APSC 100 FAQs - CIVL

Below are frequently asked questions and answers relating to the CIVL program.

What is Civil Engineering?

Civil engineering is the discipline behind the structures and systems that support modern life. We design, build, and innovate the bridges, roads, buildings, clean water supplies, transit networks, and energy infrastructure that sustain the world we live in. Civil engineers create solutions that serve both people and the planet by focusing on the balance between the built and natural environment.

As a civil engineer, you can help shape safer cities, deliver clean water to communities, make transportation smarter, and design infrastructure that can withstand earthquakes and the effects of climate change. It’s a career where your creativity directly improves everyday life for all people and makes a lasting impact.

Civil engineering is made up of several diverse and interconnected sub-disciplines, including environmental, structural, geotechnical, hydrotechnical, construction, transportation, and materials engineering. These areas often overlap to solve complex, real-world problems, like protecting coastlines through coastal engineering, or designing buildings that can resist earthquakes through structural and geotechnical collaboration.

At UBC, civil engineering brings all these possibilities under one program. You’ll explore topics like soil mechanics, foundation and structural design, construction management, municipal infrastructure, coastal systems, and environmental impact studies. Along the way, you’ll gain hands-on experience through labs, fieldwork, and team-based projects that prepare you to step confidently into one of the most in-demand engineering careers in Canada and around the world.

If you're looking for a path that lets you combine technical skills with creativity, build a better future, and make a real difference, civil engineering is your opportunity to do just that.

Program

What are the goals of the program?

Our goal is simple: to provide a world-class education that prepares you for a wide range of career paths—both within and beyond civil engineering. By the time you graduate, you’ll have:

A strong, broad knowledge base across core civil engineering disciplines.
Hands-on skills in design, data analysis, teamwork, leadership, and communication.
A deep understanding of what it means to be a professional and ethical engineer in Canada—and the role you’ll play in shaping our shared future.

Are there options or streams?

Yes—but we also believe in building a strong foundation first. That’s why most of your second- and third-year courses are prescribed to give you a solid grasp of the key civil engineering disciplines. In your fourth year, you’ll customize your path by choosing five technical electives.
Want to dive deep into one area like environmental, structural, or transportation engineering? You can do that. Prefer to stay broad and keep your options open? That’s possible too. You’ll graduate with a toolkit that’s adaptable, whether you become a specialist or a generalist.

Is Co-op worth it?

Absolutely. The UBC Engineering Co-op program is one of the best ways to get a head start on your career. You’ll gain real-world experience, make industry connections, and often line up a full-time job before you even graduate.
Most civil engineering students complete three work terms, and many say co-op was one of the most valuable parts of their degree.

What makes student life in Civil Engineering unique?

From the moment you join, you are part of a tight-knit community. All civil students become members of the Civil Club, which organizes everything from BBQs and social events to networking nights and student mentorship.
Want more hands-on fun? Join one of our award-winning student design teams, like the Concrete Canoe, Steel Bridge, Seismic Design, or Concrete Toboggan teams. These teams are your chance to apply your skills, travel for competitions, and make lasting memories with friends who share your passion.
You can also get involved with student chapters of professional societies like the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE) and the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), opening the door to networking, leadership, and future career opportunities.

What do graduates do next?

A civil engineering degree from UBC opens many doors. Our graduates work across Canada and around the world in roles such as design consultants, project managers, sustainability advisors, and infrastructure planners. They’re employed by consulting firms, engineering companies, government agencies, utility companies, and NGOs.
Some take their skills into fields like business, architecture, or public policy. Others choose to deepen their technical knowledge with graduate studies.

What about a Master's degree?

If you want to specialize, especially in areas like geotechnical or structural engineering, a Master’s degree is often the next step. Many students head straight into a graduate program after completing their BASc, while others work in industry for a few years first. Some companies even support part-time Master’s studies while you work.
Whether you’re aiming to become a technical expert or a future executive, graduate studies can help you get there.

Want to learn more?

Check out the UBC civil engineering website, attend an info session, or talk to upper-year students. Choosing your specialization is a big step, and we’re here to help you make the right choice for your goals, your interests, and your future.