Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering

Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering

Civil engineering (CE) is the oldest engineering program at KU. The first graduating class in 1873 included a civil engineer. Civil engineers design roads, water systems, bridges, dams, and other structures, providing nearly all the infrastructure needed by modern society. Civil engineers were the first engineers to address environmental issues and are the lead engineering discipline in treating water supplies to protect public health. In recognition of the significant issues concerning the environment, the department name was changed in 1992 to civil and environmental engineering.

The environmental and water resources engineering (EWRE) and environmental and water resources science (EWRS) graduate programs were created in 2019 by combining existing programs in environmental engineering and science and water resources engineering. These programs dated back to the founding of the Environmental Health Sciences program in 1961. Environmental and water resources engineers and scientists address the safety and supply of water, the interactions of water and the hydrological cycle with the environment, and the use of physical, chemical, and biological processes to solve environmental and water problems.

Architectural engineering (ARCE) combines studies in architecture with engineering science and design courses in structures, illumination, power, mechanical, energy, and construction to prepare students for building design projects of all kinds. KU's B.S. degree program in architectural engineering was established in 1912. The first female graduate of the School of Engineering was an architectural engineering major. Architectural engineering merged with civil and environmental engineering in 2001 to form the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering (CEAE).

Mission

CEAE’s mission is to provide students with an outstanding engineering education and be a leader in research and service. This mission is supported by the following three goals:

  1. Prepare students for productive engineering careers
  2. Maintain and grow strong research programs
  3. Serve the profession