“This new program was created in direct response to the workforce needs of local companies,” said Dr. Mohamed Khabou, dean of the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering. “With demand for civil engineers in Northwest Florida expected to grow by 13% between 2021 and 2031, almost twice the national rate, the program will help contribute much-needed highly paying jobs to the local economy.”
At UWF, civil engineering students will benefit from personalized attention, flexible course options and access to state-of-the-art facilities at both the Pensacola campus and UWF Emerald Coast campus in Fort Walton Beach. The program emphasizes one-on-one interaction with expert faculty and encourages interdisciplinary exploration across multiple engineering fields.
Through a thoughtfully designed curriculum with input from local companies, students will gain a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, mechanics and materials science, while also diving deep into civil engineering principles. The program allows students to tailor their studies to areas such as structural engineering, geotechnical and soil mechanics, environmental engineering, water resources and hydraulics and transportation and highway design.
In addition to technical knowledge, students will build essential soft skills, including problem-solving, attention to detail and communication, preparing them to work collaboratively and effectively in professional environments.
“We don’t just build structures — we build the future,” said Dr. M.A. Karim, founding chair and professor of civil engineering. “The new civil engineering program empowers the next generation of civil engineers to design smarter, build stronger and lead with purpose.”
Graduates of the civil engineering program will be well-positioned for careers in various industry sectors, including land development, residential and nonresidential construction, infrastructure construction and maintenance, transportation, environmental remediation and hydrology. With Northwest Florida’s strong military and industrial presence and civil engineering jobs projected to grow in the region, opportunities for graduates are abundant.
