Engineering is the application of scientific principles in a manner that is useful and usable. Civil Engineering requires the ability to explain an answer to a public that does not necessarily understand the math or science behind building a bridge or widening a road. In order to help our students be able to do their job in an effective manner, writing and speaking skills are a necessity.

Writing skills will be developed through the English composition courses ENGL 101 and ENGL 102. Students may enter ENGL 101 directly based on their ACT or SAT scores, or they may take a placement test to be able to enter ENGL 101 or, possibly, even ENGL 102.  Test score requirements may be found on the Freshman Online Advising page.

Beyond ENGL 102, Civil Engineering requires ENGL 202 Technical Communication. This course teaches students how to write scientific reports to present the results of their research concerning different engineering topics. Students should take ENGL 202 as early as possible in their academic career because many of the engineering courses require writing an elaborate report as part of the final assignment.

COMM 101 Fundamentals of Speech Communication offers students some formal training in public speaking to prepare them for clearly communicating their ideas to employees, government figures, and the public at large. This course will also fill an Area II requirement of the core (General Education Requirement).

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