MinerAlert
MinerAlert
On September 1, 2025, UTEP’s Department of Civil Engineering will officially become the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, a new name for a department whose work has long gone beyond traditional civil engineering.
This name change reflects the evolution and expansion of the department’s academic offerings and research focus areas. “In addition to our long-standing bachelor of science, master of science, and Ph.D. programs in Civil Engineering,” said Carlos Ferregut, Ph.D., Department Chair, “we now offer an undergraduate program in Construction Engineering and Management, along with graduate-level programs in Environmental Engineering and Construction Management.”
The new name better represents the department’s interdisciplinary scope, and the academic and professional pathways students pursue. “It aligns with national trends in the field and more accurately reflects our role in preparing graduates for careers addressing infrastructure, sustainability, environmental management, and the complex management of construction projects,” Carlos Ferregut explained. “This renaming will enhance our visibility and appeal to prospective students, faculty, and industry partners, while honoring the legacy and foundational strength of civil engineering.”
The renaming of the department to the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering is a strategic move that enhances the college's vision and clarifies its expertise, according to Kenith Meissner, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Engineering. “This change aligns perfectly with our vision to prepare engineers who can address the grand challenges of our time,” Kenith Meissner said. “By reflecting the full range of expertise in this department, we are making a clear statement to prospective students and industry partners: UTEP is the place to come if you want to be at the forefront of sustainable, resilient, and innovative engineering.”
Kenith Meissner says the name change is about clarity and recognition. “We’ve been preparing students in these areas for years. This makes it obvious to prospective students, employers, and research partners that our graduates have deep expertise in civil, environmental, and construction engineering.” This new name ensures the department's identity accurately represents the comprehensive education and research happening within its walls.
For Ivonne Santiago, Ph.D., civil engineering associate professor, the environmental component is more than a name, it’s a commitment. “Our curriculum prepares students to address pressing environmental challenges through sustainable solutions,” Santiago said. “We combine fundamental knowledge in environmental engineering with technical training in water and wastewater treatment, water and air quality, climate resilience, and sustainability. Students learn through hands-on labs, innovative pilot projects, and community-based work that applies Peace Engineering principles.”
Recent partnerships show exactly how that works in practice. Working with El Paso Water and the Department of Energy’s National Alliance for Water Innovation, students gain hands-on experience with advanced desalination, water reuse, and brine management. These projects not only contribute to award-winning technologies but also prepare students to tackle critical water security challenges at the local, regional, and global levels.
Opportunities in construction management are strong, with more jobs available than graduates to fill them. “We have 100% job placement for our graduates and still can’t produce enough to meet industry demand,” said Austin Marshall, Ph.D., civil engineering professor of practice. “We have many industry partners—one standout is Sundt Construction, which built UTEP’s Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace Building and Texas Western Hall. They’ve taught courses in our program pro bono and are now beginning a student housing project on campus.”
UTEP engineers are trained to make a real difference—locally and globally. The updated department name signals to employers that graduates bring practical skills and a commitment to their communities. “This is about more than a name, it’s about reflecting who we are and where we’re going,” added Kenith Meissner. “Our graduates will be leaders who build the infrastructure of the future while protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable growth for our communities.”
For more information on programs and how to apply, visit: www.utep.edu/programs/undergraduate/civil-engineering.html