History

Our University was established by Law No. 3837 dated July 11, 1992. The establishment of the Faculty of Engineering, one of the four faculties founded at that time, was also stipulated by the same law. Undergraduate education in our department began in the 1993-1994 academic year. The first students graduated at the end of the 1997-1998 academic year.

About the Department

The Department of Civil Engineering admits students through the national central placement examination and offers a four-year undergraduate program. The annual student quota for the regular undergraduate program is approximately 20 students. During the first year, students take fundamental courses; in the second and third years, they take professional engineering courses; and in the fourth year, they take both professional courses and elective specialization courses. These courses are supported by laboratory studies and project work. The department consists of the divisions of Structural Engineering, Mechanics, Transportation Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, and Hydraulics.

Currently, our department has a total of 15 academic staff members, including 2 Professors, 3 Associate Professors, 7 Assistant Professors, and 3 Research Assistants, as well as 1 technician and 1 secretary.

Program Educational Objectives of the Undergraduate Program

The career goals and professional expectations that graduates of the Civil Engineering Undergraduate Program are expected to achieve within the first few years following graduation are defined below as the “Program Educational Objectives”:
 

• To have the ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, basic sciences, and fundamental engineering principles to solve civil engineering problems,
• To have comprehensive knowledge in the fundamental areas of civil engineering and the ability to apply this knowledge,
• To have the ability to design solutions to civil engineering problems both independently and as part of a team,
• To acquire skills in modeling, conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, preparing reports, and delivering presentations,
• To be able to anticipate the social impacts of civil engineering practices and to understand and evaluate current engineering applications,
• To keep abreast of developments in the profession, value continuous self-improvement, and respect professional and ethical principles.

Educational and Research Infrastructure of the Department of Civil Engineering

The department currently has four laboratories in active use: the Structural and Earthquake Research Laboratory, the Construction Materials Laboratories, the Soil Mechanics Laboratory, and the Transportation Laboratory.

Scientific Activities and Graduate Education

The department admits students to master's and doctoral programs. Master's degree programs are currently offered in Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, and Hydraulics. Within this framework, computer programs are being developed for structural analysis, optimum truss design, and the analysis of laminated composite plates. Scientific research and publication activities continue in these areas as well as in other fields of civil engineering.

Within the scope of university-industry cooperation in civil engineering, seminars are organized to enable Civil Engineering students to observe the practical applications of the theoretical knowledge they acquire during their education. Scientific seminars are also periodically delivered by faculty members. In addition, technical visits are organized to fairs and exhibitions where various construction materials and construction machinery are introduced.

Social Activities in the Department of Civil Engineering

Football, basketball, volleyball, and table tennis tournaments are organized in the department every year. In addition, excursions to historical sites in the surrounding area, picnics, and graduation events are organized. Technical and social activities are also regularly organized within student clubs.

Industrial Consultancy

Various tests, mainly related to concrete and soil, are conducted in the department for construction companies. In addition, consultancy services are provided in the fields of structural engineering, transportation engineering, and geotechnical engineering, and projects involving design, planning, and construction are carried out.

Graduation Requirements and Employment Opportunities

To be eligible for graduation, students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 out of 4.00 and must complete a 60-working-day internship in addition to their coursework. Graduates of the department receive the title of Civil Engineer and may pursue careers in design offices and construction sites. Graduates also have employment opportunities in various public institutions and private-sector organizations.