Undergraduate Guide - cee.mit.edu

As you go through your undergraduate career there are several different paths you can take. Below you will see suggestions that should help guide you, year by year, through the subjects you should be enrolling in, experiences you should be seeking, ways you can engage in the community, and career steps you can take to get ahead. Follow the roadmap as is, or pick and choose elements to incorporate into your MIT career!

First Year

Subjects:

Consider registering for 1.008 Solving Big Engineering Problems, for an introduction to the department where you’ll use high-level thinking and basic problem solving skills to approach societal challenger in civil and environmental engineering. We also offer 1.009 Climate Change for first-year students looking to explore why and how the world should approach this global problem.
Have room in your schedule? Consider taking 18.03, Differential Equations, for a jump start on your CEE General Departmental Requirements (GDRs).

Experience:

Consider taking 1.097 (mini-UROP), Introduction to Civil and Environmental Engineering Research – a subject dedicated to giving first year students a hands-on research experience.
Apply to CEE’s summer in situ field work experience in Italy, Materials in Art, Archeology, and Architecture (ONE-MA3).

Community:

Participate in CEE’s Freshman Pre-Orientation Program (FPOP): Discover Course 1 (DC1), for an introduction to research and opportunities in the department through dynamic, hands-on modules.
Freshman are also introduced to Cambridge and Boston during this pre-orientation week.

Career:

Attend the fall and spring MIT career fairs to gain a better understanding of companies that typically hire CEE students.
Meet with Academic Programs Office (APO) and connect with the CEE Internship Program to secure a summer internship.

Second Year

Subjects:

Work on completing the General Departmental Requirements (GDRs) and select your core – systems, mechanics and materials, or environment.
Consider a minor in Computer Science (Course 6) or Urban Studies (Course 11) to complement your CEE degree.

Experience:

Connect with CEE faculty to learn about Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) projects that match your interests.
Apply to the Gordon Engineering Leadership (GEL) Program.

Community:

Join MIT student groups such as the MIT Energy Club, Engineers without Borders, Undergraduate Association Committee on Sustainability, or the Water Club – visit the Association of Student Activities website for a complete list of student groups.
Join the CEE intramural soccer team or volunteer at a Course 1 student event.

Career:

Participate in the Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program (UPOP). UPOP is a for-credit, year-long program targeted to sophomores interested in professional development training, alumni mentorship, and access to internship opportunities.

Third Year

Subjects:

Enroll in 1.091, Traveling Research Environmental eXperiences (TREX), a dynamic field work experience in Hawaii offered over Independent Activities Period (IAP).
Tip: 14.01, Principles of Microeconomics, is a useful and practical subject for CEE students and also fulfills the HASS-S requirement.

Experience:

Learn about interning and teaching abroad through MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI) or learn about study abroad programs through the Career Advising & Professional Development (CAPD).
Apply for an externship over Independent Activities Period (IAP) through the Alumni Association’s Infinite Connections portal.

Community:

Join the Civil and Environmental Engineering Student Association (CEESA). CEESA aims to create a vibrant and supportive community amongst Course 1 students and serves as an important liaison between CEE students and department leadership.

Career:

Work with Career Advising and Professional Development (CAPD) for assistance with your career search. Attend seminars and talks from industry representatives to hear about potential career paths, expand your network and make professional connections.
Considering graduate school? Register for required exams like the GRE and GMATs in advance of your senior year.

Fourth Year

Subjects:

Expand 1.013, Senior Civil and Environmental Engineering Design, by starting early with an Undergraduate Research Opportunity (UROP) in the fall.
Apply for 6.UAR (aka SuperUROP), for a year-long, advanced research opportunity.

Experience:

Attend as many seminars and lecture series as possible. Career Advising & Professional Development (CAPD) often hosts alumni speakers who can give great advice about landing your dream job or what to do after graduation.

Community:

Volunteer as an FPOP mentor for Discover Course 1 (DC1) the summer before your senior year. FPOP is a great way to share your knowledge of CEE with incoming first year students.

Career:

Meet early with Career Advising & Professional Development (CAPD) for help listing your degree and relevant coursework on your resume. CAPD also provides assistance with practice interviews, access to job boards and other helpful career search resources.
Work with the MIT Registrar’s Office for access to your electronic and paper transcript.