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Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering

Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering

 

YOUR ROADTO SUCCESS

The Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at the University of Memphis combines the resources of a major research university with the support of a close-knit community. Within the Herff College of Engineering, students gain hands-on experience, work alongside expert faculty, and tackle real-world challenges—from building resilient infrastructure to protecting the environment. Our graduates emerge as skilled leaders ready to design, build, and improve the systems that shape our world. Join our Tiger family and help create a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future.

 

Real-World Impact

 


Why Choose Civil, Construction, or Environmental Engineering? Make real change in your community. 

Dr. Farhad Jazaei Lab
Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering is one of the most rewarding and impactful engineering disciplines, offering the opportunity to shape the communities where we live, work, and thrive. From designing resilient infrastructure and sustainable buildings to improving transportation systems, protecting water resources, and advancing smart cities, engineers in this field solve challenges that improve lives every day. As demand for sustainable infrastructure and innovative engineering solutions continues to grow, graduates enjoy outstanding career opportunities across the public and private sectors while making a lasting difference in society.

Why Study Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at the Herff College of Engineering? 

happy students walking

At the Herff College of Engineering, you'll receive more than an engineering degree; you'll gain the knowledge, experience, and professional network to build the future. Our department combines outstanding faculty, cutting-edge research, modern laboratories, and strong industry partnerships to deliver an exceptional educational experience. Students benefit from personalized mentoring, hands-on research, nationally recognized student organizations, internships with leading employers, and opportunities to work on projects supported by federal, state, local, and industry partners. As one of the University's most research-active departments, we prepare graduates with the technical expertise, leadership skills, and real-world experience needed to excel in today's rapidly evolving engineering profession.


A Message from Chair Dr. Rouzbeh Nazari

Welcome to the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at the ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ.

Thank you for your interest in our department. Whether you are a prospective student, current student, alumnus, industry partner, researcher, or community member, I am delighted to welcome you to one of the University's premier research and educational departments. We are committed to advancing engineering education, conducting impactful research, and developing innovative solutions that strengthen infrastructure, protect the environment, and improve communities throughout our region and beyond.

Civil, construction, and environmental engineers are uniquely positioned to address many of society's most pressing challenges, from resilient infrastructure and sustainable construction to water resources, transportation, environmental stewardship, artificial intelligence, smart cities, and climate resilience. Our mission is to educate engineers who possess not only exceptional technical expertise but also the leadership, creativity, ethical responsibility, and entrepreneurial mindset necessary to solve complex global challenges.

Our greatest strength is our outstanding faculty. The department is home to internationally recognized scholars, accomplished educators, and experienced industry professionals whose expertise spans every major area of civil, construction, and environmental engineering. Their dedication to excellence in teaching, research, and mentorship creates an environment where students are encouraged to innovate, collaborate, and become leaders in their profession.

Today, our department is recognized as one of the most research-active departments at the ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ. Our faculty lead multidisciplinary research programs supported by competitive funding from federal, state, local, and industry partners, addressing critical challenges in resilient infrastructure, disaster recovery, environmental sustainability, transportation systems, construction innovation, public health, and emerging technologies. These efforts provide our students with exceptional opportunities to participate in meaningful research while preparing them for successful careers in academia, industry, and government.

Dr. Nazari

The department also serves as a hub for interdisciplinary innovation through several nationally recognized research centers and initiatives, including the Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research (CAESER), Center for Disaster Recovery and Resiliency (CDRR), Center for Transportation Innovations, Education, and Research (C-TIER), Southeast Transportation Workforce Center (SETWC), Resilient Smart Cities Innovation Center (ReSInC), and the Center for Electrification and Automation Technologies (CEAT). Together, these centers foster collaboration among faculty, students, government agencies, and industry partners to develop transformative solutions that create lasting societal impact.

Our close partnerships with industry are fundamental to our success. Through an engaged Advisory Board and collaborations with engineering firms, contractors, public agencies, and community organizations, we continuously align our academic programs with the profession's evolving needs. These partnerships provide students with outstanding opportunities for internships, research, mentorship, and career placement while ensuring our graduates are prepared to lead from day one.

As our department continues to grow, we remain committed to expanding academic opportunities through innovative undergraduate and graduate programs, flexible learning options, and interdisciplinary research initiatives that prepare engineers for the rapidly changing future workforce.

