The American Society of Civil Engineers represents more than 150,000 members of the civil engineering profession in 177 countries. Founded in 1852, ASCE is the nation’s oldest engineering society. ASCE stands at the forefront of a profession that plans, designs, constructs, and operates society’s economic and social engine – the built environment – while protecting and restoring the natural environment.

Through the expertise of its active membership, ASCE is a leading provider of technical and professional conferences and continuing education, the world’s largest publisher of civil engineering content, and an authoritative source for codes and standards that protect the public. The Society advances civil engineering technical specialties through nine dynamic Institutes and leads with its many professional- and public-focused programs.

Our Purpose

Help you matter more and enable you to make a bigger difference.

Our Vision

Civil engineers are global leaders, building a better quality of life.

History

On Nov. 5, 1852, a dozen eminent civil engineers gathered at the Croton Aqueduct in New York City in the office of Chief Engineer Alfred W. Craven to establish the American Society of Civil Engineers and Architects. In 1868, a few years after architects had formed a professional society of their own, ASCE adopted its current name. For the first 144 years of its existence, ASCE maintained its headquarters in New York City, relocating six times to progressively larger facilities. In 1996, ASCE moved to its current global headquarters in Reston, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C.

Our Mission

Deliver value to our members, advance civil engineering, and protect the public health, safety, and welfare.

Our Goals

  1. An ever-growing number of people in the civil engineering realm are members of, and engage in, ASCE.
  2. Civil engineers develop and apply innovative, state-of-the-art practices and technologies.
  3. All infrastructure is safe, resilient, and sustainable.
  4. ASCE advances the educational and professional standards for civil engineers.
  5. The public values civil engineers’ essential role in society.
  6. ASCE excels in strategic and operational effectiveness.

The ASCE Strategic Plan details each goal and includes strategies. Download a copy (PDF).