Story by Daniella Tebib, News Editor
Students can now obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in civil and sustainability engineering as of Feb. 25.
With the program, students will gain skills in areas including structural analysis and design, steel and concrete design, highway design, transportation systems, stormwater control, wastewater treatment and site remediation. Coursework in construction management estimating will also be included, according to the press release.
The knowledge students gain will allow them to become licensed civil engineers after graduating, according to the press release.
Danny Claiborne, chair of the Institute of Engineering, said he believes as the engineering and other related programs continue to grow, they will provide access to civil engineering education for people in the region at a lower cost than other universities.
“The new civil and sustainability engineering program joins an already-strong engineering program in engineering physics, with tracks in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and advanced physics, which has been EAC/ABET-accredited for over 25 years,” Claiborne said.
With this degree, students will be prepared for graduate programs and a variety of job opportunities. Students could be eligible to work with engineering consulting firms as a civil engineer, engineering designer or field engineer. Other options students would be able to explore are working with local, state and federal agencies, according to the press release.
Some students are excited about the new program and what it will offer.
“It’s definitely impressive that Murray’s STEM field is making strides to include as many choices as possible,” Ed Ellis IV, freshman from Evansville, Indiana, said.
Amy Olshansky, freshman from Louisville, Kentucky, said she is excited about the new program, but hopes to see a focus on specific areas.
“I prefer a larger focus on sustainability, as I have a vested interest in the environment,” Olshansky said. “Along with that, I enjoy learning about the architectural aspects of civil structures, so I’d enjoy assignments that let me show a creative side.”
Students interested in the program can visit murraystate.edu/engineering or contact Danny Claiborne at dclaiborne@murraystate.edu.