As Chair, my vision is to establish the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering as a nationally recognized leader in engineering education, research, innovation, and industry engagement. By fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and service, we are preparing the next generation of engineers to build stronger, smarter, more sustainable, and more resilient communities.

I invite you to explore our programs, meet our exceptional faculty and students, and discover the many opportunities available within our department. Whether you are seeking an outstanding engineering education, pursuing research collaborations, or partnering with us to shape the future of the profession, we welcome you to join our community.

Sincerely,

Rouzbeh R. Nazari, Ph.D 


 

Learn more about our program from our students and graduates and why you should consider joining our Tiger family!

Undergraduate Degrees


  • Provides a strong foundation in structural, environmental, geotechnical, and transportation engineering. 


  • Allows high-achieving students to complete both undergraduate and graduate degrees efficiently.

Graduate Degrees

    • Agricultural Engineering

    • Engineering Seismology

    • Environmental Engineering

    • Geotechnical Engineering

    • Structural Engineering

    • Transportation Engineering

    • Water Resources Engineerin


  • Designed for students pursuing advanced research, teaching, or leadership roles in academia and industry


Professional Certificates

  • Construction Management Certificate
    A fully online program designed for working professionals to strengthen management and leadership skills in construction, project supervision, and infrastructure development.

Achievements & Department Statistics

Student & Club Success

  • TSITE Traffic Bowl Champions â€” ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ Civil Engineering students earned first place at the statewide TSITE Traffic Bowl competition. 

  • ASCE Student Chapter Wins First Place â€” The UofM ASCE Student Chapter took first place at the Tennessee Engineering Conference for excellence in design, leadership, and community engagement. 


Rankings & Recognition


Research & Academic Excellence

  • The department has the largest research expenditure in the Herff College of Engineering and supports both MS and PhD students. 

  • The department achieved over $100 million in research awards in FY 2024, double the amount from FY22.

  • The undergraduate program is ABET-accredited, which provides students with small class sizes and full-time faculty instruction. 


Graduate Outcomes & Impact

  • : $64,780 for graduates with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. 

  •  30,987â€ÒÚ Total Citations: 904,117 

  • Engineering Publications: 11,802â€ÒÚ Citations: 336,037 

  • American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
  • Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
  • Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI)
  • Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
  • Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
  • Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
  • National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
  • Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society
  • Engineering Student Council (ESC)
and more opportunities to get involved, connect, and grow as an engineer!
Explore the exciting world of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at the ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ! Our department is shaping the future through cutting-edge research, hands-on learning, and impactful community projects. From earthquake-resistant structures to sustainable transportation and environmental protection, our faculty and students are tackling real-world challenges. Join our Tiger family and be part of the next generation of innovators!

UofM ASCE Student Chapter Wins First Place

                                                               ASCE Student Chapter

Discovering the Future of Engineering at UofM

Explore the exciting world of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at the ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ! Our department is shaping the future through cutting-edge research, hands-on learning, and impactful community projects. From earthquake-resistant structures to sustainable transportation and environmental protection, our faculty and students are tackling real-world challenges. Join our Tiger family and be part of the next generation of innovators!

Earn your Construction Management Certificate

The Certificate in Construction Management is designed for students seeking to advance their careers in the growing construction industry. This program is a non-credit, continuing education program in collaboration with ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ Professional and Continuing Education, PACE Unit. It enables graduates to quickly acquire the skills needed to enter or progress in the construction industry.

Learn more about Construction Management

CTIER

ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ Center for Transportation Innovation, Education and Research (C-TIER) has been awarded $2 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to research high-risk work zones in order to create safer work environments for commercial drivers and commercial driving vehicles (CMV). The project is being led by C-TIER’s Director Dr. Sabya Mishra. 

CAESER Fault Zones

All across the Mid-South, and in West Tennessee in particular, members of the Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research (CAESER) are literally digging for answers to better understand one of our most vital resources.

CEASER launched a massive effort to study the Memphis aquifer and the water we use daily to drink, brush our teeth and bathe. Nearly 20 different projects contribute to that research of Memphis’ water, a substance many people in the Mid-South brag about but few, including those examining it, fully understand. The project is sponsored by Memphis, Light, Gas, and Water and the City of Memphis, whose support makes this vital research possible.

 

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