Frequently Asked Questions
To use this FAQ: The frequently asked questions below are linked to the answers later in the document. Click on the question you need answered. To return to the beginning of this document click on the link at the bottom of each section.
Structural Engineering
- What is Structural and Geotechnical Engineering?
- What are the key courses in Structural Engineering?
Environmental Engineering
- What is Environmental Engineering?
- How should I choose between Civil and Chemical Engineering since I can get a concentration in Environmental with both?
- What are the key courses in Environmental Engineering?
- How can I get a minor in Environmental Engineering?
Transportation Engineering
Construction Project Management
- What is Construction Project Management?
- What are the key courses in Construction Project Management?
Degree Requirements
- What Engineering Science courses must I take outside of the CEE Department to satisfied the out-of-major requirement for an ABET accredited degree?
- What courses can I take for "Lab Experience"?
Project Work The Humanities and Arts (HUA) requirements.
- What is the HUA requirement?
- How do I plan completion of this requirement?
- What are the best areas for students with CEE interests to complete their HUA in?
The Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP)
- What is the Interactive Qualifying Project?
- Can I find an IQP topic that is valuable for CEE practice?
- How do I select an IQP?
- How do I find an advisor for my IQP?
- How do I sign up for my IQP?
The Major Qualifying Project (MQP)
- What is the Major Qualifying Project?
- How do I select an MQP?
- How do I find an advisor for my MQP?
- How do I sign up for my MQP?
- What MQPs have CEE professors worked on in the past few years?
The Academic Audit
Computer Labs in Kaven Hall
- What hours are the computer labs in Kaven Hall open?
- How can I get to use the Kaven Hall computer labs during weekends and evenings?
- Who do I contact if I am having trouble with one of the computers in the CEE computer labs?
- Are there any tutor programs to help me with my CEE courses?
Undergraduate Student Employment
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter
Accreditation and Certification Exams / Licensing Accredited Engineering Degrees
- What is an accredited engineering degree?
- What are the benefits of an ABET accredited degree?
- Are all degrees in CEE accredited?
Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- What is Fundamentals of Engineering Exam?
- Do I have to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam?
- When should I take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam?
- How can I prepare myself to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam?
Professional Engineering License
WPI Graduate School for Civil Engineering
- What is the Master of Science program in Civil Engineering?
- What is the five-year BS/MS program?
- How can I get a position as a Teaching Assistant (TA)?
What are the major programs in Civil Engineering?
Civil engineering practice often focuses on a single subdiscipline, such as construction engineering and project management, environmental engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, or many others. It is possible to develop a program in any of these areas or even several others. The question is, is it desirable to do so? Often, it is better to develop a general civil and environmental engineering program for undergraduate studies and focus on two or three subdisciplines. This usually enhances employment opportunities both in specific subdisciplines and also in general civil engineering work. The choice is yours to make with your educational program.
Structural and Geotechnical Engineering
What is Structural and Geotechnical Engineering?
Structural engineering involves analysis and design of structures generally a part of all civil engineering systems. Geotechnical engineering includes design, analysis and construction of foundations for buildings and other structures such as earth dams, mining, tunnels for transportation facilities, water aqueducts, ground water development, resource exploration and evaluation, weather modification, engineering for natural hazards, and engineering in the ocean environment.
What are the key courses in Structural Engineering?
CE3006 (Design of Steel Structures), CE3008 (Design of Reinforced Concrete Structural Systems), CE3044 (Foundation Engineering), CE4007 (Matrix Computer Analysis of Structures), CE4017 (Prestressed Concrete) are the key courses. CE4046 (Experimental Soil Mechanics) and MG2850 (Engineering Economics) are also recommended.
Environmental Engineering
What is Environmental Engineering?
Environmental engineering is involved with environmental quality control, groundwater hydrology/contamination and contaminant transport. The environmental engineer's concerns include water quality control systems, waste water collection and treatment, solid waste management, air pollution, public health, ground water hydrology and contaminant transport and remediation.
How should I choose between Civil and Chemical Engineering since I can focus my studies in Environmental with both?
