Student Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence and Relevance for Professional Preparation in Civil Engineering

Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer an emerging technology, and many industries are integrating AI tools into their workflows. In civil engineering, machine learning and optimization methods are being developed and applied to assist with decision-making in design, development, evaluation, maintenance, and operation of infrastructure systems. While it is difficult to gauge the progression of AI technology within the industry, it seems likely that generative AI is in use. Given the ongoing integration of AI methods and tools in civil engineering, it is important to consider how civil engineering students view AI, how they interact with AI tools as part of their education, and how prepared they are to work with AI in the profession. Using survey data, we assessed civil engineering students' understanding of AI and how they are experiencing AI in their education. The results indicate that approximately one-third of students surveyed use AI tools. On the survey, students indicated uncertainty regarding fairness and safety issues of using AI in education and in the profession. Overall, the survey results indicate that students would benefit from the introduction of AI applications in civil engineering and guidance on the ethical issues of AI use. In addition to reviewing the survey results, we recommend strategies for integrating AI into existing courses using the following examples: infrastructure monitoring, writing assignments, and engineering ethics curriculum. This study provides valuable information on how students view AI and provides a framework for instruction of AI in existing civil engineering courses. AI holds great promise for civil engineering, but caution is necessary when applying this technology so that it is incorporated in a way that preserves the reliability and reputation of the profession.