Dedicated to the purpose of maintaining and promoting the status of civil engineering as an ideal profession, Chi Epsilon was organized to recognize the characteristics of the individual civil engineer deemed to be fundamental to the successful pursuit of a professional career, and to aid in the development of those characteristics in the civil engineering student.

Engineering, the application of scientific principles to the practical needs of society, is assuming a constantly increasing responsibility for the welfare of all people, and thus calling for competence of the highest order. This responsibility can be charged only by a professional group whose members possess a good basic technical ability, intelligence, moral integrity, and effective social poise in their relationship with the larger community of which they are part.

To contribute to the improvement of the profession, Chi Epsilon fosters the development and exercise of sound traits of character and technical ability among civil engineers and its members, by precept and example, toward an ever higher standard of professional service.