The majority of students interested in environmental engineering as a career obtain a BS degree in either Chemical or Civil Engineering and a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering. If a student feels he or she would like to work on environmental problems in the chemical industry or air pollution, a BS in Chemical Engineering is preferable. If a student desires to work in the areas or water supply, wastewater treatment, and geohydrology problems, a BS in Civil Engineering is preferable. Areas such as hazardous waste, pollution prevention, solid wastes, and environmental systems find either BS degree equally opportune. A student with an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering is also well qualified to pursue a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering.
What are the key courses in Environmental Engineering?
Key courses are CE3060 (Water Treatment), CE3061 (Wastewater Treatment), CE3062 (Hydraulics in Civil Engineering), and CE4061 (Hydrology). CE4060 (Sanitary Engineering Laboratory) and MG2850 (Engineering Economics) are recommended, as well as appropriate courses in chemistry, biology and biotechnology, chemical engineering, and fluid mechanics.
How can I get a minor in Environmental Engineering?
Presently there is no minor in Environmental Engineering available in the CEE Department.
Transportation Engineering
What is Transportation Engineering?
Transportation Engineering concerns designing, building and maintaining transportation systems like highways, mass transit systems and railroads. In the United States automobile and truck traffic is the dominant mode of transportation. Highway engineering, highway design and highway materials engineering are particularly important aspects of modern transportation engineering programs. Transportation engineers can be involved with a wide variety of activities including designing highways, managing transportation facilities, designing pavements, investigating automobile collisions and many other activities.
What are the key courses in Transportation Engineering?
Key courses are CE3050 (Intro. to Transportation Engineering) and CE 3051 (Intro to Pavement Meterials, Design and Management). We also now offer a number of graduate level courses (all labeled CE 590 at this time. Contact Professors Mallick, Ray or El-Korchi for more information.
Construction Project Management
What is Construction Project Management?
The construction project manager deals with problems in social science, management, business, labor and legal relations, and the interaction of governmental and private interests as they relate to major construction projects.
What are the key courses in Construction Project Management?
Key courses are CE3006 (Design of Steel Structures), CE3008 (Design of Reinforced Concrete Structural Systems), CE3020 (Construction Management), CE4021 (Construction Cost Estimating), CE4022 (Specifications and Legal Relations in Civil Engineering), CE4023 (Urban and Construction Information Systems), MG2850 (Engineering Economics), MG2101 (Management Accounting), CE3024 (Control Surveying), and CE4024 (Real Estate, Construction, and Development).
Degree Requirements
What Engineering Science courses must I take outside of the CEE Deptartment to satisfy the out-of-major requirement for an ABET accredited degree?
One course outside of the CEE Department must be taken to complete the out-of-major requirement. This may be any course from Engineering Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering. Recommended courses include ES 3001, EE 3601, and FP 3070. The course must be 2000 level or higher and cannot include ES 2501, ES 2502, ES 2503 and ES 3004.
What courses can I take for "Lab Experience"?
Completion of two laboratory courses is required. Courses fulfilling this requirement are CE 2020, CE 3026, CE 4046, CE 3024, and CE 4060.
Project Work The Humanities & Arts Requirement.
What is the Humanities & Arts (HUA) requirement?
The HUA requires the student to complete two units of work in the Humanities. Generally, the two units consist of five courses in a specialized area of Humanities culminating with a one course credit independent study. For more information on the HUA, please see the WPI Undergraduate Catalog.
How do I plan my HUA?
Planning for your HUA should begin in the end of your first year to the beginning of your second year. Identify an area of interest and determine possible topics. Discuss the ideas with a faculty member with similar interests. For your convenience, a list of Humanities and Arts Areas and Project Consultants can be found in the WPI Undergraduate Catalog.
What are the best areas for students with CEE interests to complete their HUA in?
Primarily a HUA completed in languages would be beneficial given the globalization and the availability of engineering jobs in the global arena. Other areas include history (particularly social, economic, and technical histories), creative writing and performing arts.
The Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP)
What is the Interactive Qualifying Project?
