Major in civil & environmental engineering

If you want to help build the nation's infrastructure, civil and environmental engineering could be for you.

Degree programs

Our nationally ranked degree programs give you the chance to work with top faculty, who have been recognized for both their research achievements and teaching accomplishments. We also provide opportunities for undergraduate research in our state-of-the-art research labs.

Below see details about our major degree programs as well as our minor degree programs and accelerated programs.

We also offer the support services that can help ensure your success. Learn more in our student resources section.

Major degree programs

Two programs are offered.

Civil engineering

Civil engineers apply scientific and engineering principles to improve the built environment and to provide sustainable infrastructure systems. Civil engineers analyze and design structural components of buildings and bridges; improve seismic safety; investigate soil-structure interactions; design pavements and test new asphalt and concrete mixtures; implement strategies for improving traffic flow within a transportation network; and develop treatment strategies for water, wastewater, and environmental contaminants. Civil engineers use computer design and simulation to envision new systems and to retrofit existing ones.

Environmental engineering

Environmental engineers apply scientific and engineering principles to preserve, restore, and sustain the natural environment while maintaining clean air, water, and land resources. For example, environmental engineers provide safe drinking water supplies, prevent pollution of the aquatic environment, study the fate and transport of contaminants, treat contaminated effluents, and restore polluted sites.

Minor degree programs

Four degree programs are offered.

Civil engineering

This program focuses on teaching students to apply their scientific and engineering knowledge to the design, construction, and maintenance of civil infrastructure projects. See the requirements for the minor in civil engineering.

Construction management

Construction management involves the design, planning and management of the construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of the built environment. See the requirements for the minor in construction management.

Environmental engineering

Environmental engineers use engineering and scientific principles to protect and preserve human health and the environment and to improve our quality of life. See the requirements for the minor in environmental engineering.

Manufacturing quality

Knowledge in the areas of quality control and product excellence are in high demand for certifying product quality and durability to ensure their “fitness for purpose” during each step of the manufacturing process. Learn about the requirements for the minor in manufacturing quality.

Accelerated programs

Two programs are offered.

Accelerated B.S./MBA

The College of Engineering, in partnership with the College of Business, offers a five-year program to earn both the Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Master of Business Administration degrees. Learn about the requirements for the B.S./MBA accelerated program.

Accelerated B.S./M.S.

The accelerated B.S./M.S. program allows outstanding students in the College of Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno to obtain a M.S. degree in a shorter amount of time. See the requirements for the B.S./M.S. accelerated program.

Student resources

We have a vibrant undergraduate program that offers a range of services for students, from academic support such as personalized advising and tutoring to active student clubs and competition teams that let you tackle real-world engineering challenges.

Are you ready to make a world of difference?

Join the College of Engineering students, faculty and alumni who are developing the ideas, techniques and technologies that change the world.

Learn more today!