Civil and Environmental Engineering
The Bachelor of Arts in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education focused on designing infrastructure and solving environmental challenges in a rapidly evolving world. This program bridges core principles of engineering, sustainability, and public health, emphasizing the role of civil systems in promoting resilient and livable communities. Students explore how to plan, construct, and manage buildings, transportation networks, and environmental systems with a strong ethical and scientific foundation.
Over four years of full-time study on campus, students engage in a balanced curriculum that combines technical training with opportunities for broader inquiry in social science, policy, and environmental studies. Courses integrate mathematics, physics, data analysis, and design thinking to address real-world challenges such as climate change, water resource management, and urban development. The program prepares students not only for technical roles but also for leadership in shaping sustainable cities and infrastructure solutions. With Rice’s collaborative atmosphere and proximity to Houston’s dynamic urban landscape, students gain hands-on experience that is grounded in both theory and community impact.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 04 January 2026
- Location: Rice University, United States
- Field of Study: Environmental Engineering
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Engineering and Environment
- Introduction to Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Calculus and Linear Algebra
- Principles of Environmental Science
- Engineering Design Studio
Year 2 – Core Methods and Systems
- Fluid Mechanics and Hydrology
- Structural Analysis and Materials
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Statistics for Engineers
Year 3 – Advanced Engineering Applications
- Transportation and Infrastructure Planning
- Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology
- Sustainable Design and Construction
- Elective: Climate Adaptation or Public Health Engineering
Year 4 – Research, Integration, and Practice
- Capstone Design Project
- Ethics and Professional Practice in Engineering
- Independent Research or Field Study
- Elective: Energy Systems or Environmental Policy
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Rice University’s Civil and Environmental Engineering BA program are well-prepared to pursue careers in infrastructure development, environmental consulting, urban planning, and public sector engineering. Many work for engineering firms, government agencies, construction companies, or environmental organizations focused on water systems, waste management, transportation, or green building. The program also opens doors to roles in resilience planning, sustainability assessment, and climate change adaptation, particularly in organizations aiming to design future-ready urban environments. Students who wish to continue their education often pursue graduate degrees in civil engineering, environmental science, urban studies, or sustainable development, while others move into interdisciplinary careers intersecting with law, policy, or business. The combination of technical skill, systems thinking, and ethical insight equips graduates to manage complex challenges and contribute to solutions that are not only structurally sound but also environmentally responsible and socially inclusive.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing the Civil and Environmental Engineering program at Rice University means engaging with an academic experience that is both technically rigorous and socially relevant. The program is built on a foundation of innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary exploration, giving students the freedom to align their engineering interests with broader societal goals. Faculty members are committed to mentoring and collaborative research, and students benefit from access to state-of-the-art labs, design facilities, and community-based projects. Rice’s location in Houston—a global hub for infrastructure, energy, and climate innovation—creates unique opportunities for internships, partnerships, and field engagement. Whether your ambition is to build sustainable cities, restore ecological balance, or influence environmental policy, this program offers the education, tools, and vision to help you engineer a more sustainable and equitable future.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: 713-348-7423
Email: admission@rice.edu
Address: Office of Admission – MS 17, 109 Lovett Hall, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, United States
