civil & environmental Engineering

Engineering Solutions for a Sustainable, Resilient World

Preparing students with the skills and knowledge to solve complex infrastructure challenges. Through a blend of hands-on learning and cutting-edge research, students specialize in areas like environmental, structural, and transportation engineering, preparing them to lead in their careers.

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Faculty & Staff

PROTECTING MAINE’S COASTS

Lauren Ross, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

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Eliminating FOrEVER CHEMICALS

Onur Apul, Ph.D.

Libra Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

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Civil and Environmental Engineering Overview

As one of the oldest departments at the University of Maine, the Civil Engineering program has a rich legacy, dating back to 1872. The program prepares students to become leaders in the planning, design, and construction of essential infrastructure—such as roadways, bridges, dams, and pollution control facilities—that serves society’s needs. At UMaine, civil engineering students engage in diverse research areas including environmental, geotechnical, structural, transportation, water resources, and coastal engineering.

Our curriculum balances foundational engineering principles with specialized research, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests. Students collaborate on projects like composite beams and timber bridges, gaining hands-on experience and developing essential skills in problem-solving, technical writing, and communication. Our faculty are committed to helping students grow into engineers who are prepared to meet the challenges of the modern world, making a lasting impact through innovative, sustainable solutions.

Programs Offered

Undergraduate Level:

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Concentrations

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Water Resources Engineering
  • Structural Engineering
  • Transportation Engineering

Graduate Level:

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Student Capstone Project Presentations

Project Management (CIE 413) and CIE 411 Engineering Project Design (CIE 411)

Senior civil engineering capstone projects challenge students to apply their technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and teamwork to real-world engineering problems. These projects often involve designing infrastructure, improving sustainability, or solving structural, transportation, or environmental challenges. Through hands-on experience, students collaborate with industry partners, conduct analyses, and present innovative solutions that showcase their readiness for professional engineering careers.

ASIDE’s UMaine Capstone Final Presentation

UMaine capstone team, ASIDE, discusses their analysis of a stormwater drainage zone in Frenchville, ME.

Back Row’s Capstone Presentation: Part 1

UMaine capstone team, Back Row, focuses on some technical decisions regarding their proposed upgrades for Payson Park in Portland, ME.

Back Row’s Capstone Presentation: Part 2

UMaine capstone team, Back Row, focuses on some technical decisions regarding their proposed upgrades for Payson Park in Portland, ME.

Civil Disobedience’s Capstone Presentation

UMaine capstone team, Civil Disobedience, discusses their proposal for improvements to the airport in Belfast, ME.

Sea Dogs’ Capstone Presentation: Part 1

UMaine capstone team, Sea Dogs, focuses on some technical details of their designs for two water crossings in Union, ME.

Sea Dogs’ Capstone Presentation: Part 2

UMaine capstone team, Sea Dogs, focuses on some technical details of their designs for two water crossings in Union, ME.

Civil Savants’ UMaine Capstone Final Presentation

UMaine capstone team, Civil Savants, discusses their design of a new pedestrain brdige in Baxter State Park, ME.

AVE Engineering’s Capstone Presentation

UMaine capstone team, AVE Engineering, discusses their plans for improving the playing fields on the MCI campus in Pittsfield, ME.

Engineering Mavericks’ Capstone Presentation

UMaine capstone team, Engineering Mavericks, discusses their design for improving the MCI campus in Pittsfield, ME.

civil & environmental Engineering

Graduate Programs

Explore advanced degrees in Civil & Environmental Engineering, where innovation meets efficiency. Our graduate programs equip students with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills to tackle global infrastructure and environmental challenges. Join a community of forward-thinking engineers shaping a better future.

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Research

The University of Maine is a leading research institution with world-class research facilities such as the Advanced Structures and Composites Center. Maine is an EPSCoR state and UMaine leads the National Science Foundation (NSF) funded SEANET project which mainly focuses on sustainable aquaculture. 

Environment & Water Resources

Environmental and Water Resources Engineering

Research opportunities including biological and chemical aspects of water quality and remediation; water resources engineering including surface and groundwater hydrology, hydroclimatology and adaptive environmental management; and coastal engineering, river and estuarine mixing and transport processes.

Faculty Researchers

Lauren Ross, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate Coordinator

Geotechnical

Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical engineering examines how the ground interacts with the built environment. UMaine research combines theory and practice to understand the geotechnical implications of natural hazards, pushes forward innovative foundations and ground improvement methods, advances computational modeling and analysis of geotechnical systems, and delves into the exploration and application of new geotechnical materials. These areas of study require a broad range of skills and exposes students to field, lab, and computational work.

Faculty Researchers

Structural & Mechanics

Structural Engineering and Mechanics

Research includes the application of innovative materials and structural systems to solve problems of traditional civil infrastructure, marine applications, and other non-traditional applications. Particular areas of strength are composite materials, including wood-based, polymer matrix, and cement-based systems, as well as innovative computational modeling approaches.

Faculty Researchers

Transportation

Transportation Engineering

Research includes the application of innovative analytical methods to solve transportation problems involving safety analysis, planning and transportation systems.

Faculty Researchers

Our Faculty and Staff

At MCEC, our faculty is the heartbeat of our academic community. Dedicated, inspiring, and deeply knowledgeable, our professors go beyond the traditional classroom experience to foster real-world skills and a passion for learning. Whether mentoring, leading innovative research, or providing personalized support, our faculty members are committed to empowering students to achieve their highest potential

Lauren Ross, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Graduate Coordinator

Department Contact Information

Civil & Environmental Engineering

Bill Davids
william.davids@maine.edu

Department Chair

Brenda Collamore
brendac@maine.edu

Administrative Specialist

5711 Boardman Hall, Room 117
Orono, Maine 04469-5711
Tel: (207) 581-2340

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Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the Commission’s General Criteria and the Civil & Environmental Engineering Program Criteria.

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