Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Environmental Management and Safety

 

Department of
Civil Engineering Technology,
Environmental Management
and Safety

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Overview

The programs offered by RIT’s Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Environmental Management and Safety (CETEMS) represent the professions central to the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the built environment. If your passion lies in designing new bridges, buildings, or the vast array of public works; helping manage construction projects; helping organizations move toward a safer, environmentally responsible, and more sustainable future; or the development, operation, and maintenance of buildings, you’re in the right place.

With an emphasis on practical, applied, and stimulating experiential learning, our programs’ coursework, coupled with co-operative work experiences, can help position you to make tangible contributions, right away, in your chosen profession. Students have the opportunity to participate with faculty and other students outside the classroom in student clubs (ASCE, AGC, ASSE, SEAL) and student competition teams (Concrete Canoe, Steel Bridge, ASC CM). These club activities and competitions give students an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to solve real-world problems in design, construction, and environmental sustainability.

Vision

Our vision is to be a recognized national leader in the preparation of skilled professionals in: civil engineering technology; environmental sustainability, health and safety management and construction management. We envision our graduates as prepared and committed to moving us toward a more sustainable and socially responsible future.

Mission

The CETEMS mission is to achieve its vision by creating and maintaining an optimal teaching and learning environment in which staff and faculty grow professionally and students receive unsurpassed knowledge, skills, insights and the tools for lifelong learning in their respective disciplines.

Adapting and combining the musings on education of several great philosophers, CETEMS views education as the key to creating and sustaining civilization (Plato); recognizes that human nature, routines of behavior, and social reality are important influences in the process of education (Aristotle); and seeks to cultivate curiosity in students as a primary behavioral manifestation of human education (Rousseau).

Values

We recognize and value that:

  • Our academic programs are all about designing, building and maintaining the infrastructure of civilization;
  • Human beings and the places that we live, work and play are indeed part of the environment; and
  • Having a safe and healthy environment is requisite to a prosperous civilization.

Strategies

  • Work effectively with industry to provide cooperative education experience and applied research opportunities for our students.
  • Deliver academic programs in multiple formats to meet the needs of full-time and part-time students and the needs of distant as well as local students.
  • Provide state-of-the-art facilities that encourage learning, student project work and applied research.
  • Incorporate continuous improvement into the work plans of faculty and staff, as well as into maintain and upgrading curriculum and facilities.

Accreditation

Visit the college's accreditation page for information on enrollment and graduation data, program educational objectives, and student outcomes.

6

Clubs/teams in which students can participate with their discipline outside of the classroom

11%

The civil and construction fields will grow 11% faster than average between 2016 and 2026, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

1 Year

Time each undergraduate student spends on co-op, experiencing their career field and developing skills that cannot be mastered in the classroom

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Undergraduate Programs

RIT’s Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering technology prepares students to enter careers in construction management, civil design, structural design, or environmental controls. The curriculum uses a combination of challenging academics, hands-on laboratory experiences, and practical cooperative work education to cultivate students who are grounded in applications-oriented approaches to solving the world's problems. 

RIT’s environmental sustainability, health and safety BS degree prepares its graduates to work as environmental sustainability, health and safety (EHS) project and program specialists and managers for organizations in industry and government. Graduates of our program help industries produce goods and services without contaminating the environment, without subjecting the workers to hazardous conditions and chemicals, and using less energy and fewer precious resources.

In RIT’s civil engineering technology degree, you’ll gain the practical theory, knowledge, and skills necessary to analyze and solve complex challenges posed by our nation’s growing infrastructure needs.

Learn more about the Civil Engineering Technology BS program 

In RIT’s environmental sustainability, health and safety degree you’ll become an effective champion in making organizations and companies more sustainable and less polluting and employees safer at work. 

Learn more about the Environmental Sustainability, Health and Safety BS program 

Graduate Programs

The online Master of Science degree in environmental, health and safety management provides a solid foundation in the managerial aspects needed to develop and implement environmental, health and safety management systems that can move organizations toward a more sustainable and socially responsible future. Program graduates have a solid technical foundation in air emissions, wastewater, solid and hazardous waste, occupational safety and occupational health (industrial hygiene). Elements of sustainability are integrated into most of the core courses and some electives.

The online MS degree program in construction management is designed to develop competencies in leadership, construction cost analysis and control, construction operations management, and construction business development. The goals of the program are to provide graduates with the requisite strategic skills to lead and advance the construction industry. To accommodate the working professional, the program is available entirely online.

In our master’s in environmental health and safety you'll acquire a foundation in the managerial aspects of developing and implementing environmental health and safety management systems to help companies meet sustainability and safety standards.

Learn more about the Environmental, Health and Safety Management MS program 

Designed for students who want to become experts and thought leaders in the civil and construction industries, and contribute to the development of smart cities and urban infrastructure.

Learn more about the Smart Cities Construction Management MS program 

Minors and Immersions

The construction management minor broadens the learning experiences and professional opportunities of students who have an interest in building construction, bid development, management of construction projects after a successful bid, and the business, management, and technical aspects related to construction.

Learn more about the Construction Management Minor program 

The structural design minor creates a focus on the different types of structures and materials used in design. It also introduces related design codes. The minor is designed to accommodate students majoring in mechanical engineering technology or mechanical engineering.

Learn more about the Structural Design Minor program 

The water resources minor broadens the learning experiences and professional opportunities of students in technical disciplines who have an interest in courses related to water treatment, wastewater treatment, hydrology, the environment and society.

Learn more about the Water Resources Minor program 

Facilities

Advisory Board

The CETEMS Department Advisory Boards are comprised of successful engineers, managers, and leaders who work at various businesses throughout the world. Together they review each programs curriculum to ensure that our programs remain up-to-date and respond to industry changes. The committee have annual meetings at the end of the academic year. Learn more about the professionals that comprise our advisory committees.

CVET

ESHS

CONM

Student Clubs and Organizations

American Society of Civil Engineers student chapter

ASCE focuses on preparing upcoming civil engineers for a successful career in engineering and construction through workshops, presentations, and hands on involvement in our two competitive teams. These two teams are where students have the opportunity to meet new peers, learn about managing a successful project, and learn hands on skills that aren't taught in a classroom. The Concrete Canoe team designs, constructs and races a canoe made of concrete each year, proving that concrete is a versatile building material. Annually, the AISC Steel Bridge team designs and builds a modular bridge made of steel components, which is challenged with heavy loads.

Associated General Contractors

The AGC furthers the career opportunities of its members in the construction industry by interacting and communicating with the business world, developing leadership and organizational skills and informing students on the political agendas regarding the future of the construction industry. Teams of students compete annually in four categories in a Construction Management competition.

Student Environmental Action League (SEAL)

The Student Environmental Action League (SEAL) units students with a common interest in the environment, allowing them to make a positive impact on the RIT and Rochester communities. As an SG recognized club, SEAL has access to resources that allows them to sponsor campus-wide events to promote recycling and spread knowledge about our environment to the student population. Annual events include an Electronic Waste Collection, Environmental-themed Game Show, and Project Runway Goes Green Extravaganza. The club's like-minded members also partake in social activities throughout the semester which encourage outdoor activities and conscious use or resources. Learn More

Student Resources

The CETEMS Department offers a variety of resources for our students such as: 

  • Academic Advisors
  • Student Clubs and Organizations 
  • Technical Information and Support
  • Software Help

Visit our Student Resources page for more information.