Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering
Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering
Engineers Shape Our World
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.
Why Choose Civil,Construction, or Environmental Engineering at the University of Memphis?
The Department of Civil, Construction, & Environmental Engineering at the University of Memphis is well known for its top-notch academic program, cutting-edge and community-based research, and welcoming environment. In the UofM CE program, students have it all – a comprehensive learning experience in a large urban university and a small, close-knit community in the Herff College of Civil,Construction, & Enviromental Engineering and the CE major. Our highly respected faculty engages students not just in their courses but also in their research – even at the undergraduate level! Through the CE program, students develop valuable skills that improve life in our communities by:
- Environmental Engineering
- Earthquake Engineering - designing bridges and buildings to withstand earthquakes;
- Protecting our drinking water supply
- Transportation Engineering: Facilitating the safe and efficient transport of goods throughout the country
- Reducing pollution in our streams and rivers
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Transportation Engineering: Designing sustainable roads and bridges and buildings for the future
- Construction Engineering: Lead, supervise, and manage the construction of a wide variety of projects in the built environment, including both renovations and new construction.
The Center for Disaster Recovery and Resiliency is a multidisciplinary center at The
University of Memphis promoting resilient communities and infrastructure networks
that allow communities to increase the effectiveness of their response and recovery
plans for extreme weather events (ice storms, flooding) and earthquakes and to mitigate
the risks of future disasters.
The Center for Innovative Research in Bridge Engineering (CIRBE) addresses issues affecting the design, analysis, and operation of bridge structures.
The Center for Transportation Innovation, Education, and Research (C-TIER) mission is to address critical issues affecting the planning, design, operation, safety and equity of the nation's multimodal transportation system in order to increase our nation's economic competitiveness and reduce economic, racial and gender inequality.
The Southeast Transportation Workforce Center (SETWC) is dedicated to advancing the transportation industry by strengthening its workforce pipeline. Through cutting-edge research, strategic public–private partnerships and nationally recognized expertise, SETWC addresses critical challenges that impact every stage of the transportation career continuum.
CAESER is a multidisciplinary research center based at the University of Memphis, where our mission is to advance science and technology to address complex societal challenges across environmental, infrastructure, and community systems. Through interdisciplinary research, innovation, and collaboration, we transform discovery into actionable knowledge, tools, and solutions that improve quality of life.
DESIGN,BUILD, IMPROVE
Protecting our future.
From improving the roads we drive on to protecting the water we drink, civil engineering researchers at Herff constantly find ways to ensure that tomorrow is safer than today.
Learn more about our program from our students and graduates and why you should consider joining our Tiger family!
Undergraduate Degrees
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Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (B.S.C.E.)
Provides a strong foundation in structural, environmental, geotechnical, and transportation engineering. - Accelerated B.S./M.S. in Civil Engineering (Five-Year Program)
Allows high-achieving students to complete both undergraduate and graduate degrees efficiently.
Graduate Degrees
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Master of Science in Civil Engineering (M.S.C.E.)
A 30-hour graduate program offering advanced study and research in seven optional concentrations:
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Agricultural Engineering
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Engineering Seismology
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Environmental Engineering
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Geotechnical Engineering
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Structural Engineering
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Transportation Engineering
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Water Resources Engineerin
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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Engineering — Civil Engineering Concentration
Designed for students pursuing advanced research, teaching, or leadership roles in academia and industry
Professional Certificates
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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
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TSITE Traffic Bowl Champions — University of Memphis Civil Engineering students earned first place at the statewide TSITE Traffic Bowl competition.
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ASCE Student Chapter Wins First Place — 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
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The department has the largest research expenditure in the Herff College of Engineering and supports both MS and PhD students.
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The department achieved over $100 million in research awards in FY 2024, double the amount from FY22.
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The undergraduate program is ABET-accredited, which provides students with small class sizes and full-time faculty instruction.
Graduate Outcomes & Impact
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Median early-career salary: $64,780 for graduates with a B.S. in Civil Engineering.
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Total Publications: 30,987 | Total Citations: 904,117
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Engineering Publications: 11,802 | Citations: 336,037
Meet the Chair
Dr. Rouzbeh Nazari is the Chair and Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Memphis. Dr. Nazari is a pioneer in the field of damage and resiliency assessment of urban coastal infrastructures and community vulnerability to natural disasters. He has played a significant role in New York and New Jersey resiliency planning, working with over 35 coastal towns and developing community-based solutions that led to the creation of NJFloodAlert.com.
Discovering the Future of Engineering at UofM
Explore the exciting world of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at the University of Memphis! 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!