History and Department Overview
The Department of Civil Engineering at Dicle University Faculty of Engineering has a well-established academic and administrative structure with a long-standing tradition in engineering education. The University is headed by Rector Kamuran Eronat, while the Faculty of Engineering is led by Dean Atilla G. Devecioğlu. The Department is chaired by M. Salih Keskin. Supported by a dedicated academic staff representing various divisions of civil engineering, the Department actively conducts both educational and research activities.
The mission of the Department is to educate engineers who are equipped with the knowledge and skills required by the modern era, committed to universal values and professional ethics, and capable of developing solutions to societal challenges. Its vision is to become a distinguished center of education and research that produces highly qualified engineers sought by industry and capable of addressing scientific and technological challenges.
Historically, the Department was established in 1984 and graduated its first cohort of students in the 1987–1988 academic year. Today, it has a strong academic staff consisting of 10 Professors, 3 Associate Professors, 7 Assistant Professors, 1 Research Assistant with a Ph.D., 2 Lecturers, and 2 Research Assistants. The Department is supported by 2 administrative staff members, while additional administrative services are provided through the Faculty administration.
As of 2025, the Department serves a vibrant academic community comprising 495 undergraduate students, 119 master's students, and 40 doctoral students, reflecting its continuing commitment to excellence in engineering education and research.
The undergraduate program is structured around a total workload of 240 ECTS credits. Students are required to attend at least 70% of their courses, and a minimum grade of 60 out of 100 is required for successful completion of a course. The curriculum includes a compulsory internship requirement of 40 working days, consisting of 20 working days of Field Internship and 20 working days of Office Internship. In addition, students must complete 12 ECTS of unrestricted elective courses and 32 ECTS of technical elective courses. Prior to graduation, all students are required to prepare and successfully defend a Graduation Project before an academic jury.
To enhance professional competence and industry readiness, the program incorporates an Applied Engineering Training (AET) / Engineering Internship Program, which provides students with practical engineering experience in professional settings. Furthermore, students have opportunities to gain international experience through the Erasmus+ and Farabi Exchange Programs.
The Department of Civil Engineering has been accredited by the Association for Evaluation and Accreditation of Engineering Programs (MÜDEK) for the period from May 1, 2024, to September 30, 2026, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining high standards in engineering education and continuous quality improvement.
In terms of physical and educational infrastructure, the Department is equipped with smart classrooms and lecture halls, as well as a wide range of well-established laboratories that support both teaching and research activities. These facilities include the Hydraulics Laboratory, Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Structural and Earthquake Engineering Laboratory, Construction Materials Laboratory, and Soil Mechanics and Transportation Engineering Laboratory.
These laboratories provide students and researchers with opportunities for hands-on learning, experimental studies, and advanced research activities, serving both undergraduate and graduate programs. Through these facilities, the Department aims to strengthen the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical engineering applications and research experience.
The Department places great importance on fostering strong relationships with external stakeholders. In this context, collaborations have been established with various public institutions, private-sector organizations, and professional bodies, and regular stakeholder meetings have been organized to strengthen cooperation and ensure continuous feedback for program improvement.
The Department actively promotes academic interaction and knowledge exchange through participation in and organization of national and international congresses, workshops, conferences, and symposiums. These activities contribute to the dissemination of scientific knowledge, the development of research collaborations, and the enhancement of academic excellence.
In addition, the Department contributes to society by addressing issues of significant public interest. Technical reports and expert assessments on critical topics, including earthquake-related issues, have been prepared and shared with relevant institutions and the public, reflecting the Department’s commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.
The Department regularly organizes technical and cultural visits to enrich students’ educational experience and support their professional development. Through these activities, students are provided with opportunities to observe real-world engineering applications and gain practical insights beyond the classroom environment.
As part of these visits, major engineering facilities and infrastructure projects, including hydraulic structures, highway projects, airports, and concrete production plants, have been examined on site. Students have had the opportunity to observe construction processes, operational practices, and engineering solutions firsthand.
These field experiences help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enabling students to develop a deeper understanding of civil engineering principles and their implementation in professional practice.
The graduates of the Department have achieved remarkable success at both national and international levels. Alumni of the Department have made significant contributions to academia, industry, and public institutions, reflecting the quality and effectiveness of the education provided.
Several academics who graduated from the Department have been recognized among the world's most influential scientists, received prestigious awards, and contributed to nationally and internationally significant research and engineering projects. These accomplishments demonstrate the Department’s strong academic tradition, research capacity, and lasting impact on the civil engineering profession.
The achievements of its alumni continue to strengthen the Department’s reputation and serve as a source of inspiration for current and future generations of civil engineering students.
The Department of Civil Engineering at Dicle University is a respected institution at both regional and national levels, distinguished by its long-established history, strong academic staff, modern infrastructure, practice-oriented educational approach, and MÜDEK accreditation. The Department is committed to providing high-quality engineering education, advancing scientific research, and contributing to the development of society through innovative and sustainable solutions.
With its dedication to academic excellence, professional competence, and continuous improvement, the Department continues to pursue its vision of creating a sustainable impact in the fields of education, research, and community engagement.