About the Department of Civil Engineering (Bachelor's and Master's Programs)
Civil engineering is everywhere around us. From roads to metro systems and railways, from homes to high-rise buildings and factories, as well as the water, electricity, gas, and communication facilities that we depend on—these are all planned, designed, and constructed by civil engineers. The civil engineering industry has long been a driving force in Taiwan's economy, and only with strong infrastructure can Taiwan's economic achievements be built. With the challenges posed by global warming and extreme weather, many older structures are becoming unstable, making disaster prevention, mitigation, and post-disaster reconstruction major responsibilities for civil engineers.
With the rise of the semiconductor industry, the demand for basic construction management personnel has increased, further ensuring job security for civil engineering graduates. In addition to entering the construction industry, there is an increasing need for civil engineering talent in government agencies. Graduates can take civil service exams or railway exams to enter public institutions such as the Water Resources Agency, the Construction and Planning Agency, the Directorate General of Highways, the High-Speed Rail Bureau, the Water Conservancy Associations, the Railway Bureau, and municipal public works departments. Many state-owned enterprises like Taiwan Power Company and CPC Corporation also have civil engineering vacancies every year, creating urgent demand for civil engineering professionals. The Department of Civil Engineering at I-Shou University integrates new industry technologies like AI, interdisciplinary innovation, and sustainable ecological concepts into its curriculum to enhance students' competitiveness and prepare them to be the next-generation civil engineers equipped with the latest technological knowledge and problem-solving skills, allowing them to meet future challenges more confidently.
During their studies, the Civil Engineering Department focuses not only on surveying, engineering drawing, and various construction methods but also on the study of mechanics, an essential element. One of the duties of a civil engineer is to design and construct solid structures that can withstand forces such as typhoons and earthquakes. Under the guidance of experienced faculty, students learn the fundamental principles of mechanics, which can be a lifelong source of pride and job security. According to statistics from various job banks, the average starting salary of civil engineering graduates is consistently among the top in all industries.
In addition to studying mechanics, modern civil engineering integrates numerous innovative technologies. The engineering materials, asphalt, and precision instruments laboratories at I-Shou University showcase research results on waste materials, reuse technologies, and sustainable treatment methods. The newly established Smart Engineering Laboratory further demonstrates the application of cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing, digital simulation, virtual reality, the Internet of Things, and unmanned aerial vehicles in civil engineering. These advances allow students at I-Shou University's Civil Engineering Department to be at the forefront of technological progress and gain a competitive edge in future cross-disciplinary work environments. From ancient pyramids and the Great Wall of China to modern engineering feats like the English and French Channel Tunnel, the Panama Canal, and Taipei 101, civil engineers have shaped human culture throughout history. Taiwan's civil engineering industry needs young, innovative, and mission-driven talents to join and help create a better world.
Department History
Founded in 1990, the Civil Engineering Department was one of the core departments when I-Shou University (formerly Kaohsiung Institute of Technology) was established. The first department head was Dr. Ye Jinbo, followed by a succession of department heads: Dr. Zhan Mingyong, Dr. Huang Jiaqin, Dr. Liu Minglou, Dr. Ye Xianliang, Dr. Gu Zhisheng, Dr. Weng Zhihuang, Dr. Lin Guoliang, Dr. Zheng Ruifu, Dr. Liu Minglou, and Dr. Weng Zhihuang. Currently, the department head is Dr. Gu Zhisheng. In addition to the undergraduate program, the department established a master's program in 2003. In response to global environmental changes and the worsening of ecological conditions, the department was renamed the Department of Civil Engineering in 2021 to cultivate civil engineers with a commitment to sustainability.
Department Overview
The department boasts a strong faculty with 9 full-time professors holding doctoral degrees. Teaching and research are well-established, with research funding increasing year by year. In addition to the undergraduate program, a graduate master's program was established in 2003. Thanks to the hard work of faculty and students, graduates have performed well both in further education and employment. Over a quarter of undergraduate graduates enter master's programs through screening or exams. Additionally, many graduates have passed national exams to obtain certifications as engineers or in public service positions. Faculty expertise spans structural engineering, construction materials, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, and construction management. The department also invites industry experts and senior engineers to offer practical insights into civil engineering.
In 2019, the department was awarded funding by the Ministry of Education to implement the New Engineering Education Program, being the only civil engineering department in Southern Taiwan to execute this comprehensive curriculum reform. This program introduces industry-oriented courses aimed at fostering students' innovative design thinking and problem-solving skills. The first year focuses on exploratory courses to stimulate learning, the second and third years emphasize practical and interdisciplinary projects, and the fourth year culminates in a capstone project to showcase students' comprehensive learning outcomes.
Research Directions
Faculty members are actively involved in research within civil engineering fields, with many projects funded by the National Science Council, government agencies, and private companies. Faculty regularly publish papers in national and international journals and conferences, contributing significantly to the academic community. The department's research focuses on sustainable construction, integrating circular economy principles with AI and digital technologies. Current research topics include soil liquefaction, smart building design, resource material reuse, and environmental pollution prevention. For example, recent collaboration with a local company has led to the reuse of steel slag in road construction, demonstrating the practical application of circular economy principles.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates from the Department of Civil Engineering at I-Shou University receive solid training in both innovative construction and ecological sustainability, making them highly competitive in both academic and practical job markets. Many graduates go on to pursue master's or doctoral degrees in fields such as civil engineering, construction management, environmental engineering, materials engineering, safety and disaster prevention, transportation engineering, urban planning, and green building. According to employment data, 43.2% of graduates work in the construction industry, while 27.0% are employed in public sector engineering agencies and state-owned enterprises. Over 40.5% of graduates hold professional certifications related to civil engineering. With over 30 years of history, the department has a strong alumni network that spans the civil engineering industry, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for job seekers and professionals alike.