Why Civil Engineering education has to become more interdisciplinary and industry-focused

Out of 1.5 million Engineering graduates every year, around 300,000 are from Civil Engineering. Currently, they are not just builders of passive structures but have become the vital problem-solvers of unavoidable urban disasters. From responding to floods caused by climate change and the functionality of smart transportation networks to ensuring safe drinking water, the profession is in a dynamic stage of change. This new paradigm demands Civil Engineering education to become more interdisciplinary, industry-focused, and technologically integrated.

Civil Engineering is the application of physical and scientific principles to perform the design, development, and maintenance of built and naturally built environments and is a foundational field that includes all critical infrastructure, including structural assessment (buildings, bridges), transportation planning, geo-technical studies, and environmental sustainable systems (water management, energy pollution). The future of civil engineering requires graduates to combine core domains with data science, policy, and finance.

The sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.10% from 2025 to 2033, driven by infrastructure development and technological advances. With this growth comes a need to significantly rethink the foundational technical skills. It requires graduates to learn technologically advanced tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), AutoCAD Civil 3D, or Revit that build proficiency. In addition, technologies such as AI are also entering the field. AI-generated predictive analytics are essential to assess the condition of infrastructure. Data interpretation and machine learning are specialised skills that separate modern civil engineers from traditional ones.

Integrated knowledge

Modern projects are complex, requiring civil engineers to integrate knowledge across various disciplines. Civil Engineering education has, therefore, become interdisciplinary, leading to the development of more innovative, sustainable, and efficient solutions. For example, the construction industry produces 20-30% of all the air pollution that we generate. Civil engineers must be aware of new materials such as ultra-high-performance concrete, self-healing materials, and recycled materials to address the environmental impact of construction.

Additionally, through interdisciplinary disciplines such as urban planning, data analytics, and even psychology, civil engineers can develop comprehensive and effective solutions for more complex projects. Psychology allows civil engineers to use rigorous scientific techniques to understand human capabilities and limitations, which is important for mitigating failures (e.g., improper use of a structure, such as excessive occupancy) and injuries in work contexts.

As a result, industry-relevant internships and professional experiences are not optional, as they establish a critical connection between the classroom and workplace. Through hands-on experience, students engage, explore, and refine their theoretical understanding into productive knowledge and experience.

Soft skills

In addition to technical proficiency, the development of soft skills is vital for career advancement and successful project delivery. Research indicates that the two most popular skills are communication and collaboration to work with non-technical stakeholders such as clients, government regulators, and the public. Additionally, project management skills are necessary to coordinate complicated logistics, scheduling, and risk when working on major infrastructure projects. Finally, leadership and ethics are required to make informed decisions about public safety, policies, and environmental implications, affirming the societal responsibility of civil engineers.

Engineering is pivotal in India’s evolution, from constructing large infrastructure in the post-Independence era to driving the digital economy today. However, the demands on engineers are changing more quickly than most institutions can adapt. The future of Civil Engineering will be shaped by smart technologies, sustainable building practices, and digital transformation to build climate-resilient infrastructure, smart cities and green transport systems. This means that institutions need to rethink how they teach and learn.

The writer is a Senior Professor of Civil Engineering at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology