The Ph.D. degree is awarded in recognition of demonstrated scholarly competence and ability to conduct and report original and significant research in Civil Engineering. The field of Civil Engineering has long been known for its breadth and ability to adapt to the new technological needs of society. The traditional areas of public works, such as highways, bridges, water supply, building design, and wastewater treatment, remain very important. In addition, the modern area of managing the environment, including sustainable development, has been included in the Civil Engineering domain. Graduates of the major are prepared for careers in academia, with public agencies, or with private industry, including firms involved in planning, design, research and development, or regulation.