Surrounded by the skyline, bridges, and subways of New York City, NYU Civil Engineering majors don’t just learn about infrastructure—they witness it in action. “NYU’s Civil Engineering program stands out for its diverse electives, flexible concentrations, and level of exposure to the real world,” says senior Martina Deligio Bardon. “Plus, being in New York City adds an unparalleled level of relevance to everything we study in the classroom. Some of the world’s most iconic infrastructure surrounds us, so the city isn’t only a backdrop, but a source of motivation. Many of us hope to one day contribute to this skyline and leave a tangible mark through our work.”
“[The program] turns New York City into a living classroom and shows us how theory and real-world application intersect.”
—Martina Deligio Bardon, Civil Engineering at NYU Tandon
Only in NYC
Civil Engineering major Yousef Abukwaik has had a similar experience observing New York City’s one-of-a-kind infrastructure. “Next Friday, we’re going to see a high rise being built in New Jersey,” he says. “With civil engineering and construction in general, a lot of it has to do with your field knowledge. So, we’re given tons of opportunities to expose ourselves, thanks to our department chair and our other professors.” From site visits to conferences, students see engineering principles come to life through real-world projects.
“The first time I visited New York City, I knew I wanted to live here one day,” Martina recalls. “Being in the city gives us access to guest speakers from top engineering firms as well as architects and engineers behind some of the city’s most significant projects. Also, going on site visits across the boroughs is one of the best ways to fully understand what we learn in our courses. It turns New York City into a living classroom and shows us how theory and real-world application intersect.”
Only at NYU
While the city offers unmatched resources, so does NYU Tandon School of Engineering. Introductory courses like Introduction to Engineering and Design expose students to digital design and modeling tools from day one. At the same time, classes such as Transportation Engineering connect engineering to urban planning. Students explore and experiment with engineering disciplines before focusing on specialized courses in their major. Martina, who is concentrating in construction management, adds, “What drew me in was the program’s interdisciplinary approach. I wanted to understand all the subdisciplines within civil engineering before narrowing my focus. Here, you’ll find countless opportunities to dive in and discover what interests you—from student clubs and site visits to industry networking events and Vertically Integrated Projects.”
For Yousef, faculty mentorship has been key. “I saw professors who were integrated in the industry,” he explains. Last summer he worked with Professor Mohamad Awada on human-centric construction practices, surveying thousands of articles on sleep quality. He’s also partnered with Professor Debra Laefer on accessibility within public transportation, assessing subway stations for people with disabilities.
Beyond New York City
And beyond the city and the school, Civil Engineering at NYU offers a path for the future. Both students value the department’s newsletter, which shares internships, scholarships, and competitions. Through a listed opportunity, Yousef received a structural engineering scholarship, which led him to an industry conference where he landed an internship. “Things like that are very, very helpful—and also just fun,” he says.
Similarly, Martina’s global NYU experience included an immersive winter shadowship in London, a Texas internship, and a current position in New York City. She also studied abroad in London, where she pursued her minor in Urban Design and Architecture Studies. “Overall, I think that NYU’s support system and global reach are what makes the program stand out the most,” she concludes. “So, join student organizations, attend events, sign up for site visits, and apply for opportunities. Even if you are not sure if it’s your thing, it’s the only way to learn about what is out there!”
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