The University of West Florida’s Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering is launching a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree this fall. The program will be housed within the newly established Department of Civil Engineering and Construction Management and will provide students with hands-on education that prepares them for leadership in the civil engineering field.
- Dr. Mohamed Khabou, dean of the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering, emphasized that the program directly addresses local workforce needs.
“With demand for civil engineers in Northwest Florida expected to grow by 13% between 2021 and 2031—almost twice the national rate—the program will help contribute much-needed, highly paying jobs to the local economy.”
Educational Experience
Civil engineering students will have one-on-one interaction with faculty and access to facilities at both the Pensacola campus and the UWF Emerald Coast campus in Fort Walton Beach.
- The curriculum, developed with input from local companies, provides a foundation in mathematics, physics, mechanics, and materials science while allowing students to specialize in areas such as structural engineering, geotechnical and soil mechanics, environmental engineering, water resources and hydraulics, and transportation and highway design.
Beyond technical expertise, the program emphasizes essential soft skills, including problem-solving, attention to detail, and communication, preparing graduates to work collaboratively in professional environments.
Building Tomorrow’s Infrastructure Leaders
Dr. M.A. Karim, founding chair and professor of civil engineering, captures the program’s vision: “We don’t just build structures—we build the future. The new civil engineering program empowers the next generation of civil engineers to design smarter, build stronger, and lead with purpose.”
Graduates will find opportunities in Northwest Florida’s diverse economy, with career paths in land development, residential and nonresidential construction, infrastructure construction and maintenance, transportation, environmental remediation, and hydrology.
For more information about the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at UWF, visit uwf.edu/cve.