction Law. (3)



CE 474 / 574. Principles of Written Construction Documents. (3)



CE 475 / 575. Construction Safety. (3)



CE 477 / 577. Project Controls. (3)



CE 478 / 578. Design of Temporary Support Structures. (3)



CE 480 / 580. Highway Traffic Design. (3)



CE 481 / 581. Urban Transportation Planning. (3)



CE 482 / 582. Highway and Traffic Engineering. (3)



CE 483 / 583. Traffic Engineering Studies and Characteristics. (3)



CE *491-*492. Special Topics in Civil Engineering. (1-3, 1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)



CE 493. Special Topics in Civil Engineering - Honors. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)



CE 494. Honors Seminar. (3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)



CE 495. Construction Internship. (1)



CE 497L. Design Construction Integration. (3)



CE 499. Design of Civil Engineering Systems. (3)



CE 501. Advanced Mechanics of Materials. (3)



CE 502. Finite Element Methods in Solid Mechanics. (3)



CE 503. Composite Materials. (3)



CE 506. Prestressed Concrete. (3)



CE 511 / 411. Reinforced Concrete Design. (3)



CE 513 / 413. Timber and Masonry Design. (3)



CE 518. Theory of Structural Stability. (3)



CE 521. Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering . (3)



CE 524 / 424. Structural Design in Metals. (3)



CE 531. Physical-Chemical Water and Wastewater Treatment. (3)



CE 532. Advanced Physical-Chemical Water and Wastewater. (3)



CE 534. Environmental Engineering Chemistry. (3)



CE 536 / 436. Biological Wastewater Treatment. (3)



CE 537L / 437L. Aqueous Environmental Chemistry and Analysis. (3)



CE 539. Radioactive Waste Management. (3)



CE 540 / 440. Design of Hydraulic Systems. (3)



CE 541 / 441. Hydrogeology. (3)



CE 542. Intermediate Hydrology. (3)



CE 543. Ground Water Mathematics and Modeling. (3)



CE 545. Open Channel Hydraulics. (3)



CE 547. GIS in Water Resources Engineering. (3)



CE 548. Fuzzy Logic and Applications. (3)



CE 549. Vadose Zone Hydrology. (3)



CE 551. Problems. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)



CE 554 / 354. Probability and Statistics for Civil Engineers. (3)



CE 560. Advanced Soil Mechanics. (3)



CE 562 / 462. Foundation Engineering I. (3)



CE 563. Earth Structures. (3)



CE 565. Soil Behavior. (3)



CE 566 / 466. Pavement Design. (3)



CE 567. Foundation Engineering II. (3)



CE 568. Soil Dynamics. (3)



CE 571. Sustainable Design and Construction. (3)



CE 573 / 473. Construction Law. (3)



CE 574 / 474. Principles of Written Construction Documents. (3)



CE 575 / 475. Construction Safety. (3)



CE 576. Project Delivery Systems. (3)



CE 577 / 477. Project Controls. (3)



CE 578 / 478. Design of Temporary Support Structures. (3)



CE 580 / 480. Highway Traffic Design. (3)



CE 581 / 481 . Urban Transportation Planning. (3)



CE 582 / 482. Highway and Traffic Engineering. (3)



CE 583 / 483. Traffic Engineering Studies and Characteristics. (3)



CE 588. Master’s Project. (1-6)



CE 598. Selected Topics. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)



CE 599. Master’s Thesis. (1-6, no limit Δ)



CE 650. Research. (1-6 to a maximum of 12 Δ)



CE 691. Graduate Seminar. (1 to a maximum of 4 Δ)



CE 699. Dissertation. (3-12, no limit Δ)



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Office of the Registrar

MSC 11 6325
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131

Phone: (505) 277-8900
Fax: (505) 277-6809