Since the beginnings of human existence, civil engineering has been an integral part of life, perhaps one of the oldest practices dating back to between 4000 and 2000 BC in ancient Egypt, the Indus Valley Civilization, and Mesopotamia (ancient Iraq). This was when the need for shelter arose, and transportation became increasingly important, leading to the development of transportation and navigation methods. In the 18th century, the term “civil engineering” emerged to encompass all civilian structures rather than military engineering, with John Smeaton being the first civil engineer known for building the Eddystone Lighthouse.
Therefore, civil engineering is considered one of the most important and oldest branches of engineering, with a history spanning thousands of years. It has contributed to preserving the history of ancient civilizations, such as the Pyramids, which serve as architectural witnesses to the history of the Pharaohs, the Great Wall of China, and other historical landmarks worldwide. Over the ages, this field has evolved and diversified, becoming closely linked in recent years with industrial advancements aimed at improving the quality of construction materials and introducing advanced equipment and devices to enhance construction efficiency.
Civil Engineering Specialization
Civil engineering specializes in the analysis, study, and design of various infrastructure such as buildings, roads, bridges, tunnels, airports, ports, water supply networks, water pumping stations, sewage networks, purification and water treatment plants, dams, and irrigation projects. The importance of this specialization increases in advanced industrial societies, as it forms the basic foundation upon which society relies, and the more it develops, the greater the industrial and urban development of societies.
Civil engineers contribute to shaping modern society by designing, planning, and managing infrastructure. It is expected that in the near future, the role of civil engineers will encompass more than just applying technical skills and engineering principles to develop modern infrastructure. Therefore, graduating civil engineers are required to understand how to integrate the latest technological innovations, apply sustainable practices, and utilize environmentally friendly techniques in various applications, enabling them to actively participate in companies, institutions, and workplaces related to the field.
The duration of study for a civil engineering specialization is typically 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, and the curriculum in most Turkish universities includes a diverse range of study programs. However, the content may vary from one university to another, so students should ensure they review the course descriptions on the university’s website where they intend to enroll.
Curriculum for Civil Engineering Specialization
First Academic Year
- Introduction to Engineering Sciences
- Introduction to Programming
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- Calculus
- Computer Skills and Programming Applications
- Electromagnetism and Modern Physics
Second Academic Year
- Engineering Mechanics
- Statistics
- Probability
- Building Materials and Properties
Third Academic Year
- Earth Sciences
- Structural Analysis
- Fluid Mechanics
- Reinforced Concrete Structures
- Steel Structures
Fourth Academic Year
Students are required to conduct research or a graduation project under the supervision of specialized faculty members.
Job Opportunities for Graduates
- Structural Design
- Project Planning
- Executive Engineer
- Construction Site Manager
- Water Resources Engineer
- Road and Bridge Engineer
- Infrastructure Engineer
- Project Management
- Quality Control Engineer
- Safety Engineer at Construction Sites
- Blast Engineer
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
