Civil Engineering Curricula: Well-Rounded or Overweight?

This paper presents a general overview of the recent ASCE National Conference on Civil Engineering Education with regard to published papers and panel discussions concerning the undergraduate programs in civil engineering. Feedback comments from educators and practitioners are highlighted along with the writer's personal views. Particular attention is paid to the comments from the construction industry and construction educators. Interchange between education and practice as presently ongoing is discussed with national accreditation activities and participation by practitioners strongly emphasized. The general framework of civil engineering curricular design as faced by educators working within the accreditation guidelines is delineated. In a final summary, the writer lists conclusions reached with regard to undergraduate education as developed at the national education conference and through professional experience.