Prospective Students

Engineering involves applying scientific and mathematical principles and knowledge to solve the technical problems that confront society. Students studying engineering must develop an understanding of the forces at work within nature in order to learn to control and direct them.

From airports and mass transit systems to a country’s first roads, bridges and safe drinking water, civil engineers are responsible for advancing civilization and making the world a better place to live. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) degree receive training in basic sciences, engineering science, general education and design experience entailing the five subdisciplines of structures, transportation, water resources, geotechnical and environmental.

In the Masters of Environmental Engineering degree program, students find a design-oriented program that culminates in a comprehensive design problem rather than a research-oriented thesis. The program duration is 5 years whereas students typically enter the program as a freshman. Students pursuing a Master of Environmental Engineering (MEnvE) degree receive strong preparation in biology, chemistry, and environmental engineering. Students choosing the MEnvE degree are BSEnvE majors until formally admitted to the MEnvE program at the end of the second curriculum year. Students must pass the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and meet the university’s graduate school admission requirements before enrolling in graduate level courses.

All students are responsible for their academic progress. Requirements for undergraduate degrees are established at three different levels:

The University as a whole (Uniform Undergraduate Degree Requirements).
The college through which the degree is conferred.
The particular degree program in which the student is working.

Students should familiarize themselves with all three sets of requirements that must be fulfilled before the degree is granted.

Here is helpful information for Civil and Environmental Engineering students before coming for orientation or advising:

What Mathematics course do I take?

The first question is to determine the appropriate level of Mathematics course in which to register. The Mathematics Department has a Placement Exam that all students must take before they are allowed to register for Math 1351 – Calculus I. This is the first required math course in the Civil and Environmental Engineering degree plans. This Placement Exam can be found on the Mathematics Department website at www.math.ttu.edu. On the left side of the screen in red go to Undergraduate Program and click on Mathematics Placement Exam. There is a practice exam students are encouraged to take before sitting for the Placement Exam. There are a few exceptions to taking this Placement Exam:

Students who have scored at least 660 on the SATM or at least 39 on the ACTM may enroll in Math 1351 – Calculus I whether they have appropriate previous prerequisite collegiate mathematics credit or the appropriate Math Placement Exam score.
You can receive credit for Math 1351 – Calculus I if you took the Calculus AB exam and received a score of 4.
You can receive credit for Math 1351 – Calculus I and Math 1352 – Calculus II if you took the Calculus BC exam and received a score of 4.
You can receive credit for Math 1351 – Calculus I if you took the CLEP-S:Calculus exam and scored 50.
You can receive credit for Math 1351 – Calculus I and Math 1352 – Calculus II if you took the CLEP-S:Calculus exam and scored 56.
You have already received college level credit (dual credit) for Math 1351 – Calculus I.
You may enroll in Math 1351 – Calculus I if you have received college credit (dual credit) for Math 1550 – PreCalculus.

However, all students are encouraged to take the math placement exam before orientation to provide them with a current assessment of their mathematics skills.

What Chemistry course do I take?

Before taking a chemistry course on the Texas Tech campus, students must take the Chemistry Placement Exam or bring chemistry credit from another institution. CHEM 1307/1107 – Principles of Chemistry I/Principles of Chemistry Lab are the first required chemistry courses in the Civil and Environmental Engineering degree plans and students may enroll in this course with a 50% or better on the Chemistry Placement Exam. Otherwise, students must enroll in CHEM 1301 – Introductory Chemistry CHEM 1301. The Chemistry Placement Exam may be found on the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department website at www.depts.ttu.edu/chemistry. On the left side of the screen in red go to Undergraduate Students, then Departmental Links, then Placement Exam. There is a practice exam that students are encouraged to take. Students should also review high school level chemistry concepts and skills prior to sitting for the Chemistry Placement Exam.

How many credits should I sign up for?

Students are expected to spend approximately two to three hours in preparation for each hour of lecture or recitation. The maximum number of semester hours a student may take without specific permission of the academic dean is as follows: 19 hours per long semester, 16 hours per long semester for students on scholastic probation, and 8 hours per summer term. If you will be working 15 to 20 hours per week, you are advised to take 12 to 14 hours. If you are not working, taking15 to 17 hours is suggested. The BSCE program is built around students taking 14-17 hours per semester to graduate and 15-17 hours per semester to complete the MEnvE.

What is the most important thing I can do to be a successful engineering student?

Think of your college career as a job and attend all your classes. Attendance is a crucial part of being a successful student in college.
Do your homework every night! Do not save it up for the weekend. This is an important thing to keep in mind. Spend time on your homework, learn what you're doing!
Seek help when you do not understand your homework or an assignment. Study groups and help sessions can be very beneficial.
Do the practice problems your instructor assigns.
Do all your homework, and if you don't understand something, ask someone immediately. Your instructor will have office hours, use them.
The Whitacre College of Engineering, Civil and Environmental Department and the University have tutoring programs, use them.
Remember, D’s Don’t Count. To successfully complete a course, you must have a C or better.

Academic Advising

All Civil and Environmental Engineering students are required to meet with their faculty advisor and our senior advisor every semester before they are allowed to register for subsequent semesters. This appointment should be scheduled during early registration (April or November) for current students. Come prepared by bringing your degree evaluation report and a completed registration sheet. Your advisor can help you navigate through the curriculum in a timely fashion. They can also direct you to services available on campus. For more information, please contact the Academic Programs Advisor Glenna Andrews

Department Info

Texas Tech University