Our Community
World-class reputation, Midwestern warmth
Since its founding in 1867, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been a leader in developing learning experiences that transform students, and producing innovative research that impacts the world. CEE at Illinois is widely known as being a warm and welcoming place for students, faculty and visitors to learn, study and conduct leading research in civil and environmental engineering.
Learn about Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois straddles the twin towns of Urbana and Champaign, located in central Illinois. These two communities, combined with the vibrant campus district, offer a wide variety of restaurants, music venues, cultural and social experiences and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Student Organizations
Student orgs are a great way to learn networking and leadership skills, get involved with campus and the community, and make new friends. There are groups specific to CEE, but also many in other areas of interest. Explore them online or visit booths during Quad Day (the day before Fall classes start).
Collaboration and Networking
One of the things that makes CEE at Illinois special is the collaborative environment and the multitude of opportunities for networking. Students frequently work together on group classroom projects and in CEE student organizations, and collaborate with faculty on research through the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. CEE alumni and industry professionals are actively engaged with the department and frequently come to campus to lead seminars and recruit at career fairs, host student groups on job sites and network with students at events. From day one on campus, CEE students are provided with every opportunity to create connections that will further their academic and professional goals.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Our entire community benefits when individuals from different personal, cultural and disciplinary perspectives are working together. Increasing the diversity of our faculty and students is fundamental to The Grainger College of Engineering's mission, and is a department priority.
One great thing about the CEE program at Illinois is the people – the students are so incredibly bright and passionate, the professors are caring and creative, and the community as a whole is a tight-knit, fun, intelligent and, most importantly, diverse group of learners.
Emily D., CEE Undergraduate Student
Mental Health, Wellness, Access
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign strives to provide supportive, judgment-free and collaborative solutions for individuals and groups. Find out how to get connected to services for mental health, wellness, access and accommodation.
History of Excellence
Illinois engineers have worked on numerous infrastructure landmarks over the past 150+ years: the Golden Gate Bridge, Hoover Dam, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, the New York subway, the interstate highways, and drinking water and waste treatment systems in communities across the nation. Illini engineers continue to find solutions to society's biggest challenges —in the United States and throughout the world.
Plan Your Visit
One of the best ways to decide if you belong at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is to explore campus. Grainger Engineering offers in-person and virtual visit experiences.
Ready to apply?
Become part of a tradition of excellence: of groundbreaking research, historic firsts and future promise.
Questions?
Undergraduate Admissions
Becky Stillwell, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs: rborden@illinois.edu
Graduate Admissions
Graduate Admissions team: civil@illinois.edu