AboutA Message from the Chair
Welcome to the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Northwestern University.
Civil and Environmental Engineering has been part of Northwestern’s story since 1909, and in 2026 we will proudly celebrate our first 100 years as a department. It’s a milestone that reminds us how deeply our field is woven into society — from the structures that support our cities to the ecosystems that sustain our planet.
Today, CEE stands at the center of some of the world’s most pressing challenges: climate adaptation, infrastructure resilience, resource recovery and recycling, and natural hazard prevention and adaptation. Our mission is to prepare engineers who can think across scales and disciplines — integrating technology, data and social values to create sustainable solutions for a rapidly changing world.
Our undergraduate programs in Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering—both ABET-accredited— are designed to provide a strong foundation in science and mathematics, foster creativity and systems thinking, and develop the problem-solving and leadership skills needed to make an impact. Students can also pursue minors such Environmental Engineering, Architectural Engineering and Design or Transportation and Logistics (through Transportation Center). At the graduate level, our MS and PhD programs offer rich opportunities for interdisciplinary and cutting-edge research in Material, Eco, Urban and Human systems.
Our graduates go on to thrive in a wide range of careers — from engineering consulting firms and the tech industry to government agencies and non-profit organizations. Whether they are managing major infrastructure projects, planning automated mobility and logistics systems, or developing technologies that advance the circular economy, Northwestern CEE alumni are helping build a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future.
As we approach our centennial year, we’re as committed as ever to innovative, high-impact research and to the education of engineers who lead with both technical excellence and social responsibility.
Thank you for visiting Northwestern CEE — I invite you to explore our programs, meet our faculty and students, and see how we are shaping the future of civil and environmental engineering.
Marco Nie
Professor and Chair
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Northwestern University