The mission of CIES is to provide leadership in research and education for solving the problems affecting the nation's infrastructure systems. CIES is the primary conduit for communication among those on the Missouri University of Science & Technology campus interested in infrastructure studies. The Center provides coordination for collaborative, interdisciplinary efforts.

CIES activities include research and education components in three focus areas:

• Interdisciplinary research and development with projects tailored to address the needs of federal agencies, state agencies and private industry. Particular attentions is devoted to addressing the needs of the State of Missouri. Undergraduate and graduate students are an integral part of the research and development efforts. 

• Undergraduate and graduate student education through the offering of new courses or modification of existing ones. 

• Technology transfer and continuing distance education to the engineering community and industry.