The systems theory component in the undergraduate and graduate programs in civil engineering at the University of Manitoba is reviewed. Proposals for increasing the systems theory content in the undergraduate program arediscussed. The primary element in the proposals is the 'lowering' of the basic civil engineering systems course currently in the graduate program, into the undergraduate program. It is anticipated that this course will first be introduced as a technical elective in the fourth year of the program. The long range plan is to place this course in the second year of the program. The implications of this approach for the graduate and undergraduate programs are analysed.