Background

The Civil Engineering Department at Haramaya Institute of Technology (HiT) was established in 2004 E.C. response to the growing national demand for skilled professionals capable of addressing Ethiopia’s infrastructure and development challenges. Since its inception, the department has been committed to producing well-rounded graduates who are technically competent, ethically grounded, and socially responsible.

As one of the foundational departments within HiT, the Civil Engineering Department plays a vital role in fulfilling the mission of Haramaya University to contribute to national development through academic excellence, research, and community engagement.

The department offers a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Civil Engineering, with future plans to expand into postgraduate programs (MSc and PhD) in key areas such as structural engineering, Highway Engineering, Construction Management and planning, Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering
Survey. The curriculum is designed to meet both national and international standards, emphasizing theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and innovative thinking. In keeping with directives from the Ministry of Education and the Ethiopian Educational Training Authority (ETA), the department continuously works to improve program quality.

Vision

To support learning and research, the department is equipped with modern laboratories, experienced academic staff, and strong linkages with the construction industry, government agencies, and research institutions. Students benefit from hands-on training, industrial attachments, and project
based learning that prepare them for professional practice or further studies. Over the years, the department has made significant contributions to infrastructure projects, capacity building, and knowledge generation in Ethiopia, positioning itself as a key player in the nation's engineering education landscape.

Mission

• M1: Trains competent graduates of civil engineers who are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and professional competencies. It ensures that graduates are well-prepared to handle engineering challenges by covering multiple specialized areas within civil engineering.
• M2: Encourages research to generate knowledge and solve real-world engineering problems. To promotes scientific investigation and innovation to address practical challenges in infrastructure, construction, and environmental sustainability .
• M3: Provides community engagement by addressing infrastructure and environmental challenges which enable as to actively involve students and staff in solving real-life problems faced by local communities.

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)

• PEO 1: The program ensures that graduates are well-equipped with the required technical knowledge and practical skills across key areas of civil engineering and modern tools to solve complex engineering problems
• PEO 2: Graduates are expected to engage in research and innovation to improve in Civil Engineering practices and develop sustainable solutions in their careers.
• PEO 3: Graduates are expected to apply their engineering knowledge to solve real-world
  problems, enhance infrastructure and promote sustainability in local communities.
• PEO 4: Commit to continuous learning and professional growth by seeking advanced education opportunities and actively participating in research and development efforts to stay ahead of the curve in emerging civil engineering technologies
• PEO 5: Enhance community and industry by delivering innovative solutions that promote sustainable economic growth, encourage collaboration, and facilitate knowledge sharing, while also creating new business ventures and advancing technological advancements

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

• PLO 1: Apply Engineering Knowledge – Graduates will apply mathematics, science, and engineering fundamentals to solve complex civil engineering problems across various disciplines such as structural, environmental, transportation and geotechnical engineering.
• PLO 2: Problem Identification and Analysis– Graduates will identify, formulate, and analyze Civil Engineering problems using critical thinking and scientific principles, applying appropriate techniques and tools to arrive at optimal solutions. .
• PLO 3: Design and Develop Engineering Solutions- Students will design solutions for complex engineering problems by considering public health, safety, ethical conduct and environmental sustainability while meeting the needs of stakeholders, the community, and
  country’s Civil Engineering standard and regulation.
• PLO 4: Conduct Research and Innovation- Students will be able to perform research to generate new knowledge and apply it to solve real-world engineering problems, contributing to the development of innovative engineering solutions.
• PLO 5: Use Modern Engineering Tools- Students will demonstrate the ability to use modern engineering tools, including software and technology (such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ETABS, GIS, MS PROJECT, SAFE, SAP2000, etc.), to solve engineering problems, analyze designs,
  and simulate systems.
• PLO 6: Work Effectively in Teams- Students will demonstrate the ability to work as effective members of multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with colleagues, communicating clearly, and assuming leadership roles when needed. As well as develop entrepreneurial skills to create
  business ventures and new technologies
• PLO 7:Promote Sustainability and Environmental Awareness- Students will design solutions with an understanding of their environmental and societal impact, ensuring that their engineering work promotes sustainability and addresses environmental challenges.
• PLO 8: Engage in Lifelong Learning- Students will develop the ability to recognize the need for lifelong learning, engage in continuous professional development, and stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in civil engineering.
• PLO 9: Communication Skills – Communicate effectively in both written and oral formats, presenting technical and non-technical information clearly to diverse audiences, including Construction and design professionals, stakeholders, and the general public..

Graduate Attributes (GAs)

• GA 1: Engineering Knowledge: Apply the knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering fundamentals to solve complex civil engineering problems.
• GA 2: Problem Analysis:Identify, formulate, and analyze civil engineering challenges using research-based knowledge, critical thinking, and appropriate methods.
• GA 3: Design and Development of Solutions:Design safe, sustainable, and economically feasible solutions for civil engineering systems that meet societal, environmental, and regulatory needs.
• GA 4: Investigation of Complex Problems:Conduct experiments, interpret data, and draw valid conclusions using modern techniques and research methodologies.
• GA 5: Modern Tool Usage:Apply advanced engineering tools, software, and digital technologies (e.g., AutoCAD, ETABS, SAP2000, GIS, BIM) to model, design, and manage engineering systems.
• GA 6: The Engineer and Society:Apply reasoning informed by contextual knowledge to assess societal, health, safety, legal, and cultural issues relevant to professional civil engineering practice.
• GA 7: Environment and Sustainability:Understand the environmental impact of civil engineering projects and commit to sustainable practices that balance economic growth with ecological preservation.
• GA 8: Ethics:Apply ethical principles and demonstrate integrity, responsibility, and accountability in engineering practice.
• GA 9: Individual and Team Work:Function effectively as an individual and as a member or
  leader of multidisciplinary teams in professional and research settings.
• GA 10: Communication Skills: Communicate effectively on technical and non-technical topics with engineering professionals, clients, policymakers, and the public through reports, presentations, drawings, and digital media
• GA 11: Project Management and Finance: Demonstrate knowledge of management principles and apply them to project planning, resource allocation, cost estimation, and contract management in multidisciplinary environments.
• GA 12: Lifelong Learning: Recognize the need for continuous professional development and engage in lifelong learning to adapt to technological advancements and emerging challenges.