The URI Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers foundational programs that produce outstanding practicing engineers who contribute to society throughout the northeast. Our programs develop expertise in structural engineering (buildings, bridges, materials), environmental engineering (water quality, sustainability, water and wastewater treatment, hydraulics), geotechnical engineering (foundations, retaining walls, soil behavior, in situ and laboratory testing), and transportation engineering (intelligent transportation systems, traffic, pavements). Our students benefit from participation in paid internships, global exposure through the International Engineering Program, and real world experience through an immersive capstone project with industry partners in their senior year.
Our faculty conduct pioneering research in physicochemical treatment of drinking water, microplastics, sustainable groundwater treatment technologies, water-climate links to global health, composite and cementitious materials, multi-hazard analysis and resilience modeling of coastal communities, structural and geotechnical health monitoring of offshore wind farms, and innovative foundations for floating offshore wind farms. There are many opportunities for students to engage in research and work in our state-of-the-art laboratory and field facilities.
Recent News
Underwater ribbon cutting ushers in new URI Ocean Robotics Laboratory - The University of Rhode Island celebrated a major milestone in the $300 million, multi-phase revitalization of the Narragansett Bay Campus with a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Ocean Robotics Laboratory on June 25.
Civil engineering student heads to France for international studies this summer - In high school, Jaymori Leonard joined his school’s four-year engineering program, where he discovered his passion for engineering. 
Master’s graduate receives 2026 Academic Achievement Award - Carrie Ellis received the 2026 Academic Achievement Award at the American Water Works Association Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE26) this June.