The Interactive Qualifying Project is designed to integrate society and technology. This is a one credit (3 course credit) independent project typically completed in the junior year. The IQP provides insight into the affects that technology has on the structure and values of society. For more information on the IQP, please see the WPI Undergraduate Catalog.
Can I find an IQP topic that is valuable for CEE practice?
Many IQP topics can be valuable to the CEE practice. Some include projects dealing with government, building and environmental regulatory constraints, urban planning and the delivery of government and social services.
How do I select an IQP?
Planning for your IQP should begin early in your second year. You may choose an IQP in the Global Opportunities Program or one on-campus. Select a topic in which you are interested and discuss this topic with different CEE faculty members in order to define a topic and scope. The Interactive Qualifying Project can be one of the more valuable experiences in your undergraduate education.
How do I find an advisor for my IQP?
If you choose to work off campus in the Global Opportunities Program, you should work with the project center. For an on-campus project, identify a group of students who have similar interests and discuss possible topics with faculty members who share interest in the type of project you would like to do.
How do I sign up for my IQP?
After having selected a topic and finding an advisor for your IQP, you must determine what term(s) the project will span. The IQP, like any course you take, must be registered. Forms for project registration can be found in the Project Center and should be completed by yourself, any partners you may have on the project, and your project advisor. Forms must be turned in according to scheduled deadlines.
The Major Qualifying Project (MQP)
What is the Major Qualifying Project?
The Major Qualifying Project utilizes all aspects of study in your major to solve a problem typical of what may be encountered in your career.
How do I select an MQP?
Planning for the Major Qualifying Project should be done late in the sophmore / early in the junior year. An area of interest needs to identified, such as structural, environmental, construction project management, transportation engineering, or planning and urban development. You should ensure that the necessary course subject material has be completed. Identify the topic and scope of the project and try to find interested students. Discuss the topics with faculty members familiar with the particular area of study.
How do I find an advisor for my MQP?
WPI's CEE Department has an excellent faculty-to-student ratio and students easily get to know the professors. You should choose a faculty member to match your area of interest with his or her area of expertise.
How do I sign up for my MQP?
After having selected a topic and finding an advisor for your MQP, you must determine what term(s) the project will span. The MQP must be registered. The registration form can be found in the Project Center and should be completed by yourself, any partners you may have on the project and your project advisor. Forms must be submitted according to scheduled deadlines.
What MQPs have CEE professors worked on in the past few years?
- Leonard Albano
- Frederick Hart
- Paul Mathisen
- James O'Shaughnessy
- Guillermo Salazar
The Academic Audit
How do I interpret my audit?
The audit incorporates all aspects of the WPI, CEE, and ABET requirements into a check list format. This ensures that all of the courses you need to complete for your degree requirement are met. If you have further confusion interpreting your audit, please see your academic advisor for assistance.
Who in the CEE department has final say on the audit?
Professor Hart is chair of the committee that evaluates all student programs to ensure that they meet WPI, CEE, and ABET requirements. Other members include Bergendahl, Mallick and Pietroforte.
Computer Labs in Kaven Hall
What hours are the computer labs in Kaven Hall open?
Computer labs are open to all WPI students with a valid Campus ID. The lab is open 24 hours a day. Lab Rooms KH 202 & KH 207.
How can I get to use the Kaven Hall computer labs during weekends and evenings?
To gain access to the Kaven computer labs during non-business hours, you must be a full or part-time registered and enrolled student at WPI. The WPI ID Card will activate the card access door for all students.
Who do I contact if I am having trouble with one of the computers in a CEE computer lab?
When experiencing trouble with the computers, first contact the lab monitor in the lab you are working. If there is no lab monitor, contact the CCC.
Are there any tutor programs to help me with my CEE courses?
If you are experiencing trouble in your classes, see the individual course PLA, TA or instructor. In most cases, you will need to make the initial contact with the professor in order to receive help.
Undergraduate Student Employment
How can I get Federal Work Study?
