Our undergraduate academic programs are unique in that they combine the world’s oldest engineering discipline – civil engineering – with the powerful field of systems engineering in recognition of the fact that the traditional needs of civilization (water, food, shelter, transportation, energy, and healthcare) are now available only through interconnected and highly complex systems. To design the next generation of structures and infrastructure systems, we need to train engineers who not only understand how to calculate the stresses and strains that our hard infrastructure experiences under events like natural disasters, but also how to optimize the design and operation of new infrastructure systems using operations research, data, and analytics.
Students enrolled in our undergraduate programs will find that our curriculum provides a firm foundation in the principles and practice of civil and systems engineering while emphasizing creative problem-solving skills, teamwork, and independent inquiry. After the first three semesters working together, our civil and systems engineering students set out on different paths so that each can deepen and customize their knowledge and skills in the theory and practice that underpin these areas. In the senior year, the programs once again converge to take on a year-long multidisciplinary design project that leverages the unique skills developed by students in each program.
Degree Options
Civil Engineering
Civil engineering is the world’s oldest engineering discipline, but it is by no means static. Civil engineers are needed now more than ever to solve new challenges presented by a changing climate, growing population, aging infrastructure, changing transportation landscape, and new enabling technologies that make smart cities possible.
Systems Engineering
Venturing beyond the confines of traditional engineering coursework, the Bachelor of Science degree in systems engineering is trans-disciplinary and collaborative, connecting mathematics, engineering, social and physical sciences, and medicine.
The Undergraduate Experience
A Focus on Hands-on Learning
Explore our built environment through hands-on experiences in our interactive teaching spaces.
Student Groups and Clubs
Connect to the Hopkins community and develop your leadership skills by joining engineering student groups. At Johns Hopkins University, about 80 percent of students are involved in one or more of the 350+ student organizations.
Research Opportunities
All students are strongly encouraged to participate in undergraduate research. Given the small number of students, all interested students typically can be readily placed. The rewards are significant; research itself can be addictive and intensely rewarding as you make the transition from knowledge acquisition to knowledge creation.
Internship and Career Opportunities
Learn about departmental resources and events to help you on your career path.