Q. What are the differences between the Civil Engineering (CIVL) and Civil and Environmental Engineering (CIEV) programs?

A. The curricula of the CIVL and CIEV programs are exactly the same in their first two years of studies.

•  The two programs differ mainly in their 3rd year of studies.
•  Students in the CIEV program take more advanced environmental courses.
•  Students in the CIVL program take more advanced structural and geotechnical courses.

 

Q. Can students in the CIVL or CIEV program transfer to a different program?

A. Yes. Students can apply for program transfer after enrollment. Applications for program transfer will be assessed based on the applicants' academic performance as well as their unique circumstances.

  

Q. What exchange programs are available and who may be eligible?

A. All CIVL and CIEV students with good academic standing may apply for the exchange programs. There are two types of exchange programs. The overseas exchange program normally lasts for one year, including exchange partners such as the University of California, Michigan, etc., whereas the mainland exchange program is for one semester, including exchange partners such as Tsinghua University, Peking University, etc. On average, about 10 - 15 Civil Engineering students participate in the exchange programs each year. Details of the exchange programs are available at the this website.

  

Q. What are the job differences between CIVL and CIEV graduates?

A. CIVL graduates are trained with broad-based knowledge from all Civil Engineering disciplines while CIEV graduates are trained with an emphasis on Environmental Engineering. However, both CIVL and CIEV graduates have the same course requirements in the first two years of their studies. Hence, CIVL and CIEV graduates are equally qualified for the full range of Civil Engineering related jobs.

  

Q. What is the proportion of students pursuing further studies?

A. On average, about 15% of our graduates choose to pursue post-graduate (PG) studies. Many continue their PG studies with our department. Some continue their studies in overseas institutions. Our graduates are very well received by prestigious institutions in the US and the UK, such as MIT, Cambridge, UC Berkeley, etc. Our HKUST doctoral graduates have found jobs in many overseas universities. Some of them have joined the faculties of the National University of Singapore, Trinity College, Dublin (Ireland), University of Auckland (New Zealand), etc.