Federal work study is need based and determined by the government according to your Financial Aid Forms. In order to qualify for a work study position at WPI, the government has to that determine you need financial aid. An alternative to federal work study is working as a peer learning assistant, which is not need based aid.
How can I get a job as a Peer Learning Assistant (PLA)?
Professors in charge of the courses select the PLAs to suit their needs. To obtain a position as a PLA, contact the professor and see if he or she needs assistance.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter
What is ASCE?
ASCE is the professional society for civil engineers. It consists of many different divisions, such as structural, environmental, and geotechnical. WPI's ASCE attempts to give guidance to and improve the professional development of individuals through group activities such as conventions, seminars, publications, and continuing education.
How can I join ASCE?
To join the student chapter of ASCE, see the student chapter president or Professor Albano for the registration forms and fee information. Upon graduation, you can transfer your membership to the National ASCE and avoid paying the initiation fee.
How do I find out about ASCE activities?
ASCE activities are posted around the department. There is an ASCE bulletin board located in the Student Lounge, first floor of Kaven. Often times, information pertaining to ASCE events can also be found in Newspeak or in the on-line newsgroups.
Accreditation and Certification Exams / Licensing Accredited Engineering Degrees
What is an Accredited Engineering Degree?
An Accredited Engineering Degree is a degree whose content and quality meets the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) standards.
What are the benefits of an ABET accredited degree?
To become a professional engineer, one must possess an ABET accredited degree, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination, have four years of professional experience, and pass the Professional Engineering Exam. Without an ABET accredited degree, you will need eight to twelve years professional experience.
Are all degrees in CEE accredited?
Only degrees designated as Civil Engineering are ABET accreditated. Degrees, for example, stating only Structural, Environmental, or Construction Project Management are non-accredited. Therefore, it is more adventageous to obtain a degree in Civil Engineering with a concentration.
Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
What is Fundamentals of Engineering Exam?
This is a one day, 8 hour exam covering topics in mathematics, statics, strength of materials, dynamics, physics, chemistry, thermodynamics, electric theory, fluids, and engineering economics. The Fundamentals of Engineering Exam is required for Professional Engineer Licensing. More Info on FE-Exam can be found here.
Do I have to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam?
In order to become a Professional Engineer it is necessary to take and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.
When should I take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam?
The general recommendation is to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam in the senior year of undergraduate education. The exam may be taken at anytime.
How can I prepare myself to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam?
Take the exam while the subject matter is fresh in your mind. WPI and other organizations offer review courses covering material on the exam. Review books with practice questions are also available.
Professional Engineering License
What is the Professional Engineering License?
The Professional Engineering License is a license to practice engineering. All plans need a stamp from a Professional Engineer who becomes the engineer in responsible charge for the project.
How do I get the Professional Engineering License?
The easiest route is to receive an ABET accredited degree, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, have four years of professional experience documented by a Professional Engineer and pass the Professional Engineering Exam. If your degree has Engineering in the title, such as Structural Engineering or Environmental Engineering, follow the previous steps, however, eight years of professional experience is required. If Engineering is not in the title of your degree, such as Construction Management, follow the above and twelve years of professional experience is necessary.
WPI Graduate School for Civil Engineering
What is the Master of Science program in Civil Engineering?
The Master of Science program in Civil Engineering is the first graduate degree after the Bachelor's Degree. In Civil Engineering, this can be obtained by passing eight graduate classes and a six credit hour thesis. The non-thesis option is obtained by passing ten graduate courses and completing a three credit hour project or by passing eleven graduate courses.
What is the five-year BS/MS program?
The five-year BS/MS program provides opportunity for a student to get a BS and MS degree in five academic years Graduate and undergraduate courses can be integrated and it is possible, with some restrictions, to double count up to four courses. This provides substantial time and financial savings. Some graduate courses are only offered every other year- in the BS/MS program you have opportunity to take the full range of courses.
How can I get a position as a Teaching Assistant (TA)?
Upon applying to graduate school, check on the form that you would like financial aid. Fill out the form located on the link for People - TA Application. All applications are done in an electronic format.
Last modified: December 07, 2007 11:47:41