Our Mission

The vision of Seattle University is to be the premier independent university of the Northwest in academic quality, Jesuit Catholic inspiration, and service to society. The following positioning statement expresses the Seattle University mission:

Seattle University is dedicated to educating the whole person, to professional formation, and to empowering leaders for a just and humane world.

To achieve this mission and vision, the following institution-wide student learning outcomes, which reflect what we desire our undergraduate students to achieve, were adopted:

1. Understand the varying perspectives of the liberal arts and sciences and apply them to personal, civic, or professional issues.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in the content and methodology of their discipline or profession.
3. Pursue and evaluate knowledge through the skills of inquiry, research, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
4. Communicate effectively in both speech and writing.
5. Demonstrate team and leadership skills needed to convert goals into action.
6. Understand and appreciate diversity and develop a worldview informed by multicultural and global perspectives.
7. Think systematically about moral, ethical, and spiritual questions and assess and articulate their own values.
8. Understand and appreciate the Jesuit/Catholic linking of faith and justice and assess their own levels of commitment to a just world.

Seattle University's learning outcomes for its undergraduate program are posted on its website, www.seattleu.edu/assessment/undergrad_outcomes.htm . Seattle University strives to help its students develop their talents as well-rounded human beings, prepared to meet life's challenges both to their own benefit and that of society as a whole. This goal is accomplished within the Jesuit tradition of liberal education. This tradition at Seattle University is embodied in the Core Curriculum, a course of study shared by all Seattle University students regardless of major. It includes philosophy, religious studies, social sciences, and humanities. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering believes that this Core, along with a strong engineering education, provides an excellent basis for a rewarding professional life.

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Objectives of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Program

Consistent with definitions used by ABET, objectives are statements that describe the expected accomplishments of our graduates during the first few years after graduation. The specific program objectives for the Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering are:

Technical Proficiency:

Ability to apply a technical core of knowledge in mathematics, science, and civil engineering, which includes understanding the fundamentals of several recognized civil engineering areas (e.g., environmental, geotechnical, structural, and water resources engineering).

Communications Skills:

Ability to communicate effectively including writing, speaking, listening, and observing and to use graphics, the worldwide web, and other communication tools.

Professional Skills:

Ability to use the broad spectrum of skills needed in professional practice including teamwork, leadership, and project and business management, and an understanding of professional ethics, contemporary issues, safety, and economics.

Personal Breadth:

Understanding of non-technical aspects of engineering, including ethical considerations, concern for society and the environment, and multi-cultural perspectives, as well as a commitment to life-long learning and service to the professional and civic communities.

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